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Take a tour of six inventive communities

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Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

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This Day In History

December 8, 1942

Albert Kahn, innovator and architect of the first large-scale assembly-line factories, dies. His work included the giant Ford factories that manufactured the Model T.

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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

Cooking Up History: Conquering Croquembouche with Julia Child

Join us at the demonstration kitchen for a primer on making this impressive French dessert using Julia's recipe. December 7, 1 p.m.

Sounds of Faith: Holiday Traditions

Enjoy a variety of live musical performances throughout the day. December 8.

Smithsonian Jazz: Islam and Modern Jazz

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents a program of jazz created, performed, and inspired by practitioners of Islam. December 8, 7:30 p.m. Tickets required.

Films in the Warner Bros. Theater

Enjoy a variety of daily short films and special features, including a holiday film series in December. Check the Theater page for showtimes.

Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History Receives Save America’s Treasures Grant

The museum has received a grant from the National Park Service for conserving early sound recordings from Alexander Graham Bell’s Washington, D.C., Volta Laboratory.

Warren Winiarski Receives James Smithson Bicentennial Medal

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

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Codex costume and staff, as worn by Felicia Day in The Guild

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American Democracy

Many Voices, One Nation

Places of Invention

Wegmans Wonderplace