In 2006, I got great news. I'd be able to keep my job. I'd only been director of @NMAAHC for seven months but I was prepared to walk away if the Smithsonian selected an off-the-National-Mall site for the museum. With our spot on the Mall secured, I couldn't stop smiling. 
Soon after the announcement of our location, people began to flood me with their opinions on what the museum should be. I heard from scholars, neighbors, politicians, educators, and more.
But it was someone I met in the Dallas airport whose thoughts stuck with me.
But it was someone I met in the Dallas airport whose thoughts stuck with me.
As a superstitious flyer, I like to get my shoes shined at the airport. After a long fundraising visit in Texas, I was delayed by storms and went in search of a shoeshine. An elderly African American man began to work on my shoes.
After a few minutes he asked if I "was that museum guy from Washington." I nodded affirmatively but there was no further conversation.
When I went to pay him, he said, "Keep it for the museum." I was touched but pushed the money back in his direction.
When I went to pay him, he said, "Keep it for the museum." I was touched but pushed the money back in his direction.
He said, "Don't be rude. I am not sure what is in a museum but it may be the only place where my grandchildren will learn what life did to me, and what I did with my own life."
His words stayed with me during the next 11 years as we worked to open the museum.
His words stayed with me during the next 11 years as we worked to open the museum.
