Oprah Winfrey is giving $12 million to a museum under construction at Washington’s National Mall, which will document African-American history.
Television’s most famous talk show host previously donated $1 million to National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum says Winfrey’s contributions are the largest to date.
“By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come,” Winfrey said, according to The New York Daily News . Winfrey, who has served on the museum’s advisory council since 2004, spoke of her pride and gratitude for those who have made the museum’s existence possible.
"I am so proud of African American history and its contributions to our nation as a whole," Winfrey said in a statement. "I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps."
In thanks for her generous gift, the museum will name a 350-seat theatre after the mogul. The facility, which is being funded in part by the US government, began construction in 2012 and is set to open in 2015. Upon completion, the $500 million project will be the 19th Smithsonian museum.
"Every donation," says the museum's founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch, "Whether $25 or a $10 million corporate donation, is important. But truly, there's only one Oprah Winfrey."
According to Philly.com , the museum is responsible for raising $250 million to fund its construction.
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