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American Democracy

A Great Leap of Faith

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Everyday things that changed everything

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Discover our hands-on exhibition for kids 0-6

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Classroom resources for teachers

Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

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

Online Resources

At the Museum

Online Resources

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At the Museum

At Home

Games & Activities

This Day In History

September 16, 1919

The American Legion, of which WWI war hero Stubby was a lifetime member, is incorporated by Congress.

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Our Mission

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

Exhibitions

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

Collections

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

News and Events

Enjoy our latest theater program "Shout!" and be immersed in the sounds of the Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. In other programs, join a sit-in at the Woolworth lunch counter, and meet a 1917 suffragist or 1895 wheelwoman. Follow the link for scheduled showtimes.

American Experiments

What should good citizens do? Who changed America more? In Wallace H. Coulter Unity Square, take part in several hands-on activities that inspire active engagement in American civic life. Daily.

Films in the Warner Bros. Theater

Enjoy a variety of daily short films and special features. Check the Theater page for showtimes.

“Elephants and Us: Considering Extinction” Opens at the Smithsonian

The museum will open an exhibition that explores Americans’ relationship with elephants as it has evolved over time.

Smithsonian To Display Recently Acquired D-Day Flag

“My Computing Devices” Opens at National Museum of American History

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From Our Blog

American dream turned nightmare

One of the first deadly hate crimes in the United States following the September 11 attacks was the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi.

Fur the war effort

Tommy Tucker, a squirrel, had over 100 outfits and matching hats. He used his unique fashion sense to support philanthropic causes and the war effort.

A place at the park: LGBTQ+ inclusion and skateboarding

Skateboarding is known for its laid back vibe of acceptance and inclusion but this was not always the case for LGBTQ+ skaters. There were violent homophobic incidents in the early 1980s and 1990s. Recently, skate has made great strides in its acceptance of LGBTQ+ skaters.

A graphic with a red background and a white illustration of the neck of a guitar with a bird resting on it.

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American Democracy

The American Scene

Object Project

Wegmans Wonderplace