(313) 582-2266
13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Next, Ismael took us to a place that’s near and dear to his heart, the Arab American National Museum. Inside we met up with Devon Akmon. He’s the deputy director at the museum, and believe me, he knows all things Arab America. This museum is the first and only one of its kind in the nation, and the displays they have there are both inspirational and eye opening.
I had no idea how many important and influential Arab Americans there were or how many important contributions they’ve made to this country and to the American way of life. From political activist Ralph Nader to Christa McAuliffe, the New Hampshire school teacher who gave her life in the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, the museum is fascinating, interactive and offers up a ton of surprises. Surprises like the fact that the official White House Santa Claus for over fifty years and through seven presidents was also an Arab American.
If you celebrate diversity and would like to experience the real Arab American story, spend some time at the Arab American National Museum. We had a blast, learned a lot and left enlightened.