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Empowering people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.

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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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Democracy Day: Art and Democracy in American History

An afternoon of artist-filled public programming will kick off the opening of the traveling exhibition “A More Perfect Union: American Artists and the Currents of Our Time.” Be sure to see the accompanying five-night projected art installation, THE PEOPLE. September 19, 1–4 p.m.

The Power of Giving: Social Justice & Philanthropy

The 2023 Power of Giving symposium features a panel of community organizers, activists, philanthropists, and historians discussing how philanthropy has advanced or impeded social justice. September 21, 2–5:45 p.m.

Smithsonian Continues Collecting Artifacts From Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

Artifacts reflecting the violence, chaos and confusion at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have been added to the museum’s collections.

“Reconstructing Weatherbreak” Shows Architecture’s Role in Extreme Weather

“Treasures and Trouble: Looking Inside a Legendary Blues Archive” Display Opens June 23

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From Our Blog

A weathered black silk bow tie. The bow is noticeably crooked.

Pre-tied yet crooked: What’s up with Abraham Lincoln’s tie?

In the almost 130 years since the Smithsonian Institution acquired Abraham Lincoln’s black silk necktie, the museum’s curators gave very little thought to this personal piece of the president’s clothing.

“¡Ataca Yomo!”: A close-up look at Yomo Toro’s cuatro

“¡Ataca Yomo! (Attack Yomo!),” shouts singer Héctor Lavoe as the bright notes of what sounds like a guitar solo start flying by our ears. But what we’re hearing isn’t a guitar; it’s a cuatro, and the man behind this intense and virtuosic solo is Yomo Toro.

A pink child’s shirt with the message “Love Everyday Dream Big.”

What is it like to seek asylum in the United States?

Lucía Mondragón made the difficult decision to flee her home country to save herself and her children from harm.

Section of rusted fencing topped with barbed wire.

Deportations in the 21st century and the New Sanctuary Movement

When Elvira Arellano claimed sanctuary in a Chicago church in June 2006, she saw herself as a single mom, working to make a life for herself and her eight-year-old son. But her actions would mark a launching point for what became the New Sanctuary Movement (NSM) and, indeed, Arellano would emerge as one of its leaders.

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Entertainment Nation / Nación del Espectáculo

American Democracy

American Enterprise

Runaway Robot