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NEWS |
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Message
from the Director
Although the Museum is closing to
the public after Labor Day 2006, the work of the Museum
continues. Our staff will continue to add important objects to
the national collections and to carry out research projects
that will increase our understanding of American history. Look
for traveling exhibitions from the National Museum of American
History as well as public programs at locations throughout the
country. Continue to log in to our Web site (americanhistory.si.edu)
as we are planning some special online features and Web-only
exhibitions. And if you are coming to Washington, D.C., don’t
miss the Treasures of American History exhibition at
the National Air and Space Museum beginning Nov. 17, 2006.
Finally, we are already involved in planning for the reopening
of the Museum in the summer of 2008. Before you know it, it
will be time to celebrate the transformation of this great
Museum!
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“Treasures
of American History” to Open in November
Beginning
Nov. 17, more than 150 objects from the collections of the
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will be on
view at the National Air and Space Museum while we are closed
for renovation. Highlighted objects will include Dorothy’s
ruby slippers, Kermit the Frog, Abraham Lincoln's top hat,
Lewis and Clark's compass, Custer's buckskin coat, the
Greensboro lunch counter, Thomas Jefferson's Bible, and
Edison's light bulb.
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Stay
in Touch with Smithsonian Focus
Want to know what
is happening at other Smithsonian museums while the National
Museum of American History is closed? Stay up-to-date on
exhibitions, events, and online activities happening at other
Smithsonian museums by signing up for Smithsonian Focus, a
free monthly e-newsletter.
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EVENTS |
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Join
Us for a Fond Farewell on Labor Day!
It’s the last
day to see the Museum until 2008. Enjoy a docent-guided tour,
visit the Hands On Science Center, talk with Museum staff
about the renovations, and pick up a free souvenir bookmark.
Special drawings of Museum memorabilia will be held during the
afternoon. Monday, September 4, 12-6:30 p.m., throughout the
Museum.
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Reel
Portraits: The Films of Gordon Parks
While the
museum is closed, you can still enjoy events related to
American history at other Smithsonian museums. Three films by
world-renowned photographer, author, composer, and filmmaker
Gordon Parks—“Shaft,” “Leadbelly,” and “The Learning
Tree”—will be screened at the National Portrait Gallery, with
discussions following. The films are part of Reel Portraits, a
series designed to present films that explore the lives and
work of noted Americans. Thursday–Saturday, September 21 (6:30
p.m.), 22 (7 p.m.), and 23 (2 p.m.).
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EXHIBITIONS |
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Extended!
“Legendary Coins & Currency”
This exhibition,
on view in the Smithsonian Castle, explores 56 rare and
historically significant artifacts from the Museum's National
Numismatic Collection—more than half of which have never been
on view or have not been displayed for many years. Highlights
include: a 1913 Liberty Head nickel, one of the most
celebrated 20th-Century coins; an 1877 U.S. $50 (“Half Union”)
pattern, the largest U.S. coin ever struck; and the 1907
Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, often considered
to be among America’s most beautiful coins. Through March 1,
2007.
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On
View Near You
Several of the Museum’s exhibitions
are traveling across the country. On view now: Diana
Walker: Photojournalist at the Jimmy Carter Presidential
Library and Museum in Atlanta, through Nov. 26. Opening in
September: Doodles, Drafts, and Designs: Industrial
Drawings from the Smithsonian at The Blackhawk Museum, in
Danville, Calif., on Sept. 9; Sports: Breaking Records,
Breaking Barriers at The Oakland Museum of California, on
Sept. 16; and First Ladies: Political Role and Public
Image at the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania,
in Pittsburgh on Sept. 23.
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ON THE WEB |
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Hispanic
Designers
Take time during Hispanic Heritage Month
(Sept. 15-Oct. 15) to view some of the clothes created by
Hispanic designers in the Museum's costume collection. This
Web site features garments and accessories by Manolo Blahnik,
Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, and others.
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“¡Azúcar!
The Life and Music of Celia Cruz”
Celia Cruz became
an influential and legendary musical figure—in her native
country, her adopted country, and around the world. Listen to
examples of her music at different periods of her career and
view photos and costumes from her life and career.
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FOR
EDUCATORS |
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Celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Classroom with Celia
Cruz!
Three lesson plans, using images and objects
from the online exhibition Azucar! The Life and Music of
Celia Cruz, are available for download. Plans are linked
to the National History Standards, and are targeted at grades
K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
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FOR KIDS & FAMILIES |
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HistoryWired
The
Museum may be closed, but you can still explore some of the
Museum's most interesting objects in our online feature,
HistoryWired. Search by time period or subject, and discover
everything from an early drawing of Mickey Mouse to a framed
display of presidential hair!
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SHOPPING & DINING |
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Pick up a last-minute souvenir and
enjoy bargain prices at our stores, open until the Museum
closes on Monday, September 4. During the renovation you will
be able to find some American History merchandise in other
Smithsonian museums, but visit our stores now for the best
selection!
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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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