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NEWS |
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“Frontier
Gold” from the National Numismatic Collection Goes
West
The Museum's "Frontier Gold," a traveling
display showcasing precious metals that helped to change the
dynamics of the American West, debuts at the American
Numismatic Association convention Aug. 16–19 in Denver,
Colorado. Featuring artifacts from the Museum's National
Numismatic Collection, "Frontier Gold" highlights some of the
most prized coins struck during the precious metal boom of the
mid 1800s.
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Celia Cruz
Salsas into Los Angeles
The touring version of the
Museum's recently closed ¡Azúcar! The Life and Music of
Celia Cruz exhibition opens at the California African
American Museum in Los Angeles on Aug. 17. The exhibition,
which explores the life of Cuban-born singer Celia Cruz
(1924-2003) and her impressive career over six decades, runs
at CAAM until Nov. 5. It then moves on to venues in Florida,
New York, and Texas.
Visit the
online exhibition.
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EVENTS |
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Invention
on the Mall: A Family Invention Festival
Experience
four days of a family-friendly celebration of invention with
tours, demonstrations, films, puppetry, workshops, and
experiments. The event is hosted by the Museum’s Lemelson
Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, with
additional programs at the National Air and Space Museum,
National Museum of the American Indian, and National Museum of
Natural History. Thursday–Sunday, Aug. 3–6.
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Performance
by Seneca Rocks! - Plus Honky-Tonk Gallery Talk and Book
Signing by Henry Horenstein
Four former members of
The Johnson Mountain Boys (Dudley Connell, Marshall Wilborn,
David McLaughlin, and Tom Adams) and vocalist Sally Love
perform bluegrass, rock, blues, folk, and rockabilly to create
a unique musical experience. Preceding the concert is an 11
a.m. gallery talk about the Honky-Tonk exhibition by
photographer Henry Horenstein, who will describe how he
captured the end of an era of country music and sign copies of
Honky Tonk: Portraits of Country Music. Saturday, Aug.
12 - noon, Flag Hall, second floor, center.
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There’s Lots to
See and Do in August
Have you and your kids sung
along to Gullah songs? Listened to an immigrant field worker,
sailors, and teenagers talk about their hopes and dreams? Want
to know more about Victory Gardens, heirloom plants,
Smithsonian Libraries, quilts, and samplers? The Museum has a
full schedule of performances, talks, and demonstrations in
August. Join us-we're open until 6:30 p.m. daily through Labor
Day!
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 See all events and programs
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EXHIBITIONS |
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Beat the Heat
in August at the Museum
Even though the Museum is
closing Sept. 5, there are still plenty of exhibitions to see
and regularly scheduled tours and programs to participate in.
Visitors can pick up a special guide highlighting some of the
Museum's "American Originals," including the Star-Spangled
Banner and a Model T Roadster, at the information desks. You
may also download
copies of the guide on the Web.
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“Muppets
and Mechanisms: Jim Henson's Legacy”
The products
of Jim Henson's imagination have reached across generations
and communities with warmth, wild humor, and fantasy. They
combine the razzle-dazzle of American popular culture with
technological innovation. Objects featured in the display
include animatronic figures from the 1977 television show,
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, and the 1982 movie,
The Dark Crystal. Through Sept. 4.
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“Whatever
Happened to Polio?”
This exhibition tells the story
of the polio epidemic in the United States; the development of
vaccine; current world efforts to stop polio transmission; and
the story of survivors and the influences they have had on
American society. Activities include learning about how polio
is connected to the Candy Land game, and having your pinky
fingers marked the way field vaccinators in India and Africa
mark the fingers of children after vaccination. Through Sept.
4.
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See all exhibitions
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ON THE WEB |
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Featured
Object: Sprinter's carbon-fiber leg
When Van
Phillips became dissatisfied with a prosthetic foot he was
given in the 1970s, he conceived a uniquely simple
carbon-fiber leg that works like a spring. Maggie Dennis of
the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
tells us why she is fascinated by this invention, which stands
out in a world of ever-more complicated
technologies.
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Invention at
Play
Explore the playful side of invention with
four on-line activities designed to use your imagination.
Learn how play connects to the creative impulse of both
historic and contemporary inventors.
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Edison
Invents!
Thomas Alva Edison changed our world. His
inventions gave us electric lights in our home and an entire
system that produced and delivered electrical power. He was
the first to record sound—and he also started the recording
industry. Edison developed the first movie camera and produced
the first movies. Learn more about this creative genius.
You'll be "shocked" at what you discover!
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FOR
EDUCATORS |
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Online
Teacher Materials
Don't forget that our Web site is
always open for business! A wealth of online teaching
materials, including lesson plans, downloadable and online
student activities, and primary sources on a range of American
history topics can be accessed on
the Web.
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School Tours Suspended during
Renovation
After Sept. 4, there will be no school tours
offered until the fall of 2008. Stay tuned to this newsletter
for more information on signing up for school tours when the
Museum reopens. And there are still plenty of school programs
at the other Smithsonian Museums! To find out more about
school programs offered at other Museums—including the newly
reopened Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and
Portraiture—visit the Smithsonian’s
education Web site and search for “Field Trips.”
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Educators' Page
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FOR KIDS & FAMILIES |
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Last
Chance!
That's right, the Museum is closing to the
public on Sept. 5, and won't reopen until 2008. Take this
opportunity to come to the Museum and say hello to Kermit the
Frog, Dorothy's ruby slippers, a giant 1401 locomotive, one of
the very first teddy bears, and lots of our other favorite
objects. Then stay tuned to this newsletter for more online
fun.
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Hands
On Science Center
Celebrate National Invention
Month by visiting the Museum's Hands on Science Center. Try
your hand at a variety of laboratory activities while you
learn about inventors and inventions of the past. The Hands On
Science Center is open to visitors from ages 5 to adult.
Children 5 through 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For
hours, please visit the Center's Web
page.
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Kids' Page
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SHOPPING & DINING |
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Last
Chance to Shop and to Ride Race-Car Simulator
Visit
the Museum's stores for a last chance to shop our unique
selection of American history-inspired books, toys, clothing,
jewelry and more, including our new selection of hip-hop
themed apparel.
Be sure to complete your visit to
America on the Move (remaining open until Sept. 5) with
a ride on our race-car simulator, located on the first floor
at the entrance to the Palm Court ($6 fee). Take the lead in a
real NASCAR race or hang on for a wild “Slot Car
Boogie.”
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Copyright ©
National Museum of American History. All Rights
Reserved.
14th Street and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington
DC 20560
Brent D. Glass, director
Map
& Directions
Admission to the National Museum of
American History is FREE.
CONTACT US
General
Smithsonian Visitor Information: 202-633-1000
or see our Contact
List
Frequently
Asked Questions
Media inquiries: 202-633-3129 or
visit our Press
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