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In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution will soon welcome an addition to its family of museums that house priceless works of art and other relics.

In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution will soon welcome an addition to its family of museums that house priceless works of art and other relics.

To celebrate the legacy and contributions of black people in the U.S., the Smithsonian is developing the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum will be the only institution devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture. Its exhibits will cover topics as varied as slavery, post-Civil War reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement.

Aflac, an insurance company based in Columbus, Ga., donated $1 million to the Smithsonian for the museum, making it the first Fortune 500 company to donate funds toward the landmark's construction. Corporate donations like these are vital to the museum's future success and timely presentation of the facility to the public.

"Aflac is proud to lead the way in contributing to this most worthy cause," said Dan Amos, chairman and CEO of Aflac. "The museum will serve as a great way to spotlight America's diverse history while honoring the African-American experience that has been instrumental in the development of our great nation."

During the presentation of the check to the Smithsonian, Aflac was presented with a special smithsonite stone in honor of its gift to the museum. Further, Aflac was recognized with a special glass engraving of the company's name that will be housed in the Benefactors Room of the Smithsonian, an honor designated for museum donors.

Aflac also is dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer and sponsors the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as part of its major philanthropic effort. The company has pledged more than $20 million to the center and over 66,000 plush Aflac Ducks have been sold, with proceeds benefiting the center.