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Now on view in our Culture Wing

The Great Americans Medal

Honoring Cellist Yo-Yo Ma

On the Blog

Introducing the MUM Menstrual History Collection

American Democracy

A Great Leap of Faith

Runaway Robot

A new interactive game about religion, science, and making sense of things

Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

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

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Our Mission

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

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

We're open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Please note: The First Ladies exhibition will be closed June 8-21 due to necessary gallery maintenance.

Pride Month

During the month of June, learn about the museum's resources relating to LGBTQ+ history.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra: A Centennial Celebration

Join the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra for a celebration of this legendary ensemble. June 10, 7 p.m. Tickets required.

National Museum of American History Acquires Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health Collection

The collection, spanning from the early 1900s to the early 2000s, includes menstrual health and hygiene products and archival materials.

Smithsonian Presents Great Americans Medal to Yo-Yo Ma

“Mirror, Mirror” Reflects the American Narrative

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From Our Blog

A group of menstrual products in their original packaging, including tampons, sanitary napkins, a menstrual cup, and a sanitary belt.

Introducing the MUM Menstrual History Collection

Tampons. Sanitary napkins and belts. Menstrual cups, sponges, and other period products. Women and girls around the world depend on these items in order to fully participate in school, work, and play.

A weathered white driver’s suit with prominent logos for Goodyear and other companies.

The Black American Racers fought for equity in auto racing

As an African American auto racer who navigated the ranks of the predominately white sport from the late 1960s through the early 2000s, Leonard “Len” Miller Sr. was constantly challenged by the systemic racism inherent in the sport.

Emerson radio with an elaborate front facing decorated with characters from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, who are posed as if standing around a wooden house with a large window.

Is this 1937 radio the fairest one of all?

On December 21, 1937, Walt Disney released his first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Accompanying the movie, Disney and his company developed character-related merchandise, including a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs radio now preserved in the museum’s collection.

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Entertainment Nation / Nación del Espectáculo

The Great Americans Medal

On the Blog

American Democracy