American History
Events April 16-18: Art Classes, 19th Century Laundry and the Peacock Room
This week, learn how to knit or make pottery, appreciate how much of a luxury your washing machine is and experience the prettiest room on the Mall
April 15, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
The Business of American Business Is Education
From corporate donations to workplace restrictions, what’s taught in the classroom has always been influenced by American industry
April 15, 2013 |
By Dana Goldstein
Document Deep Dive: What Was on the First SAT?
Explore the exam that has been stressing out college-bound high school students since 1926
April 12, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Lost in Space and Other Tales of Exploration and Navigation
A new exhibit at the Air and Space Museum reveals how we use time and space to get around every day, from maritime exploration to Google maps
April 11, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Spelling Bee Champs Will Actually Have to Learn the Meaning of the Fancy Words They Spell
This is the first time kids will have to define words in addition to spelling them, which the competition hopes will help speed along the process of identifying finalists
April 10, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Old Ebbets Field Opens One Hundred Years Ago Today
Revisiting a few pieces of baseball's past
April 09, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Two Musicians Make Historic Donations to Kick Off Jazz Appreciation Month
Two donations from living legends to the American History Museum represent the genre's global reach
April 09, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
How to Turn a Paper Image of a Record Into a Beautiful Music
You can't make sounds from books, except when you can
April 09, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher Dies at Age 87
Margaret Tatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and first woman to lead a Western power, died today at the age of 87
April 08, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
This Picture of Boston, Circa 1860, Is the World’s Oldest Surviving Aerial Photo
A sight from 2,000 feet, a view of 1860s Boston
April 03, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
A Georgia Town Is Requiring Gun Ownership. So Did the Founding Fathers.
A Georgia town may have just mandated gun ownership, but early Americans had the same idea back in 1792
April 02, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Dave Brubeck’s Son, Darius, Reflects on His Father’s Legacy
As a global citizen and cultural bridge-builder, Dave Brubeck captivated the world with his music, big heart and a vision of unity
April 02, 2013 |
By Joann Stevens
How Crisco Went From Cryst to Disco
The American History Museum covers all things grease for its April Fool's Day conference open to the public
April 01, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
America’s Got a Case of Souvenir Mania
A new book from a Smithsonian curator looks at the culture and business of memorabilia
April 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
How the DC-3 Revolutionized Air Travel
Before the legendary aircraft took flight, it took 25 hours to fly from New York to Los Angeles
April 2013 |
By Kathleen Burke
Where Was the Birthplace of the American Vacation?
First in rustic tents and later in elaborate resorts, city dwellers took to the Adirondacks to explore the joys of the wilderness
April 2013 |
By Tony Perrottet
Remembering the Last Great Worldwide Sailing Expedition
An 1838 journey pushed back the borders of the unknown
April 2013 |
By Michael Ruane
