Soon, hip-hop artifacts will be taking their place in American history alongside Archie Bunker's chair and the dresses worn by various first ladies.

The National Museum of American History says it will start collecting items like vinyl records, turntables and boom boxes. They will be included in an exhibit called "Hip-Hop Won't Stop: the Beat, the Rhymes, the Life." The project is expected to cost as much as two (m) million dollars and take up to five years to complete.

A museum spokeswoman says hip-hop is "here to stay" and as much a part of American history as jazz.