The Hartford Sponsors Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History And Culture
- The company donates $1 million to the museum over five years
-
Black History Month celebration at The Hartford to feature keynote
address from museum’s director of partnerships and panel discussion on
Feb. 25
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The
Hartford announced its founding sponsorship of the Smithsonian’s
newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and
Culture, NMAAHC. The company made a $1 million contribution over five
years to support the design and construction of the building, scheduled
to open Sept. 24 in Washington D.C.
“The Hartford has been a part of American history for more than 200
years, growing, thriving and changing along with our nation,” said Susan
Johnson, head of diversity and inclusion at The Hartford. “We are proud
to be a founding sponsor of the National Museum of African American
History and Culture and celebrate the important contributions of African
Americans to the American Dream.”
The Smithsonian broke ground Feb. 22, 2012, on the NMAAHC at a five-acre
site on Constitution Avenue between 14th and 15th
streets N.W. The 400,000-square-foot building has five levels above
ground and four below. It will have exhibition galleries, an education
center, a theater, café and store as well as staff offices. When it
opens, NMAAHC will feature more than 34,000 artifacts the museum has
collected since it was established by legislation in 2003.
“I am honored and humbled to have The Hartford as a founding sponsor,”
said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum’s founding director. “In just under
eight months, after more than a decade of hard work and dedication on
the part of so many, we will open the doors of the museum and let
visitors see that it is a place for all people. We have created
exhibitions and programs designed to unite and capture the attention of
millions of people worldwide. It will be a place for healing and
reconciliation, a place where everyone can explore the story of America
through the lens of the African American experience.”
The Hartford has a long history of supporting
diversity in the workplace and the community. Its eight employee
resource groups, including The Hartford’s Black Insurance Professionals
Network founded in 1999, are a key component of the company’s diversity
and inclusion strategy.
Johnson added, “Ensuring that The Hartford’s workforce mirrors our
marketplace and communities is core to our business strategy so we can
continue to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customers.”
Keynote Speaker and Panel Discussion at The Hartford’s Wallace
Stevens Theater
John Franklin, director of Partnerships and International Programs for
the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture,
will deliver a keynote address, “A Monumental Project and Partnership,”
to The Hartford’s employees and local community leaders.
A panel discussion on “The Importance of Celebrating Our History” will
follow Franklin’s remarks. Moderated by Katherine Kane, executive
director of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, the panel will include:
-
John W. Franklin, director of Partnerships and International Programs,
Smithsonian NMAAHC -
H. Patrick Swygert, a member of The Hartford’s board of directors;
Advisory Council member of NMAAHC; president emeritus of Howard
University -
Dr. Shayla C. Nunnally, associate professor, Department of Political
Science & Africana Studies Institute at University of Connecticut
About the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and
Culture broke ground in February 2012 on the National Mall in
Washington, D.C. The 400,000-square-foot building is being built on a
five-acre tract adjacent to the Washington Monument at a cost of $540
million. While construction is moving forward, the museum is hosting
public programs, organizing traveling exhibitions and producing books
and recordings. Its eighth exhibition, “Through the African American
Lens: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” is on view in the
museum’s temporary gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of
American History. For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu.
About The Hartford
With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a
leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual
funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence,
sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the
company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.
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Contacts
The Hartford
Media Contacts:
Matthew Sturdevant,
860-547-8664
matthew.sturdevant@thehartford.com
or
The
Smithsonian
La Fleur Paysour, 202-633-4761
paysourf@si.edu
