American History
The Legend of Dolley Madison’s Red Velvet Dress
Before the burning of the White House, the First Lady saved some red draperies. Could she have made a dress from them?
June 15, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Events June 15-17: Phillip Thomas Tucker, The History of American Glass, Father’s Day Performance
Kick off this Father's Day weekend with these events for the whole family.
June 14, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
How Trees Defined America
Historian Erik Rutkow argues in a new book that forests are key to understanding how our nation developed and who we are today
June 14, 2012 |
By Amy Crawford
Lincoln’s Assassination, From a Doctor’s Perspective
The medical report from Charles Leale, the first doctor to tend to the dying president, was discovered at the National Archives. Smithsonian curator Harry Rubenstein shares his thoughts
June 12, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Events June 8-10: World Oceans Day, 100 Years of Girl Scouts, Hat-Making Workshop
This weekend celebrate World Oceans Day, 100 Years of Girl Scouts and hat designer, Lula Mae Reeves
June 07, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Madeleine Albright Welcomes New Citizens at the American History Museum
The former Secretary of State speaks about the importance of immigrants, being the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States government, and her famous diplomatic pins.
June 05, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Vote To Put An Icon in the American History Museum
From now through Friday, you have the chance to help decide which icon of American History will be featured in a new portrait by artist Robert Weingarten
May 24, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events May 25-27: Laundry Day, Healing and Aloha, 100 Artworks at the American Art Museum
This weekend, air out your dirty laundry, live the life of "aloha" and check out the American Art Museum's latest exhibit.
May 24, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
The 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the War of 1812
Why did the country really go to war against the British? Which American icon came out of the forgotten war?
May 22, 2012 |
By Tony Horwitz and Brian Wolly
Chuck Brown, Godfather of Go-Go, Dies at 75, But Will Live on at the Smithsonian
The guitarist and singer pioneered the genre of Go-Go and became intricately connected with DC's cultural identity
May 17, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
How a Fallout Shelter Ended up at the American History Museum
Curator Larry Bird tells of the adventure—from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Washington, D.C.
May 15, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Events May 11-13: Gardening for Healthy Living, Bolivian Festival, Steinway Series for Mother’s Day
Celebrate living well with Mom this weekend at Garden Fest, the Bolivian Festival and at the Steinway series with Mendelssohn Piano Trio.
May 10, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Events May 8-10: Carolyn Morrow Long, Encore Chorale Spring Concert, and The Unknown Aaron Burr
This week, get a book signed by New Orleans specialist Carolyn Morrow Long, enjoy a concert by the Encore Chorale, and discover the real Aaron Burr in a lecture by H.W. Brands.
May 07, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Patents Behind the Genius: Steve Jobs Exhibit Opens Soon at the Ripley Center
The S. Dillon Ripley Center hosts an exhibit of more than 300 of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' patents since 1980.
May 04, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Geronimo’s Decades-Long Hunt for Vengeance
Close by the Mormon colony of Colonia Dublan is an unlikely tourist attraction: the small hilltop where the legendary Apache leader exacted his revenge
April 20, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events April 17-19: Just a Dream, Craft Show Benefit, and Claudia Acuña
This week, bring the family to a play about eco-friendly practices, preview the Smithsonian Craft Show, and kick back to a Latin jazz concert.
April 16, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The American History Museum’s New Approach to Telling “American Stories”
A new exhibition at the American History Museum uses more than 100 objects to tell American stories from 1620 to 2008
April 13, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Ask Smithsonian: What Is Lightning? How Do Bees Make Honey? How Do Cats Purr?
Smithsonian experts answer your burning questions.
April 03, 2012 |
By Beth Py-Lieberman
Roberto Clemente: The King of Béisbol
Forty years ago, the sports superstar and humanitarian transcended baseball's borders
April 2012 |
By David Maraniss
Events March 30-April 1: Tap Festival, Mysteries of Mail, Japanese Paper Dioramas
The weekend is packed with dance events, family fun and some crafty ideas for the whole family
March 29, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith

