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America Now:
Celebration of Music

Hip-hop all day, museum-hop till midnight, June 22

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Screenshot of website for exhibition, "Thomas Jefferson's Bible"

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This Day In History

June 18, 1812

The United States declares war against Britain. This painting depicts the 1814 capture of the English schooner Hope by the American privateer brig Warrior.

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We help people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future.

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Exhibitions on a range of topics offer firsthand experiences with treasures of American history.

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We collect artifacts of all kinds—from gowns to locomotives—to preserve an enduring record of our past for the American people.

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America Now: Celebration of Music

Explore hip-hop’s influence on American society with a DJ dance party, hands-on workshops, performances, discussions, film festival, and more. Then explore other Smithsonian museums until midnight as part of Solstice Saturday. June 22, all day.

Films in the Warner Bros. Theater

Enjoy a variety of daily short films and special features, including a "Totally 90s Film Festival" in June. Check the Theater page for showtimes.

National Museum of American History Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising With “Illegal To Be You” Display

The museum's yearlong display showcases more than 20 objects, 30 buttons, and graphics from the Smithsonian’s LGBTQ+ collections.

National Museum of American History Announces Fifth Annual Smithsonian Food History Weekend and Gala

Where Is the Star-Spangled Banner’s Missing Star?

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America Now:
Celebration of Music

American Democracy

The Star-Spangled Banner

Draper Spark!Lab