We invite you to join others who share your love of American history through membership in the Smithsonian Council for American History—our most distinguished group of contributors.
The Power of History
History reveals our shared humanity and ability to shape the world. Understanding our nation’s history—in all its beauty, trauma, and complexity—is essential to our collective future.
The National Museum of American History strives to strengthen democracy by inspiring millions of people to become more engaged and informed citizens. The museum harnesses the incredible power of national treasures to connect people to the past, to help create a just and compassionate future, and to embrace the promise of our nation.
About the Council
The Smithsonian Council for American History is comprised of individuals across the country who believe in the importance of preserving objects that tell the story of our country for generations to come. Annual support from Council members allows the museum to:
- Preserve and protect an unmatched collection of millions of invaluable artifacts critical to our nation’s history.
- Inspire students and teachers nationwide through exceptional curricular materials, engaging online tools, and hands-on training.
- Produce dynamic and relevant exhibitions and programs, completely free of charge, for upwards of three million annual visitors.
- Offer unprecedented access to the museum’s collections, scholarship, and educational resources through growing state-of-the-art cataloging and digitization.
As advocates for the museum, Council members receive special opportunities to engage with the collections, expert curators, and museum leadership throughout the year, both digitally and in person. Council members can also access unique ways to enhance their museum visits. See these and other Council benefits.
Mission
Most people do not realize that donations from individuals like you enable the museum to share its collections and programs with approximately four million visitors each year. Support from the Council is vital to sustaining our acclaimed program of exhibitions, performances, and family programs—free-of-charge, 364 days a year!
The Smithsonian Council of American History helps to fund the work of the museum from the preservation of fragile treasures to world-class exhibitions and programs.
Questions?
Checks may be mailed to the Smithsonian's Bank of America fulfillment center at:
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History
PO Box 418320
Boston, MA 02241-8320
Please be sure to indicate "NMAH" in the memo line of your check.
To learn more about the Smithsonian Council for American History or to request a brochure, please contact Stephanie Johnson at (202) 633-0398 or JohnsonSt@si.edu.