U.S. History

A Model Son

Chesapeake Bay's maritime history comes alive in miniature wood carvings by a Maryland craftsman

The Smithsonian's Wurlitzer (its console above, with the Star-Spangled Banner) likely played the national anthem before movies.

It's a Wurlitzer

The giant of the musical instrument collection makes tunes— rootin '—tootin' or romantic

Cartwheels at 50

It's not such a hot idea to send us slides and other meltables through the mail.

Mail Call

You may have written to us. We may have even received it

President Abraham Lincoln delivering his second inauguration speech.

Absence of Malice

In a new book, Historian Ronald C. White, Jr., explains why Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, given just weeks before he died, was his greatest speech

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Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Blending statecraft and sport, table tennis matches between American and Chinese athletes set the stage for Nixon's breakthrough with the People's Republic

The condition of the main facade in 1979, showing absence of the main steps

Boss

The New York City courthouse that caused his downfall has been returned to its former glory, and Tweed's odious reputation has been refurbished

Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" theme was rejected at first, but the posters became classics.

Any Bonds Today?

When Uncle Sam passed the hat in World War II, Americans came up with $185 billion to buy U.S. bonds

Alexander Mitchell Palmer

Crackdown!

When bombs terrorized America, the Attorney General launched the "Palmer Raids"

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Gods and Moguls

After the events of September 11, even historical fiction takes on new meaning. Just ask Ted Turner

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Too Much?

Why does Smithsonian feel the need to be so topical?

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Martin as Muse

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Sharing the Wealth

$1,500,000,000!

Making the Smithsonian an even more splendid presence on the American landscape than ever before

Choice Victuals

For smithsonian's writers, the curiouser the better

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Taken by Surprise

A fireman stands behind rubble.

Aftershocks

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Hallowed Ground

An investigation of old grave sites in New England is unearthing hard truths about yankees and slavery

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Mongrel Nation

Time and again, America has demonstrated a resilience that is rooted in the remarkable diversity of her people

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Star-Spangled Principles

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