The National Museum of American History

(By: Taylor Schultz)

Location:   1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Visiting Hours:   10:00am to 5:30pm

Cost:   Free

Website:   www.americanhistory.si.edu

Phone:   (202) 633-3129

Located next to the Museum of Natural History, along the north side of the easterly section of the mall, is the National Museum of American History (NMAH). It's purpose is to inspire a broader understanding of our nation and its many people. It was first opened in January 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology. The name was changed in 1980 to the National Museum of American History. More than 50 years ago, on June 28, 1955, President Eisenhower signed the bill authorising $36 million for the museum. The Ground Breaking Began on August 22, 1958. Since it's opening, more than 4 million people visit the NMAH each year.

The National Museum of American History has more than 3 million objects, but only 5-8% are on display at any one time. A few of the highlights are:

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Dorothy's ruby-red slippers from the The Wizard of Oz. Because of their iconic stature, they are now among the most treasured and valuable of film memorabilia.  In the original novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy wore silver shoes. The movie's creators changed them to ruby to take advantage of the new technicolor film process.
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This is the original Washington Monument. When it was unveiled, the American people thought it was too risque and left it outside for years until it was donated to the Smithsonian.

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Kermit the Frog, a hand puppet created in 1955 by Jim Henson, belongs to America's beloved puppet troup, The Muppets. His most memorable role was as the leading Muppet character on Sesame Street starting in 1969. His hit song, “It's Not Easy Being Green” addressed racial and ethnic tensions. Kermit also played a lead role in The Muppet Show (1976–1980).

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Muhammad Ali  “The Greatest,” became famous for his boxing skills, charisma, and the controversy he generated outside the ring. In 1976 the Smithsonian acquired Ali's boxing gloves and robe for an exhibition on the American Bicentennial, A Nation of Nations. At the donation ceremony, before a crowd of reporters and cheering spectators, Ali predicted that his Everlast gloves would become “the most famous thing in this building.”

I think the highlight of our visit will probably be The Star Spangled Banner exhibit. We have talked a lot as a family about what happened at Baltimore's Fort McHenry. This is the actual flag that flew there in 1814, after a crucial victory over English forces during the War of 1812.  The site of this star spangled banner inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became our National Anthem.

After researching the National Museum of American History, I have become really excited about visiting it. I definitely think it will be one of my favorite parts of our trip.