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National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History Home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history.

Operating as usual

On Dec. 17, join us for a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in our Warner Bros. Theater!Based on the 1900 novel “T...
12/16/2022
Film Screening: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

On Dec. 17, join us for a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in our Warner Bros. Theater!

Based on the 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the use of color sequences in the film stands out as a milestone in the history of Technicolor.

Before the screening, make sure to visit the ruby slippers, which will be on display in our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Please register here:

Proyección de películas: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

As part of our opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” today Sunae Park Evans and Justin C...
12/15/2022

As part of our opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” today Sunae Park Evans and Justin Chambers discussed how their work with costumes and textiles is being used in the new exhibition.

From now until Dec. 18, visitors can enjoy dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life.

You can find more details here: https://s.si.edu/3uHOMou

Despite representing one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, Latino/a stories and storytellers are ...
12/14/2022
In Conversation: Latinx Storytelling on Television

Despite representing one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, Latino/a stories and storytellers are underrepresented on the big and small screen.

On Saturday Dec. 17 at 12PM, the creators of the Netflix series “Gentefied” will join us to discuss Latino/a representation on television and the people working to bring about change, with stories that center Latino/a characters and strive to bring greater authenticity and visibility to their communities.

Please register for the free event by following the link.

En conversación: narración latina en televisión

As part of our opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” today we were joined in Flag Hall b...
12/12/2022

As part of our opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” today we were joined in Flag Hall by The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" Brass Quintet.

From now until Dec. 18, visitors can enjoy dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life.

You can find more details here: https://s.si.edu/3uHOMou

The Entertainment Nation Opening Festival is made possible by the Americana Music Association Foundation, A+E Networks, the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod Family Foundation, and the John Hammond Performance Series Endowment Fund.

On Dec. 11, join us for a special screening of “Batman” in the Warner Bros. Theater!In this 1989 film, Michael Keaton st...
12/09/2022
Film Screening: Batman (1989)

On Dec. 11, join us for a special screening of “Batman” in the Warner Bros. Theater!

In this 1989 film, Michael Keaton stars as Batman; and Jack Nicholson stars as his arch foe, The Joker.

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Register here:

Proyección de películas: Batman (1989)

As part of the opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” a series of vintage arcade games wi...
12/09/2022

As part of the opening festival for “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” a series of vintage arcade games will be available this weekend for visitors to enjoy in the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza.

Planning to stop by? Share your photos online with us using !

📷: Ralph Baer’s “Brown Box” prototype. With basic features that most video game consoles still have today, two controls and a multigame program system, it could be programmed to play a variety of games by flipping the switches along the front of the unit, as can be seen in the picture.

The wait is finally over! We’re so thrilled to welcome you to our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del ...
12/09/2022

The wait is finally over! We’re so thrilled to welcome you to our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” opening today.

Entertainment has the power to captivate, inspire and transform us. Through our extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie and television objects, the exhibition will feature a powerful, ever-changing selection of objects and interactive experiences.

Get involved in the conversation online using !

Entertainment Nation is made possible in part by the generous leadership support of the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family, Tom and Karen Rutledge, HISTORY, Dr. Stephanie Bennett-Smith, American Cruise Lines, an Anonymous Friend, Linda and Mike Curb, Golden Globes, and Barry and Wendy Meyer.

On Dec. 10, join us for a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in our Warner Bros. Theater!Based on the 1900 novel “T...
12/08/2022

On Dec. 10, join us for a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in our Warner Bros. Theater!

Based on the 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the use of color sequences in the film stands out as a milestone in the history of Technicolor.

Before the screening, make sure to visit the ruby slippers, which will be on display in our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Please register here: https://s.si.edu/3Y2tGyU

The Ruby Slippers Spotlight is generously supported by American Cruise Lines.

Prince’s signature Cloud guitar, pictured here, featured a flamboyantly fluid shape and a fusion of male and female symb...
12/07/2022

Prince’s signature Cloud guitar, pictured here, featured a flamboyantly fluid shape and a fusion of male and female symbols that would later serve as Prince’s name.

As one of the 1980s’ most revolutionary musical hitmakers, Prince made it cool not to conform.

While creating groundbreaking music that defied simple categorization, Prince also challenged social binaries with lyrics such as, “Am I Black or am I white? Am I straight or gay?”

Prince offended some, while inspiring others to ask: “Why should I have to apologize for being me?”

This guitar, along with hundreds of other objects, will be on display starting Dec. 9, in our newest exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

The Prince Spotlight is generously supported by Barry and Wendy Meyer.

12/07/2022

On Thursday, December 8, the museum will close at 3:30 p.m. due to a special event; Spark!Lab and Wonderplace will close at 3 p.m.

Sesame Street is one of the best-loved children’s television series of all time.This Saturday, join us and Sesame Worksh...
12/07/2022

Sesame Street is one of the best-loved children’s television series of all time.

This Saturday, join us and Sesame Workshop’s Akimi Gibson, Rosita puppeteer/performer Carmen Osbahr, and cast member Alan Muraoka for a discussion of Sesame Street’s history and mission to represent and reach all young learners, especially those who have traditionally been underrepresented in children’s television.

Register for free: https://s.si.edu/3U8u3od

📷: The original Kermit the Frog puppet, created by Jim Henson in 1955

The Muppet Spotlight is generously supported by an anonymous friend in honor of the lovers, the dreamers and you.

The Museum cares for the Henson collection with support from the Jane Henson Foundation.

Sesame Street® and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. © 2018 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Any history of the American silent film era would be incomplete without mention of Anna May Wong (1905–1961), a Chinese ...
12/06/2022
The Legacy of Anna May Wong

Any history of the American silent film era would be incomplete without mention of Anna May Wong (1905–1961), a Chinese American actor who became a global superstar. With a career spanning motion pictures, television, and theater, Wong faced discrimination in Hollywood and continually championed the need for increased representation and more multidimensional roles for Asian American actors.

On Dec. 11, join Wong’s niece, Anna Wong, and National Museum of American History curators Ryan Lintelman and Theo Gonzalves for a discussion on the actor’s legacy in film and activism. The program will include a screening of clips from Wong’s films.

Please register for the free event by following the link.

El legado de Anna May Wong

This Friday, Dec. 9, the museum will unveil the new exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” the temp...
12/06/2022
Entertainment Nation Opening Festival

This Friday, Dec. 9, the museum will unveil the new exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” the temporary exhibition “(re) Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon, 1946–1965,” and a video installation on gaming history.

Starting on Dec. 9 and through Dec. 18, we invite you to join us for dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life.

Daily activities will include hands-on family crafts, pop-up concerts, and photo ops with beloved characters from film and television.

For more information, follow the link!

(re)Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon, 1946–1965, is made possible by generous support from Judy and Leonard Lauder, with additional funding from Marcia and Frank Carlucci and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.

The Entertainment Nation Opening Festival is made possible by the Americana Music Association Foundation, A+E Networks, the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod Family Foundation, and the John Hammond Performance Series Endowment Fund.

Festival de apertura de La nación del espectáculo

Wilson Jermaine Heredia wore this jacket as Angel in the original Broadway production of the critically acclaimed musica...
12/05/2022

Wilson Jermaine Heredia wore this jacket as Angel in the original Broadway production of the critically acclaimed musical “Rent.”

One of the most resonant characters in the musical, Angel fashioned the jacket from a shower curtain featuring photographs of friends - an emblem of how Angel found fulfillment in putting others first.

"Rent” follows the story of a group of struggling artists and intellectuals living in Manhattan in the 1980s as they wrestle with work, drugs, sexuality, identity, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the cost of living, and the meaning of life.

Angel’s death from AIDS drove home the question the show asked of its audiences: How will we make the most of the life that we have?

This jacket, along with hundreds of other objects, will be on display starting Dec. 9, in our newest exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

The Broadway Spotlight is generously supported by HISTORY /A+E Networks

Despite representing one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, Latino/a stories and storytellers are ...
12/05/2022
In Conversation: Latinx Storytelling on Television

Despite representing one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, Latino/a stories and storytellers are underrepresented on the big and small screen.

On Dec. 17, the creators of the Netflix series “Gentefied” will join us to discuss Latino/a representation on television and the people working to bring about change, with stories that center Latino/a characters and strive to bring greater authenticity and visibility to their communities.

Please register for the free event by following the link.

En conversación: narración latina en televisión

12/04/2022
Smithsonian explores how entertainment shaped America

We’re so excited to share with you this segment from CBS Sunday Morning, featuring our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” which opens Dec. 9.

We can’t wait to for you to experience it!

Entertainment has the power to captivate, inspire and transform us. Through our extraordinary collection of theater, mus...
12/02/2022
Entertainment Nation

Entertainment has the power to captivate, inspire and transform us. Through our extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie and television objects, our newest exhibition, “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” will feature a powerful, ever-changing selection of objects and interactive experiences.

Join the on Dec. 9, as we open the exhibition to the public.

For a sneak peek at some of the exciting objects on display, take a look at our video!

Entertainment Nation opens at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History December 2022.With a mission to use history to empower people, to create a ...

Althea Gibson shattered color barriers in tennis when she became the first Black woman to compete at the U.S. National C...
12/02/2022

Althea Gibson shattered color barriers in tennis when she became the first Black woman to compete at the U.S. National Championships and at Wimbledon.

In 1957, she wore this tennis outfit while winning the woman's singles title at Wimbledon.

During a time when racial segregation persisted on and off the court, her achievements raised the question: How long must women of color wait for equality and social justice?

This outfit, along with hundreds of other objects, will be on display starting Dec. 9, in our newest exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

Entertainment Nation is made possible in part by the generous leadership support of the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family, Tom and Karen Rutledge, HISTORY, Dr. Stephanie Bennett-Smith, American Cruise Lines, an Anonymous Friend, Linda and Mike Curb, Golden Globes, and Barry and Wendy Meyer.

Tune in to the Smithsonian's National Conversation on Race on Dec. 1. Expert panelists discuss how recent events have im...
12/01/2022
National Conversation on Race

Tune in to the Smithsonian's National Conversation on Race on Dec. 1. Expert panelists discuss how recent events have impacted and shaped the ongoing legacy of race and racism in the U.S.

Moderated by NBC News NOW anchor Morgan Radford, the panel includes: Theodore Gonzalves, curator at the National Museum of American History; Stacy Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), CEO of the National Indian Health Board; Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist and the CEO and founder of Rise; Dometi Pongo, host of "Need to Know" on MTV News; and Akiima Price, a nationally respected thought leader at the intersection of social justice and environmental issues. Attend the free program in person at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture or view the livestream.

An exploration of how events during the last two years have impacted and shaped the ongoing legacy of race and racism in the United States.

Close to the trauma of the front lines but miles from home, the doctors and nurses on M*A*S*H mixed mayhem with medicine...
11/30/2022

Close to the trauma of the front lines but miles from home, the doctors and nurses on M*A*S*H mixed mayhem with medicine. Pointing the way to anyplace but here, this prop reflects the characters' humorous efforts to cope with the horrors of war.

Premiering near the end of the Vietnam war, and even after the United States had withdrawn its troops, the show continued to inform debates about the toll of war: What cause was worth it?

This sign, along with hundreds of other objects, will be on display starting Dec. 9, in our newest exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

The M*A*S*H Spotlight is generously supported by Dr. Stephanie Bennett-Smith.

On December 9, the museum will unveil the new exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” the temporary ...
11/29/2022
Entertainment Nation Opening Festival

On December 9, the museum will unveil the new exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo,” the temporary exhibition “(re) Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon, 1946–1965,” and a video installation on gaming history.

From December 9 to 18, visitors can enjoy dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life.

Daily activities will include hands-on family crafts, pop-up concerts, and photo ops with beloved characters from film and television. Follow the link to learn more!

(re)Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon, 1946–1965, is made possible by generous support from Judy and Leonard Lauder, with additional funding from Marcia and Frank Carlucci and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.

This festival is made possible by the Americana Music Association Foundation, A+E Networks, the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod Family Foundation, and the John Hammond Performance Series Endowment Fund.

Festival de apertura de La nación del espectáculo

Today is Giving Tuesday, an opportunity to give back to the organizations you value most! Did you know that the National...
11/29/2022

Today is Giving Tuesday, an opportunity to give back to the organizations you value most!

Did you know that the National Museum of American History needs the support of curious, caring people like you to make our work possible?

Understanding our nation’s history—in all its beauty and complexity—is essential to our collective future. This Giving Tuesday, join the cause of history and support history education for millions each year. https://americanhistory.si.edu/donation

Our new exhibition, “Entertainment Nation,” places the creation of sometimes quite familiar film characters within their...
11/28/2022

Our new exhibition, “Entertainment Nation,” places the creation of sometimes quite familiar film characters within their specific historical contexts, revealing new ways of appreciating their genesis and power.

By the mid-1970s, the U.S. found itself reeling from its loss in Vietnam and revelations about Richard Nixon’s presidency. In response, George Lucas, creator of “Star Wars,” offered a tale set “in a galaxy far, far away” where a struggling republic was fighting for survival.

The characters from the saga – a Jedi farm boy, a princess, and yes – even droids, inspired hope and raised an enduring question: How can we build a virtuous republic?
The droids, along with hundreds of other objects, will be on display starting Dec. 9, in our newest exhibition “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.”

The Star Wars Spotlight is generously supported by Golden Globes.

Sesame Street is one of the most beloved children’s television series of all time.   On Dec. 10, join us and Sesame Work...
11/28/2022

Sesame Street is one of the most beloved children’s television series of all time.

On Dec. 10, join us and Sesame Workshop’s Akimi Gibson, Rosita puppeteer/performer Carmen Osbahr, and cast member Alan Muraoka for a discussion of Sesame Street’s history and mission to represent and reach all young learners, especially those who have traditionally been underrepresented in children’s television.

Please register for the free event by following this link: https://s.si.edu/3U8u3od

The Television Gallery in Entertainment Nation is generously supported by Tom and Karen Rutledge.

The Museum cares for the Henson collection with support from the Jane Henson Foundation.

Sesame Street® and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. © 2018 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!When you see this dish, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it a spe...
11/24/2022

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

When you see this dish, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it a specific dish? Maybe a fond memory of friends & family gathered for ?

This 1960s CorningWare casserole dish probably looks familiar – maybe you even still use one today!

Did you know that CorningWare’s Pyroceram was originally developed for military applications during World War II? Even after the war, it proved to be an effective material for bakeware because the glass-ceramic material was capable of withstanding sudden temperature changes; it was also resistant to stains and odors. Then and now, the ability for the same dish to be used for cooking, serving, and freezing food is a welcomed addition by cooks.

This casserole dish was donated to the museum by Mrs. Anne L. Bernat, who received a set of CorningWare dishes as a wedding present in 1967. At the time of the donation in 2011, she was still using them.

In 1800s America, some saw the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad railroad as a symbol of modernity and nationa...
11/18/2022
The impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on Native Americans

In 1800s America, some saw the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad railroad as a symbol of modernity and national progress. For others, the Transcontinental Railroad undermined the sovereignty of Native nations and threatened to destroy Indigenous communities and their cultures.

In this blog, we interviewed Dr. Manu Karuka about the impact of the railroad on Indigenous peoples and nations.

The Transcontinental Railroad was celebrated by some as a symbol of modernity. However, the railroad also threatened Native nations. Discover their stories.

11/16/2022
The Longest Walk and American Indian Activism in the 1970s | National Youth Summit on Democracy

Join us to kick-off the 2022 National Youth Summit civic education series. This first webinar will feature a conversation about the case study on American Indian activism in the 1970s and tackle the question, “What happens when all or part of your identity is not included in the narrative of U.S. democracy.”

s.si.edu/nys

https://www.si.edu/termsofuse

This series is made possible by the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation and the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation K–12 Learning Endowment.

Address

14th Street And Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20560

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12026331000

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Other History Museums in Washington D.C.

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Other History Museums in Washington D.C. (show all)

National Museum of American History The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Smithsonian's Human Origins Program Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Museum Museo del Holocausto U.S. Holocaust Museum Washington Holocaust museum National Archives and Records Administration Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Museo Internacional del Espionaje U.S. Department of the Interior Museum National Museum of the American Indian Decatur House on Lafayette Square