Smithsonian museum will revamp its slavery exhibit after artifact loan runs out
Written by Site Hub on March 14, 2026
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will remove a 33-pound timber from the slave ship São José–Paquete de Africa from its “Slavery and Freedom” exhibit and return it to South Africa, where it is on loan from Iziko Museums. The museum said the loan must be returned by July 2026, and the timber will come off display March 22 due to conservation needs. The AP report describes the São José as a Portuguese ship that sank in 1794 while transporting more than 400 enslaved Africans to Brazil; about half died in the wreck and survivors were sold into slavery in South Africa. The story says other artifacts connected to the ship, including ballast stones, will remain on display for at least two more years. Museum officials told AP the change is tied to the loan agreement, not a political decision, and they plan to revise the exhibit to maintain its impact.
Source: Associated Press (AP)
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