Dr. Rex M. Ellis is the Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs at the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution. He is charged with planning, developing, directing, and managing all curatorial, collections, education and outreach programs and activities. Curatorial Affairs is the primary implementing office of the museum's mission. The office develops and preserves documents, interprets, and makes accessible to diverse audiences the scholarship and collections of the museum through exhibitions, education and public programs. Before joining NMAAHC, Dr. Ellis was vice president for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation - the first African American vice president in the foundation's history - from 2001 - 2008. He has contributed to many articles and authored two books, Beneath the Blazing Sun: Stories from the African American Journey and With a Banjo on My Knee. This event costs $35 and includes dinner. This event is co-hosted by ABAA, DACOR and the Thursday Luncheon Group (TLG).