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Get involved in our 2016 theme: America Participates!
This year, the Museum is highlighting how participation—people joining together to accomplish shared goals—shapes many aspects of American life, from our democracy to our culture. Since... more
Through culture we explore what it means to be American.
American culture—our entertainment, our art, and our creative expressions of daily life—has the power to captivate, inspire, and transform us. It brings... more
Because the history of disability is the history of people, it is layered with objects, innovation, struggle, emotion, drama, and surprise. The group “People with Disabilities” has always been the largest “minority” group in America. This reality... more
Through programs, research, and collections the Smithsonian Food History project at the National Museum of American History invites communities near and far to come to the table. By learning more... more
The National Museum of American History contains many stories of innovation—and innovative things—that reflect the American peoples’ insatiable desire for game-changing ideas and new ways of doing things. From this page, you can discover... more
Latino history is American history. Latinos trace their origins to Latin America and other Spanish colonies, both in the Caribbean and in the contemporary United States. These groups include, but are not limited to, Indigenous, Mestizos, Afro-... more
LGBTQ+ history is a part of American history that the museum has been documenting since its founding, both knowingly and unknowingly.
Our collections span centuries and include objects related to protest and... more
A changing... more
In the United States, the influence of religion has extended far beyond home and houses of worship to virtually every facet of American life, from commerce to defense, politics to media, and education to entertainment. The Religion in America... more
Experience The Nation We Build Together, with signature exhibitions and interactive experiences in our newly renovated second floor west wing.
Centered on the ideas and ideals of America, the exhibitions – American Democracy: A Great Leap... more
Understanding women’s history is integral to understanding the American experience. Although often underrepresented in recorded histories, women helped build the United States of... more
The year 2018 marks the centennial of the Armistice ending the First World War. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this world-altering historical event marked the dividing line between historical and modern America. The war... more
