Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is reaching deep into her pockets to donate $12 million to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, reports The Washington Post.
On Tuesday, officials announced that her most recent gift— combined with a $1 million contribution in 2007— has been recorded as the museum’s largest donation to date. Winfrey, who’s been a member of the advisory council since 2004, will have her name placed on a 350-seat theater in recognition.
“I am so proud of African American history and its contributions to our nation as a whole,” she said in a statement. “I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps. By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come.”
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The museum’s founding director Lonnie G. Bunch said that while any donation is important, Winfrey’s stamp of approval has been invaluable.
“In essence, she’s put her imprimatur on it. Part of getting a museum built is tied to visibility helping all people see how important it is,” Bunch said. “Oprah Winfrey is someone so many people in America admire, and I think this is an important moment to the museum.”
The Museum of African American History and Culture is scheduled to open in 2015.
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