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National Museum of American History

A tattered, torn, and singed American flag displayed against a white background.

Celebrating America 250 and Honoring the Memory of September 11, 2001

Here's what's happening this month at the National Museum of American History

Four U.S. Marine band members perform on stage inside the museum

Museum Happenings This August at the National Museum of American History

Storytime, Music and More!

illustration of a woman handing a musket to a militiaman at the doorway of a home while a child stands nearby and soldiers gather in the background.

How Did It Feel to Be an American Colonist in 1776? Probably Itchy, Achy and Slightly Nauseated

Trade the tricorn hats, bonnets and homespun shirts for flip-flops, sneakers and soccer jerseys, and the intrepid revolutionaries of 1776 would have looked a lot like the people of 2026. But their sense of embodiment and experience of health were markedly different from what Americans feel today

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Celebrating America 250 with the National Museum of American History

What's Happening in July 2026

Visitors look at the Star Spangled Banner. It is dimly lit in its gallery at the museum.

Celebrating America 250, Solstice, Civic Season and Flag Day at the National Museum of American History

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events!

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It's Time To Celebrate America's 250th at the National Museum of American History

Kicking off our celebration this month with programs, concerts and more!

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Music Takes Center Stage This Month at the National Museum of American History

Here's what's happening this month at the museum...

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First Lady Melania Trump’s second inaugural gown joins the Smithsonian collection

The gown joined the collection at a ceremony on February 20, 2026.

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Mark Your Calendar: March Happenings at the National Museum of American History

Here's what's planned for this month at the museum.

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Advertising for Love

For centuries, people have turned to personal ads to find love. Why were they so popular, and how did they develop their own quirky culture of communication?

Two coins, one shows the "heads" side and one shows the "tails" side.

A Tiny Medal Takes Center Stage on Football’s Biggest Night

The Libertas Americana is set to take center stage at this Sunday’s Super Bowl LX and this ceremonial “coin” is anything but ordinary.

Aerial view of the National Museum of American History

Museum Happenings in February 2026 at the National Museum of American History

Here's what's happening this month at the museum.

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What Five Objects Can Tell Us About the Life of Filipino Americans in the Early 20th Century

Large trunks discovered in a basement offer a window into the lives and struggles of early Filipino migrants

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New Exhibits and Programs for the New Year at the National Museum of American History

Happy New Year from the National Museum of American History

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Join Us For a Musical Month at the National Museum of American History

Come visit us this month for music and enjoy our festive decorations.

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October Highlights at the National Museum of American History: Exhibits, Events, Music and More

Here's what's happening at the museum this month.

Gunboat in new conservation lab

Museum Happenings This September: Hispanic Heritage Month, New Exhibits and More

Here's what's happening this month at the National Museum of American History

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell playing their instraments

August at the National Museum of American History

Exhibits, music and more this month at the museum.

bow section of the wooden boat

Museum Happenings This July: Exhibits, Music and More at the National Museum of American History

The calendar of exhibitions and events happening at the museum in July 2025.

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Museum Happenings in June at the National Museum of American History

Featuring Civic Season, Flag Day and Pride Month Events

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