The Kinsey Collection at Epcot's American Heritage Gallery

The Kinsey Collection is "the intersection where art and history meet." A national touring collection that offers a virtual history book, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. The African-American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration is chronicled through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books, sculptures and manuscripts on display at the American Heritage Gallery, in Epcot's American Adventure Pavilion.

These personal treasures of African-American art and history, have been amassed from the Kinsey's travels to 90 countries, and will represent one the largest private collections of African American art there is. It is one of the few personal collections that has been shown at the Smithsonian. The Kinsey's collection of unique and personal items span nearly 400 years of history, dating back to the 17th century. With a goal of public education, it "has been on national tour since 2007, and has been seen by over 3 million visitors" across the country. It's an honor for Epcot to be involved with reaching even more viewers during this limited collection exhibit.

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey

Beginning this spring, guests will have the chance to see an expanded version of Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection, when additional items are added to the collection.

Walt Disney Imagineers are working closely with Bernard, Shirley, and Khalil Kinsey to expand the display.

Some of the objects being added to the collection include The Distribution of Population of New York, 1801, which is one of the first census calculations done by the State of New York following the Three-Fifths Compromise (stating that only three-fifths of the slave population would be counted); Slave Songs of the United States, an original collection of African American music published in 1867; and various Tintype Photographs.

Admission to view the Kinsey Collection is included in admission to Epcot.

"The Kinsey Collection shares the powerful and previously untold stories of those who dared to dream," said Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot. "Representing more than 400 years of African-American achievement and history, the Kinsey Collection showcases the best of the American spirit with a nod to ingenuity and innovation. We are delighted to expand the exhibit and bring even more of these treasures to Epcot guests."

The exploration of the The Kinsey Collection can also be found in the form of a coffee table book, though it's unknown at this point if it will be for sale at the Epcot location, guests who enjoy the exhibit should be on the look out. To learn more about this striking collection and it's artifacts, you can explore collection's purpose of education through free downloads at iTunes University.

Will you be stopping by the American Adventure to visit this special collection? Leave a comment and let me know what you want to see most.

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