National Museum of African American Music to Launch Immersive Fisk Jubilee Singers Exhibit

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville will debut a major new exhibition on May 10, 2025, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the most influential vocal ensembles in American history: the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Titled Jubilation! Ambassadors On A Sacred Journey, the immersive 2,500-square-foot exhibition will run through the summer and pay tribute to the resilience, artistry, and cultural impact of the historic choir founded at Fisk University in 1871. Through dynamic storytelling, archival content, and multimedia installations, the exhibition offers visitors a powerful exploration of the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ contributions to American music and their role in helping establish Nashville’s identity as “Music City.”

“The Fisk Jubilee Singers have played an undeniable role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of America,” said Stacey Koju, Chair of the Board of Trustees at NMAAM is a press release issued by the NMAAM. “We are honored to present this exhibit at NMAAM, allowing more people to connect with their extraordinary journey.”

Dr. Agenia Clark, President of Fisk University, emphasized the ensemble’s ongoing importance: “This exhibit not only honors their monumental contribution to music, but it also underscores the vital role that Fisk continues to play in shaping culture and empowering the next generation of changemakers.”

The Fisk Jubilee Singers—originally formed to raise funds for Fisk University—introduced the world to African American spirituals, blending African musical traditions with the deep emotional legacy of slavery and survival. Their performances, starting in the 19th century, helped redefine American music and left a legacy of cultural pride and perseverance.

The exhibition guides visitors through key moments in the group’s history, starting with their groundbreaking 1871 tour. Visitors will experience interactive audio-visual components including the Virtual Jubilee section, which pairs historical recordings with an immersive light display. Personal stories of original group members are highlighted in Ambassador Panels, while The Prelude introduces the annual Jubilee Day tradition at Fisk. The exhibit’s Fast Forwards and concluding section, The Coda, connect the ensemble’s legacy to today’s movements for justice and unity.

Beyond a history lesson, the exhibit serves as a celebration of how music has long been used as a tool of resistance, resilience, and empowerment in the Black community.