Anyone hoping to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture during this week’s inauguration in Washington may be disappointed.

The newest of the Smithsonian family of museums opened on the federal mall in September. It is such a hit, day-of tickets sell out within minutes of going on sale at 6:30 a.m. each day. Those who aren’t among the lucky few can get in line Feb. 1 to buy passes – for May.

Nearly 1 million visitors have toured the museum in its first three months, and there’s a reason for it. African-Americans have had a profound influence, in every facet of life, on what the United States has become.

The museum’s success is just one symbol of the enormous contributions African-Americans have made toward building a country the rest of the world views with envy and awe. No one would recognize this country without the achievements of African-Americans who have advanced medicine, agriculture, science and commerce.

Read more at The Colorado Springs Gazette.