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Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

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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

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

During the month of May, learn about the museum's commitment to share and document the histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Smithsonian Accepts “Fight the Virus, NOT the People” COVID-19 Banner

The museum collected the banner, used in an anti-Asian hate march in 2020, from the San Francisco Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in a May 10 ceremony.

1969 Ford LTD Lowrider, “Dave’s Dream,” Goes on Display at National Museum of American History

Cumulina the Cloned Mouse Acquired for National Collection

A Museum Moment: Steve Soboroff donates six typewriters used by notable artists

Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History To Remove Ruby Slippers From View in June

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From Our Blog

Black velvet ice skating costume with sheer long sleeves and a bodice accented with rhinestones and Swarovski crystals

Sparkles under the spotlight: Designing a costume for Kristi Yamaguchi

For the thousands of people who saw Kristi Yamaguchi perform during her professional career, the drama of this moment was heightened by her choice of costume—including a dazzling black dress that is part of our museum's permanent collection.

Detail from the cover of the magazine, ONE: The Homosexual Viewpoint, with a black-and-white illustration of the Biblical Magi

Servant of God: How a 1960s magazine addressed gay men’s spiritual needs

I was surprised . . . by the dialogue I encountered in a December 1960 issue of ONE: The Homosexual Viewpoint, titled “Homosexual, Servant of God,” which actively and openly discussed reconciling sexuality and Christian religious identity nine years before the famous Stonewall uprising in New York City.

Large stone shaped like a donut, with a hollow center. One side has cracked and broken away from the rest of the stone.

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Discovery and Revelation

Really BIG Money

Righting a Wrong

Many Voices, One Nation