Springfield’s connection with the new National African American Museum

The museum held a collection of events to commemorate the opening, including a screening of the critically acclaimed television series “Underground” last week. “Underground” was the first entertainment piece to be presented at the museum.

Springfield native John Legend and his production company, Get Lifted Film Co., serve as the executive producer for the television series.

The TV show tells the story of a group of slaves from a Georgia plantation who plan a 600-mile escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad. “Underground” was recently renewed for a second season on the WGN America network.

>>READ MORE: John Legend's "Underground" Railroad series picked up for second season

Efforts for a national African American museum spans as far back as the early 1900s, when President Herbert Hoover appointed a 12-person committee to establish a National Memorial Building. One of those appointees was Civil Rights champion Mary Church Terrell. She was a prominent figure in the fight for women’s rights, as well as an educator and taught at Wilberforce University.

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The museum’s opening was attended by a “who’s who” of individuals, including Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, one of the primary congressional leaders responsible for the museum’s founding. President Barack Obama was also on hand to dedicate the museum.

The museum was officially opened by the ringing of the Freedom Bell. The bell belonged to First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, Va., which is believe to be one of the first organized African-American churches in America.

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According to the museum’s website, the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts to date.

For those looking to visit the museum, you may have to wait some time. Due to high demand, there are limited day passes available. These tickets are on a first-come first-serve basis.

The other options is to reserve tickets in advanced, but those are sold out through December.