National Museum of American History: The USA's central depot for all things Americana
From the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, to Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” the newly renovated National Museum of American History is the nation’s largest central depot for storage, viewing and appreciation of all things Americana.
Part of the Smithsonian series of museums along the national mall in downtown Washington, the 750,000-square-foot museum was first opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology but changed to the current designation in 1980.
The museum recently experienced a massive two-year renovation, re-opening in late 2008, and major changes include:
- a central five-story atrium with skylight and stunning new 40-foot-by-19-foot “waving flag” made of 960 reflective panels;
- a grand staircase connecting the museum’s first and second floors;
- 10-foot-high artifact walls on the first two floors showcasing the most popular of the museum's 3 million historical pieces;
- a new lobby for the 275-seat Carmichael Auditorium, and
- new retail shops and restaurants.
Each section of the facility's three exhibition floors is anchored by a landmark object, such as the John Bull locomotive, the 1865 Vassar Telescope, the Greensboro lunch counter, George Washington Statue, a Red Cross ambulance and a Dumbo ride car.
New artifact walls composed of 275 feet of glass-fronted cases line the first and second floor center core. These walls are arranged around themes such as arts; popular culture; business, work and economy; home and family; community; land and natural resources; peopling American; politics and reform; science; medicine; technology, and America's role in the world.
The museum sponsors an ongoing schedule of public programs, from demonstrations, lectures and tours to storytelling and festivals. Music programs offer performances by chamber music ensembles, a jazz orchestra, gospel choirs, folk and blues artists and Native American singers and dancers. Check the museum’s comprehensive web site before visiting.
As with most Smithsonian museums, admission is free, and it’s open every day of the year except Dec. 25. But if you want to get the most out of your visit, avoid typically busy American holidays, and be prepared to spend an entire day here.
Posted by Jim Brown
