We are excited to share the news that the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture website has been selected as the winner of both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award in the Cultural Institutions category of the 21st Annual Webby Awards — the leading international award honoring excellence in web design, functionality and creativity chosen by an expert panel from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

The voting response from site users was both amazing and humbling. With 13,000 entries from all 50 U.S. states and 70+ countries — and 3.5 million votes cast in The Webby People’s Voice Awards — we are truly honored and thrilled to have taken part in the project and to see the Museum’s site and its design featured in the spotlight. 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s opening is the culmination of more than 100 years of work on behalf of presidents, members of Congress, historians, artists, veterans, civic leaders and ordinary citizens to share the African American experience with all Americans through a permanent, prominent home on the National Mall. To have had the opportunity to play a role in the creation of this historical museum as the designers of its online identity is a true honor; one that pushed us to be creative in so many new and exciting ways to ensure that the digital experience for all visitors across the globe was powerful, impactful and seamless.

From Forum One’s Art Director, Corey Jones:

“I have worked on some amazing projects in my career, but this was the most significant because of what it meant for us as a society, and the history it carries. The concept of an African American Museum on the National Mall has been a century in the making. This project was truly rewarding because, as an African American, this museum represents my heritage. Being a footnote as a contributor to its legacy is amazing.”

The Forum One team is headed to New York on May 15th for the annual Webbys Awards ceremony. Congratulations to everyone on our team and at the Museum who worked on this truly stunning website. 

To learn more about how we approached the design of the site, take a look at the case study.