American History
The List: Smithsonian-Inspired Halloween Costumes
For all you last-minute costume shoppers, here's this year's list of Smithsonian DIY ideas
October 27, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
The Civil War 150 Years: Lord’s Famous Autograph Quilt
A Civil War teenager covers her quilt with the signatures of Union leaders
October 25, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Dizzy Gillespie and His Bent Trumpet
On this day in 1917, one of the most influential and unconventional American jazz musicians was born
October 21, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The List: Legends Play Ball at the Smithsonian
With the World Series set to start, see some of the all-time baseball greats in the Institution's collections
October 19, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Transistor Radio Launches the Portable Electronic Age
On this day in 1954, the commercial introduction of the a new device revolutionized consumer electronics forever
October 18, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Musician Esperanza Spalding Donates Nobel Dress to the American History Museum
An up-and-coming jazz star donates the dress from her legendary performance at the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony Honoring President Barack Obama to the American History Museum
October 17, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Remembering Gay Rights Activist Frank Kameny (1925-2011)
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has artifacts from Kameny's early days in the gay rights movement in its collection
October 14, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
The Many Contributions of Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
The extraordinary career of the entrepreneur is chronicled in the Smithsonian collections
October 06, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
The Civil War 150 Years: The Washington Eight
After plotting to kill Lincoln and other Union leaders, a group of Confederate conspirators was put on trial
October 04, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events Oct. 3-6: Butterfly Pavilion, Quiltmaking Demonstration, America in Black and White and African Drumming
This week, see exotic insects, learn a new craft, be part of a thought-provoking discussion on race and join a drum circle
October 03, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Weekend Events Sept. 30 – Oct. 2: Treasures at the Museum, Columbus Day Legacy, and Portrait Discovery
This weekend, get a book autographed, see a thought-provoking documentary, and see the Portrait Gallery in a whole new way
September 29, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The List: Medical Innovations at the Smithsonian
On the anniversary of the legendary discovery of polio, take a tour of the most significant medical inventions in history
September 28, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Legendary Performer Diosa Costello Donates Wardrobe to Smithsonian
A pioneer of theater, nightclubs and Broadway gives her costumes to the American History Museum
September 27, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Origin of Blue Jeans
On the anniversary of Levi Strauss' death, learn the creation story of one of the most popular articles of clothing
September 26, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Meet Michael Pahn: The Fiddle and The Violin are Identical Twins (that Separated at Birth)
Guest blogger and musician Michael Pahn prefers his fiddle to a violin, though they are the same instrument
September 21, 2011 |
By Michael Pahn
National Museum of African American History and Culture Visits Mississippi
Curators review family heirlooms brought in to the B.B. King Museum in Indianola
September 20, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
The Real Birth of American Democracy
This week, 215 years ago, the lofty ideals of the Constitution passed their first test
September 20, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events Sept. 19-22: The Life of Cleopatra, Aldabras Galore, Celebrate the Land, and La Buena Vida
This week, hear about the queen of ancient Egypt, see some of the world's largest tortoises, talk to curators about the environment, and more
September 19, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Celebrating the Face of the Blues
At 15,000 performances and counting, American music legend B.B. King turns 86 today
September 16, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events Sept 12-15: The Star-Spangled Banner, The Chawaytiri of Peru, Smith Art Lecture, and Airmen of Note
See American history come alive, listen to lectures by distinguished speakers, and enjoy the sounds of one of the country's top jazz bands
September 12, 2011 |
By Joseph Stromberg
