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American Democracy

A Great Leap of Faith

Plains Indian Ledger Drawings

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This Day In History

November 18, 1928

Walt Disney releases Steamboat Willie, introducing the character Mickey Mouse, seen in this pencil drawing.

Learn More

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

Historic Theater Programs

Enjoy our latest theater program "Shout!" and be immersed in the sounds of the Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. In other programs, join a sit-in at the Woolworth lunch counter, and meet a 1917 suffragist or 1895 wheelwoman. Follow the link for scheduled showtimes.

Films in the Warner Bros. Theater

Enjoy a variety of daily short films and special features. Check the Theater page for showtimes.

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

The museum will open an exhibition that explores Americans’ relationship with elephants as it has evolved over time.

What’s Cooking @ The National Museum of American History?

Smithsonian Set To Showcase Brewing History

See full events calendar
See more news items

From Our Blog

Tinted portrait of a man.

The quiet hero from Camden: Francis X. McGraw

In November 2019, Private First Class Francis X. McGraw’s Medal of Honor will go on display in our Price of Freedom exhibition. This is his story. 

Meet the Muppets

You know Kermit, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. But you might be surprised to learn their backstories, their missions, and the inspiration for each of them.

Dollars for Donuts in Monrovia, Liberia

Why do U.S. dollars circulate in Liberia? And how did this dual currency system emerge?

Illustrating Ichabod

Imagine a dark and stormy night. A headless horseman chases a frantic school teacher through the woods. What do you picture?
Read more stories from our blog

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Constitution Avenue, NW
Between 12th and 14th Streets
Washington, D.C.

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