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New Additions to the First Ladies Collection

Entertainment Nation / Nación del Espectáculo

Now on view in our Culture Wing

¡Presente!  A Latino History of the United States

A new exhibition from the National Museum of the American Latino

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Empowering people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.

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Smithsonian Adds First Lady Jill Biden’s Inaugural Ensembles to Its Historic First Ladies Collection

First Lady Jill Biden presented two dress and coat ensembles during a January 25 ceremony at the museum.

National Museum of American History Will Preserve Alexander Graham Bell’s Experimental Sound Recordings

New Culture Wing Showcases Role of Entertainment in American Life

See full events calendar
See more news items

From Our Blog

Jill Biden’s ensemble from the 2021 inauguration's swearing-in ceremony. The ensemble’s dress, and coat are ocean blue. The tweed dress’s neckline is decorated with Swarovski pearls and crystals.

New dresses, new traditions: Jill Biden’s inaugural ensembles go on view

Today first lady Jill Biden came to our museum to present her inaugural ensembles to the national collection and see them placed on exhibition. The addition of these dresses to the national collection is part of an ongoing tradition—one that millions of people experience every year in our exhibition The First Ladies.
A woman’s blue American Women’s Voluntary Services uniform jacket and shirt posed on a mannequin torso. The uniform includes a large shoulder bag decorated with badges and pins. 

Betty White's shoulder bag is a time capsule of World War II

On December 31, 2021, the beloved actress Betty Marion White Ludden (1922–2021) passed away at 99 years old, weeks shy of her hundredth birthday. Countless tributes and condolences from around the country poured in, honoring her and remembering her vast legacy.
Black and white photo of Riker electric automobile parked outside. 

Will electric cars help save the environment? 

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, it turns out that is the kind of innovation and technology query that sends curators down a research rabbit hole.
Read more stories from our blog

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