NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Lift Every Voice!

NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Lift Every Voice! invites families with young children to explore the history and meaning of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” through an interactive morning at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This event, designed for children ages eight and younger (though all families are welcome), features a special story time reading of *Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations* by Kelly Starling Lyons, led by an NMAAHC Kids educator. After the reading, children can create their own musical instruments using recycled materials, then participate in guided gallery tours and ongoing creative play. The program runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and includes multiple read-aloud sessions, instrument-making, and tours of the Children’s Gallery. Registration is required, and the event is free of charge.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Showtimes: Read-aloud sessions at 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.; Children’s Gallery Tours at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; ongoing Create & Explore Time from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Tickets: Free, but registration is required. Get tickets or register via the museum’s website.
Lineup: Story time reading by a NMAAHC Kids educator; featured book is *Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations* by Kelly Starling Lyons.
Run time: The entire event spans 2 hours 15 minutes, with ongoing activities and scheduled sessions.
Ages: Designed for children ages 8 and younger; all families are welcome.
Venue: National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2nd Floor Classroom, Washington, D.C.
Accessibility: For questions or accommodation requests, email the museum at the address provided on the event page.
Note: Participants will make instruments from recycled materials, so all supplies are provided. The event emphasizes the unifying power of music and the history of the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”