Though the construction of The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) was first envisioned as far back as a decade ago, the museum construction is still far from breaking ground in Nashville because of problems reaching fundraising goals.
Officials last year said the museum was on its way to meeting its anticipated 2012 opening date, but a story in the Tennessean said the museum may be as much as tens of millions of dollars short of its $47.5 million budget needed for construction.
Paula Roberts, executive director of the foundation that will oversee the museum, told the Tennessean in an email that it was “premature” to discuss any timetable for construction.
“Proper planning for any startup venture remains vital to a successful outcome. It would be premature to discuss dates, events or even milestones for the project at this time,” said Roberts, who was hired in 2009 to lead the African American History Foundation of Nashville Inc. “When we have additional information, we will share it in a method best suited for the organization.”
Roberts told the State Building Commission last year the museum had collected about $23 million.
According to its plans, the museum will include 25 permanent galleries in the main exhibition hall to “teach visitors of the unique genres, styles and impact African Americans have made on the global music industry” spanning over five centuries. The museum proposes to trace the roots of more than 48 genres of music and feature both permanent and temporary exhibits, a performance theater and event space.
Among the major donors to date are AT&T, the Ingram Charitable Fund and the R.H. Boyd Family Foundation.
R.H. Boyd Publishing President T.B. Boyd III blamed the economy for the slow fundraising pace.
“People just haven’t had the monies to give to a lot of projects and things of social good,” Boyd said. “I have confidence that it will come to fruition. Once this economy lifts, you’re really going to see a change. But until that time, it’s probably going to continue to be slow like so many other projects.”
“It’s something that’s needed,” Boyd added. “And it’s needed not only for education, it will serve as a major economic stimulus simply because it will cause people to come to Nashville.”
According to a study commissioned by the foundation, the museum would draw more than 133,000 visitors a year, have an annual economic impact of $9.1 million and employ about 100 people.
“The National Museum of African American Music will be an important attraction in our city and a fitting tribute to Nashville’s musical history,” Mayor Karl Dean said in a prepared statement. “The city is appreciative of the work being done and is a supportive partner as the project moves forward.”
