Welcome to American History
The museum's world class collections help tell the complex history of our nation. We are located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
Plan Your Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
Racial segregation was still legal in the United States on February 1, 1960, when four African American college students sat down at this Woolworth counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. Politely asking for service at this “whites only” counter, their request was refused. When asked to leave, they remained in their seats. Their sit-in drew national attention and helped ignite a youth-led movement to challenge inequality throughout the South.
Stories
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New Americans and the inspirational lady in New York harbor
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What's at Stake in a Presidential Debate?
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12 -
Bernice Johnson Reagon’s lessons for living
Article
Objects from the Collections
In 1848, in the days before the first woman’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York, a group of women used this table to draft a declaration of rights for women modeled after the Declaration of Independence.
Dated to 1861, this badge likely belonged to William P. Perry, a bricklayer in Charleston, South Carolina. Perry was a teenager when he joined the Niagara Fire Company, an independent African American volunteer fire company.
This banner was likely used during one of the thousands of Bowl of Rice parties that were held throughout the country in the 1930s and 1940s in order to raise money for Chinese civilians affected by the Second Sino-Japanese War.
As the nation’s history museum, we empower people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.
Dive Into Exhibitions
American Democracy
A Great Leap of Faith
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith explores the history of citizen participation, debate, and compromise from the nation’s formation to today.
The American Presidency
A Glorious Burden
More than 900 objects, including national treasures from the Smithsonian’s vast presidential collections, bring to life the role of the presidency in American culture.
American Enterprise chronicles the tumultuous interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continual remaking of American business—and American life.
Meet Civic Changemakers
Donate Today and Make History
Help us to preserve, protect, and display America's historic treasures.
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