One of the most popular of the Smithsonian's many museums that line the mall, The National Museum of American History traces the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. since the Revolution. It displays important pieces of Americana, including Thomas Jefferson's desk, one of Edison's light bulbs, and the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to The Star Spangled Banner. But beyond these treasured national artifacts, exhibits also examine how people lived, what they ate, where they worked, how they played, what they wore, how they traveled, how they worshiped, and how they governed themselves. Illustrating these multiple themes are artifacts that include everything from gowns, work by First Ladies, and Julia Child's complete kitchen to the Muppets and the actual ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the film Wizard of O

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, we explore the infinite richness and complexity of American history. We help people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future.The National Museum of American History collects and preserves more than 3 million artifacts—all true national treasures. We take care of everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Our collections form a fascinating mosaic of American life and comprise the greatest single collection of American history.Our exhibitions explore major themes in American history and culture, from the War of Independence to the present day. The Price of Freedom: Americans at War surveys the history of U.S. military conflicts and examines ways in which wars have been defining episodes in American history.America on the Move immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and sensations of transportation in the United States from 1870 to the present. Familiar favorites on view include The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, Within These Walls… and The First Ladies. New artifact walls and special cases mean that a larger selection of our objects are on display, creating a new way of experiencing history. A schedule of temporary and traveling exhibitions will offer visitors something new on almost every visit.The Museum hosts a full roster of public programs, from demonstrations, lectures, and tours to immersive live theater experiences. Music programs are offered by resident jazz and chamber music ensembles as well as guest performers. Our newly-renovated Warner Bros. Theater hosts world-class film programming. And the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center provides complete information services for our visitors.The Museum’s Archives Center houses a remarkable array of American history in documents, photographs, and other works. These include the Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, advertising histories of major U.S. corporations, and the Duke Ellington Collection—sheet music, correspondence and photographs related to the life and career of the great composer and jazz musician.Our website offers online exhibitions, behind-the-scenes glimpses into our collections and an overview of Museum programs and activities. Using the website, you can plan your visit to the Museum or go on a tour from your home. The Smithsonian’s History Explorer, the Museum’s new education Web site, offers free, standards-based, innovative resources for teaching and learning American history. We even have our own blog, “O Say Can You See,” where you can stay updated on what’s happening at the Museum.More than ever before, the National Museum of American History today shines new light on American history. The museum works to ensure that our collections, exhibitions, research, publications and educational programs all support the Museum’s basic mission—to inspire a broader understanding of our nation and its many peoples—and to make our exhibitions and programs as accessible as possible to all visitors.

One of the most popular museums in the Smithsonian collection, The National Museum of American History tells the story of America through its politics, technology, wars, pop culture, and food. Points of interest include First Ladies' gowns, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, the nearly 200-year-old flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner," and Julia Child’s kitchen.

The museum displays more than three million distinctly American artifacts, from the War of Independence to the present day. The Smithsonian's world-class museum offers a wide range of exhibits that demonstrate the diversity of America’s history and culture. Special tours and programs are scheduled daily.

The newest addition to the Mall, this eight-story museum continuously draws huge crowds. In other words, it might be hard to gain admittance. The reverential collection pays tribute to the historical figures, moments and events that shaped the African American experience. Exhibits are thorough and plentiful and the cafeteria, Sweet Home Cafe, caught the eyes of the James Beard Foundation, which named it a semi-finalist in the best new restaurant category in 2017.

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. About the Collections The National Museum of American History collects artifacts of all kinds—from gowns to locomotives—to preserve for the American people an enduring record of their past. The Museum has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection. Information and photos of selected objects are available in the online collections database. The database is a work-in-progress and new items will be added regularly. Museum collections reflect the breadth, depth, and complexity of the experiences of the American people, from social and cultural history to the history of science, medicine, and technology. The Museum collects the ordinary as well as the extraordinary and is interested in how objects are made, how they are used, how they express human needs and values, and how they influence society and the lives of individuals. Our focus is on the history of the United States, including its roots and connections with other cultures. As sources for research, the Museum offers not only historical objects but significant collections of oral histories, prints, photographs, business Americana, trade literature, and engineering drawings. Other venues Smithsonian Institution 1000 Jefferson Drive, Washington, D. C., United States of America Freer Gallery of Art / Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Avenue, Washington, D. C., United States of America Anacostia Community Museum 1901 Fort Place, Washington, D. C., United States of America Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at Seventh Street, Washington, D. C., United States of America National Air and Space Museum Independence Ave at 6th St, SW, Washington, D. C., United States of America National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Avenue, Washington, D. C., United States of America National Portrait Gallery Eighth and F Street, Washington, D. C., United States of America National Postal Museum 2 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D. C., United States of America Renwick Gallery 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C., United States of America Smithsonian American Art Museum 750 9th Street, Washington, D. C., United States of America