What is the primary mission of the National Museum of American History?

The primary mission of the National Museum of American History is to collect, preserve, and display the heritage of the United States. This encompasses artifacts related to social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history, making the nation's past accessible for study and understanding.

Where is the National Museum of American History located?

The National Museum of American History is located in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

What iconic artifact is displayed at the National Museum of American History?

Among the significant items displayed at the National Museum of American History is the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which inspired Francis Scott Key's famous poem.

What was the original name of the National Museum of American History when it opened?

The museum originally opened in 1964 under the name Museum of History and Technology.

When was the museum renamed the National Museum of American History?

The museum was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980, a change that better represented its mission to collect, care for, study, and interpret objects reflecting the experiences of the American people.

Who designed the National Museum of American History building?

The building housing the National Museum of American History was designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, making it one of their last projects.

What was the site of the museum previously used for?

Before the museum was built, the site was occupied by two temporary war buildings that were constructed in 1942.

Who is the current director of the National Museum of American History?

As of the provided text, Anthea M. Hartig is the director of the National Museum of American History, having succeeded John Gray.

What was the cost and duration of the museum's major renovation that concluded in 2008?

The museum underwent an $85 million renovation from September 5, 2006, to November 21, 2008, during which time it was closed to the public.

Which architectural firm was responsible for the museum's major renovation completed in 2008?

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill provided the architecture and interior design services for the museum's renovation, led by Gary Haney.

What were some of the key changes made during the 2006-2008 renovation?

Major changes included the creation of a new, five-story sky-lit atrium surrounded by artifact displays, a new grand staircase connecting the first and second floors, a new welcome center with landmark objects, new galleries like the Hall of Invention, and an environmentally controlled chamber for the Star-Spangled Banner flag.

What was the purpose of the west wing renovation that began in 2012?

The $37 million renovation of the west wing, which began in 2012, aimed to add new exhibition spaces, public plazas, and an education center. It also included panoramic windows overlooking the National Mall and new interactive exhibit features.

How are the exhibition floors of the museum organized?

Each wing of the museum's three exhibition floors is anchored by a landmark object to highlight the theme of that wing. Additionally, artifact walls, consisting of 275 feet of glass-fronted cases, line the first and second floor center cores, organized around various thematic areas.

What are some examples of landmark objects used to anchor the museum's exhibition floors?

Landmark objects include the John Bull locomotive, the Greensboro, North Carolina lunch counter, the 1865 Vassar Telescope, a George Washington Statue, a Red Cross ambulance, and a car from Disneyland's Dumbo Flying Elephant ride.

What themes are covered by the artifact walls in the museum?

The artifact walls are organized around themes such as arts, popular culture, business, work and economy, home and family, community, land and natural resources, peopling America, politics and reform, science, medicine, technology, and the United States' role in the world.

What can be found on the lower level of the museum?

The lower level of the museum features an exhibit called 'Taking America to Lunch,' celebrating the history of American lunch boxes, as well as the museum's food court, the Stars and Stripes Café, and ride simulators.

What are the main exhibition themes on the first floor?

The first floor's East Wing features exhibits on transportation and technology, including 'America on the Move' and 'Lighting a Revolution.' The West Wing addresses science and innovation with exhibits like 'Science in American Life featuring Robots on the Road' and 'Bon Appétit! Julia Child's Kitchen.'

What significant artifacts are featured in the first-floor 'America on the Move' exhibit?

The 'America on the Move' exhibit on the first floor features artifacts such as the Southern Railway locomotive no. 1401, Santa Cruz Railroad no. 3, and a Chicago 'L' elevated station diorama with a CTA 6000-series railcar.

What is the signature artifact for the first-floor West Wing's science and innovation exhibits?

The Vassar Telescope is the signature artifact for the first-floor West Wing, which houses exhibits on science and innovation.

What is displayed in the second floor's East Wing (2 East)?

The second floor's East Wing, 2 East, features exhibitions that consider American ideals. It includes the Albert Small Documents Gallery with rotating exhibits, and previously displayed an original copy of the Gettysburg Address.

What is the signature artifact for the second floor's East Wing (2 East)?

The Greensboro lunch counter is the signature artifact for the East Wing of the second floor (2 East).

Where is the Star-Spangled Banner flag displayed within the museum?

The original Star-Spangled Banner flag is displayed in a climate-controlled room at the heart of the museum, located in the center of the second floor (2 Center).

What interactive display accompanies the Star-Spangled Banner flag?

Across from the flag, an interactive display created by Potion Design features a full-size digital reproduction of the flag, allowing visitors to learn more about it by touching different areas.

What is the signature artifact for the second floor's West Wing (2 West)?

The George Washington statue, sculpted by Horatio Greenough, is the signature artifact for the West Wing of the second floor (2 West).

What historical structure is part of the 'Within These Walls' exhibit on the second floor?

An entire 18th-century colonial house, the Choate-Caldwell House (circa 1710/1760) from Ipswich, Massachusetts, is located on the second floor as part of the 'Within These Walls' exhibit.

What military history is featured on the third floor's East Wing (3 East)?

The third-floor East Wing (3 East) features exhibits focused on the military history of the United States, including 'The Price of Freedom: Americans at War' and the gunboat Philadelphia.

What exhibits are presented on the third floor's Center section (3 Center)?

The third-floor Center section (3 Center) presents 'The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden,' exploring the lives of U.S. presidents, and the permanent exhibit 'First Ladies of America,' showcasing their contributions and dresses.

What themes are covered in the third floor's West Wing (3 West)?

The third-floor West Wing (3 West) features exhibits on entertainment, sports, and music, including 'Thanks for the Memories: Music, Sports and Entertainment History,' the Hall of Musical Instruments, and 'The Dolls' House.' It also includes the exhibit 'Entertainment Nation' with items from various cultural icons and productions.

What is the 'Entertainment Nation' exhibit about?

The 'Entertainment Nation' exhibit features objects from cultural figures and productions such as Judy Garland, Prince, Selena, Muhammad Ali, Star Wars, Sesame Street, Hamilton, and more, highlighting American entertainment history.

What abstract sculpture is located at the National Mall entrance of the museum?

The 24-foot-tall abstract sculpture titled 'Infinity' was dedicated at the National Mall entrance in 1967. It was designed by José de Rivera and created by Roy Gussow.

Describe the sculpture 'Infinity'.

'Infinity' is an abstract sculpture made of a 16-foot-long, polished stainless steel ribbon placed atop a granite tower. It was one of the first abstract sculptures displayed at a major public building in Washington D.C.

What is the name of Alexander Calder's sculpture installed at the museum, and what is its history?

Alexander Calder's sculpture 'Gwenfritz' was installed on the west side of the museum. It was dedicated in 1969, moved in 1984, removed for restoration in 2013, and returned to its original site in a re-created reflecting pool in November 2014.

What was the original vision for Alexander Calder's 'Gwenfritz' sculpture?

Calder's original plan for 'Gwenfritz' envisioned it surrounded by water jets. However, architects and engineers determined that maintaining such a fountain would be challenging and the water spray could accelerate the deterioration of the metal.

What is the purpose of the Archives Center at the museum?

The Archives Center identifies, acquires, preserves, arranges, describes, and makes accessible significant archival records in various media and formats to document America's history and diverse cultures, supporting scholarship, exhibitions, and education.

What subject areas are particularly strong within the Archives Center's collections?

Subject strengths include the history of technology (radio, television, telegraph, computing, invention), advertising, marketing, entrepreneurship, commercial visual ephemera, American music (sheet music, jazz), and musical instruments, documented through business records, personal papers, film, video, sound recordings, photographs, and oral histories.

How does the Lemelson Center support education?

The Center provides free curricular materials to classrooms nationwide, organizes traveling museum exhibitions, offers research opportunities, and obtains archival collections related to invention for the museum's Archives Center.

What was the visitor count for the museum in 2023?

In 2023, the National Museum of American History received 2.1 million visitors, ranking it as the eighth-most visited museum in the U.S.

Who were some notable directors of the National Museum of American History?

Notable directors include Frank A. Taylor (1958–1964), Daniel J. Boorstin (1968–1973), Roger G. Kennedy (1979–1992), Brent D. Glass (2002–2014), John Gray (2015–2018), and Anthea M. Hartig (2018–present).

What was the 'Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty' exhibit about?

This exhibit, which ran from January 27 to October 14, 2012, was the first on the National Mall to explore a president's relationship with slavery. It focused on the lives of six major slave families at Monticello.

What was the '24 Hours in Cyberspace' exhibit?

Opened in January 1997, '24 Hours in Cyberspace' celebrated a large one-day online event from February 1996. Headed by photographer Rick Smolan, the exhibit featured 70 photos from the project and was mirrored online by Georgia Tech.

What was the 'A Nation of Nations' exhibit?

'A Nation of Nations' was the Smithsonian's salute to the American immigrant experience during the Bicentennial. It showcased numerous iconic rooms and examples of immigrants' contributions to the United States.

What is the significance of the McKim, Mead & White architectural firm in relation to the museum?

McKim, Mead & White was the renowned architectural firm responsible for designing the National Museum of American History building itself, marking it as one of their final projects.

What is the role of the Smithsonian Institution in relation to the National Museum of American History?

The National Museum of American History is part of the Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research centers administered by the U.S. government.

What is the significance of the museum's location on the National Mall?

Its location on the National Mall places the museum at a central and prominent site in Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible to visitors and situating it among other major national landmarks and institutions.

What does the 'First Ladies of America' exhibit feature?

The 'First Ladies of America' exhibit, located on the third floor, explores the contributions and changing roles of First Ladies throughout U.S. history, notably displaying their dresses as a visual representation of evolving times.

What is the purpose of the artifact walls within the museum?

The artifact walls, stretching 275 feet along the first and second floor center cores, serve as extensive displays of objects organized thematically, providing a comprehensive visual narrative of various aspects of American history and culture.

What is the significance of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' flag being the centerpiece of the renovated museum?

The flag's prominent display as a centerpiece signifies its immense historical and cultural importance to the United States, serving as a powerful symbol of national identity and history, and highlighting the museum's role in preserving such artifacts.

What types of media are preserved by the Archives Center?

The Archives Center preserves a wide range of media, including business records, personal papers, motion picture film, video and sound recordings, historical photographs, and oral histories, all documenting American history and culture.

How does the Lemelson Center foster creativity in young people?

The Lemelson Center fosters creativity through various initiatives, including providing free curricular materials to classrooms, organizing traveling exhibitions, and potentially through hands-on exhibits like the 'Spark!Lab' mentioned in the museum's layout.

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About the Museum

Location and Mission

The National Museum of American History, officially the Kenneth E. Behring Center, is a prominent museum situated in Washington, D.C. Its core mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the vast heritage of the United States, encompassing social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history.

Iconic Collections

The museum houses an unparalleled collection of artifacts that narrate the American story. Among its most treasured possessions is the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, a powerful symbol of national resilience and history.

Visitor Engagement

As part of the esteemed Smithsonian Institution, the museum is a major cultural landmark. In 2023, it welcomed approximately 2.1 million visitors, ranking it among the top most visited museums in the United States, underscoring its significance in public education and engagement.

A Historical Trajectory

Origins and Evolution

Established in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology, the institution was designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. Its mission expanded, leading to its renaming as the National Museum of American History in 1980, reflecting a broader mandate to interpret the American experience.

Leadership Milestones

The museum has seen distinguished leadership throughout its history. Notable directors include John Gray, who led the institution from 2012 to 2018, and Anthea M. Hartig, who assumed the directorship in December 2018, continuing the museum's legacy of scholarship and public outreach.

Modernizing Heritage

Major Renovations

The museum has undergone significant renovations to enhance visitor experience and preserve its collections. A major $85 million renovation from 2006 to 2008 introduced a new five-story atrium, improved exhibition spaces, and a climate-controlled environment for the Star-Spangled Banner.

Further enhancements included a $37 million renovation of the west wing, beginning in 2012, which added new exhibition spaces, public plazas, and interactive features, culminating in phased reopenings from 2015 to 2017.

Navigating the Museum

Exhibition Floors

The museum's layout is organized across three exhibition floors, each anchored by landmark objects that signify the themes of its wings. These include the historic John Bull locomotive, the Greensboro lunch counter, and the Star-Spangled Banner flag, among others.

Artifact Walls

Extensive artifact walls, stretching 275 feet, line the central corridors of the first and second floors. These displays are thematically organized, covering diverse aspects of American life such as arts, culture, business, science, technology, and the nation's global role.

Preserving Records

The Archives Center

The Archives Center plays a crucial role in the museum's mission by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible significant archival records. Its collections document American history and diverse cultures, with particular strengths in the history of technology, invention, advertising, and American music.

Fostering Innovation

Lemelson Center's Role

The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation is dedicated to documenting, interpreting, and disseminating knowledge about invention and innovation. It actively encourages creativity, particularly in young people, and fosters an appreciation for innovation's impact on American society.

The Center offers educational programs, publications, exhibitions, and symposia. It provides free curricular materials to schools nationwide, organizes traveling exhibitions, and supports research opportunities related to invention and innovation.

Notable Exhibits

Core Displays

The museum features permanent exhibitions that cover critical aspects of American history. These include displays on transportation and technology, science and innovation, American ideals, military history, the American presidency, and the nation's entertainment and cultural heritage.

Past Engagements

Throughout its history, the museum has hosted significant temporary exhibitions. These have explored diverse themes such as the complexities of slavery at Monticello, the early digital age with "24 Hours in Cyberspace," and the evolution of American culture through music, sports, and entertainment.

Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty
24 Hours in Cyberspace
Treasures of American History
A Nation of Nations

Connections

Smithsonian Affiliations

As a member of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum is part of a vast network of cultural and scientific institutions. This affiliation provides access to extensive resources and collaborative opportunities, enhancing its research and exhibition capabilities.

Related Portals

The museum's content is often linked to broader historical and cultural themes. Relevant Wikipedia portals include those dedicated to History, Trains, and the United States, offering further context and related information.

Official Resources

External Resources

For more in-depth information, explore the museum's official channels and related resources:

National Museum of American History Official Website
Archives Center
Smithsonian's Lemelson Center
Wikimedia Commons Media

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the National Museum of American History Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, which may not be exhaustive or entirely current. The information provided is not a substitute for professional historical research or direct consultation with museum experts.

This is not professional advice. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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About the Museum 🏛️

📍 Location and Mission

🌟 Iconic Collections

📈 Visitor Engagement

A Historical Trajectory 📜

🏗️ Origins and Evolution

🏛️ Leadership Milestones

Modernizing Heritage 🛠️

🔄 Major Renovations

Navigating the Museum 🗺️

🧭 Exhibition Floors

🖼️ Artifact Walls

Preserving Records 📚

🗄️ The Archives Center

Fostering Innovation 💡

🚀 Lemelson Center's Role

Notable Exhibits 🖼️

🇺🇸 Core Displays

⏳ Past Engagements

Connections 🔗

🏛️ Smithsonian Affiliations

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About the Museum

Location and Mission

Iconic Collections

Visitor Engagement

A Historical Trajectory

Origins and Evolution

Leadership Milestones

Modernizing Heritage

Major Renovations

Navigating the Museum

Exhibition Floors

Artifact Walls

Preserving Records

The Archives Center

Fostering Innovation

Lemelson Center's Role

Notable Exhibits

Core Displays

Past Engagements

Connections

Smithsonian Affiliations

Related Portals

Official Resources

External Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice