Exhibit featuring African-American Art and Artifacts Opens at Epcot

©Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. March 11, 2013 -Walt Disney World Resort recently opened “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit representing more than 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution.

The exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot features rare art, books and documents from the private collection of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who have amassed the collection over 30 years. Themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage, the exhibit’s rare art, books and documents pay homage to the untold stories of African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, as well as their struggles for equality and civil rights, are at the heart of this exhibit.

Community and business leaders from Central Florida helped celebrate the opening, along with musical talent from Orlando’s Jones High School Master Singers.

“The exhibit is an inspiring reminder of how diverse our nation is and how many stories there are beyond the pages of history books,” said Dr. Robert Spooney, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, who attended the event.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” is another example of Disney’s commitment to offering experiences that reflect diverse cultures.

“We always wanted to extend the reach of the collection to a larger, more international and diverse audience,” explained Bernard Kinsey. “So we are delighted to be collaborating with Disney to share the stories of our remarkable ancestors.”

Walt Disney Imagineers added interactive displays placed throughout the exhibit to further explore the art, artifacts and history. Guest-activated lanterns will help bring the history to life, with narration provided by celebrities, including actors Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr. (“Grey’s Anatomy”) who both attended the grand opening.