A+E Networks announced today the launch of The History Channel NFT Marketplace, a curation of digital collectibles to celebrate historic events, figures and holidays as well as key programming from the network.

The NFT drops will take the form of original art and collectibles commissioned from artists with cultural relevance to each line’s subject matter. Some of the NFTs, which mix art, archival imagery and artifact renderings, will grant owners access to exclusive History Channel content, merchandise or physical versions of the NFT, such as on apparel, posters or mugs.

New collections will drop every other week and be connected with a relevant charity to receive a portion of or all sales proceeds.

“A+E Networks is future-focused and we see great opportunity to utilize NFT technology to bring unique interpretations and extensions to our IP,” said Paul Buccieri, president & chairman of A+E Networks Group, in a statement.

“The History Channel NFT Marketplace bridges the future of Web3 with historical treasures and celebrated moments, with truly unique pieces that anyone can own,” added Lance Still, senior VP, consumer enterprises, A+E Networks.

The History Channel NFT Marketplace launched with artist Derrick Adams’ work “Head of the Class.” The work, which is available in both digital and poster form, is meant to “commemorate and celebrate the generations of Black people in America who changed the course of history with their unyielding courage, blazing the trail for generations to come,” according to its listing on the marketplace. 

The work was gifted to the attendees of a recent event, HISTORYTalks 2022, as the ribbon-cutting for the marketplace. Adams selected Charm City Cultural Cultivation, the artist’s own non-profit to expand inner-city public programs in Baltimore, as the recipient charity.

Other works available at launch, such as Raúl Urias’ “Raices” and Victoria Villasana’s “La Música da Vida,” celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

The History Channel NFT Marketplace was created in collaboration with women-founded and owned agency CakeWorks and blockchain Xooa.

A+E Networks joins the crop of other TV networks that have ventured into NFT marketing. Among others, this summer, Discovery promoted its “Shark Week” programming with digital cards and CBS curated an immersive NFT and metaverse experience around its show “Ghosts.” This fall, Fox will debut “Krapopolis,” a new series that engages viewers via NFT collectibles that grant exclusive social interactions and experiences.