Slideshow: 2011 year in review
2011 was a remarkable year for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to provide over 4.6 million visitors with world-class exhibitions and engaging programs.
I hope you enjoy this slideshow of some of the best moments of 2011!
Some highlights of 2011 include:
- Richard Avedon portraits: The Kennedys 50 years ago
- bringing the two winning cars from our Race to the Museum contest to the museum
- beginning our new Time Trials theater program, giving our visitors an opportunity to interact with controversial historical figures Benedict Arnold and John Brown
- "Sweet and Sour" showcase exploring the history of Chinese food in America
- "COBOL" showcase
- marking the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War
- adding HIV and AIDS 30 years ago to Science in American Life
- Phyllis Diller's "gag file"
- the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra toured Russia
- commemorating September 11: Remembrance and Reflection, including a series of lectures, teaching seminars, and online conversations
- conserving of Thomas Jefferson's bible, which is now on display in the Albert H. Small Documents Gallery
- adding an "Electrifying Cars" section to the America on the Move exhibition
- a new installation for The First Ladies
- discovering a way to play 100 year-old experimental sound recordings
Added to the collection in 2011:
- Peace Corps objects
- Tony Hawk's skateboard
- Esperanza Spalding’s Nobel Peace Prize Performance Dress
- Farrah Fawcett's iconic red swimsuit and other objects
- Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein 2" guitar
- 17 items from Sacagawea dollar coin sculptor Glenna Goodacre
- Two gowns from song stylist Nancy Wilson
- objects related to the development of autonomous robots
- Gene Tunney's boxing gloves
- Items from the television series Rescue Me
- political materials from Wisconsin and Occupy Wall Street
- Phil Lesh’s “Eye of Horus” Bass Guitar
- 10-time World Champion Kelly Slater's surfboard
It has been a year of dynamic exhibitions, new acquistions and exciting programs. We look forward to another great year in 2012. Why not get your tax deductions started early? Make a donation and let’s make history together!
Dave McOwen is a New Media Specialist for the National Museum of American History.
