SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL(TM) PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE FOR HISTORIC OPENING

Smithsonian Channel Produces 130 Videos To Be Displayed Throughout New Museum

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 - On September 24, 2016, the Smithsonian will open the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. The opening will welcome President Barack Obama and some of the biggest influencers in politics and Hollywood

Smithsonian Channel has partnered with the National Museum of African American History and Culture to produce 130 videos for the inaugural exhibits. The videos, comprised of 450 minutes of footage with an estimated 8,000 images, will be displayed on monitors ranging in size from 22 inches to a massive 186-foot overhead screen.

"For Smithsonian Channel, this collaboration was a unique opportunity to bring the best of our resources and talent to support the mission of the National Museum of African American History and Culture," said Tom Hayden, President of Smithsonian Channel. "It also reinforces the Channel's commitment to quality documentary storytelling, which includes the very important topic of race in America."

From the Revolutionary War to recent viral moments on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, each video is a snapshot of some of the most memorable and significant moments in African American history. The Channel's massive production effort unearthed hundreds of hours of footage and tens of thousands of photographs. The resulting videos include rare and unique images that span centuries, ranging from iconic moments and unsung heroes to current pop culture conversations and hot topic issues. The effort was global, as befits a story with international scope that dates from the late 1400s to present day.

Also included are videos narrated by musical icons, interviews with hip hop pioneers, and insights from some of the most influential people in sports and pop culture.

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Smithsonian Networks(TM), a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME(R) with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, Million Dollar American Princesses, The Weapon Hunter, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Civil War 360, 9/11: The Heartland Tapes; MLK: The Assassination Tapes and The Day Kennedy Died. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.