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.

NEW EXHIBITION
“The Gunboat Philadelphia Preservation Project”
Third Floor East
Opens Thursday, July 3 - ongoing

Visitors of this new exhibition will be able to follow the multiyear project to preserve the gunboat USS Philadelphia, an iconic reminder of the spirit of the American Revolution. The Philadelphia was part of a small American fleet, hastily built in the summer of 1776, that stalled invading British forces, thus keeping the cause of liberty alive. During the battle, the gunboat was hit by a 24-pound cannon ball near its bow and sank. A salvage team found and raised the boat in 1935, and it was eventually moved to the National Museum of American History in time for it’s opening in 1964.

After 160 years under water and decades on display, the Philadelphia’s timbers are shrinking and the iron fittings disintegrating. Conservators are assessing the gunboat’s condition and monitoring the impact of factors such as temperature, humidity, and vibrations. The findings will inform a treatment plan that will ensure the survival of the Philadelphia for generations to come. 

LAST CHANCE

“Forensic Science on Trial”
Albert H. Small Documents Gallery, Second Floor East
Closes Saturday, July 5

This exhibition explores historic cases and how people influence the way forensic science is used in the pursuit of justice. The artifacts span more than 150 years of trials, represent at least twelve different techniques, and include items from three different “trials of the century.” Visitors see arsenic tests from the 1872 trial of Lydia Sherman, who was suspected of poisoning three of her husbands and eight children in her care, the first polygraph used for lie detection, and a modern apparatus for testing bitemarks on cadavers.

“¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States”
The Molina Family Latino Gallery
First Floor, East
Closing Sunday, July 20 

“¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States” in the Molina Family Latino Gallery of the National Museum of the American Latino will be on view through Sunday July 20 at the National Museum of American History. The exhibition presents concepts, moments, and biographies that illuminate the historical and cultural legacy of U.S. Latinas and Latinos. It includes historical case exhibits, 21 digital interactive experiences, the Somos theater and a learning lounge. Staff will offer two story hours and two guided tours on July 19. Check the National Museum of the American Latino website for exact times. 
 

PROGRAMS

History Film Forum presents:
“The Ride Ahead”
Thursday, July 3, 1-4:30 p.m.
Nicholas F. and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, Third Floor West
For details and free registration, visit the Museum’s events website

In collaboration with this year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival program: Youth and the Future of Culture, the museum will host a screening of “The Ride Ahead,” a documentary by Emmy-Award winning father-son filmmakers Dan and Samuel Habib. The film follows Samuel Habib, a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Following the screening, the filmmakers will be in conversation with lawyer, scholar, activist and community organizer Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown and the audience.

 
MUSIC

“Music from the Hearts of America:
U.S. Navy Band Country Current Plays Bluegrass Music" 
Thursday, July 10, Noon & 1 p.m.
Flag Hall, Second Floor West 

The United States Navy Band Country Current is the Navy's premier country-bluegrass ensemble. The group is renowned for its versatility and musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. This seven-member ensemble employs musicians with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more. In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments.

“Music from the Hearts of America:
Rick Franklin performs the Piedmont Blues”
Saturday, July 12, Noon & 2 p.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, First Floor West
 
Franklin’s musical style is an acoustic finger style blues with vocals known as the “Piedmont Blues” identified with legendary players like Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore, along with late local players and friends like “Bowling Green,” John Cephas, John Jackson and Archie Edwards. He has been playing acoustic guitar and singing the Blues at community events, local festivals, international festivals, and various clubs, cafes and other venues since 1981.

“Music from the Hearts of America:
U.S. Marine Corps Plays American Music” 
Thursday, July 17, Noon & 2 p.m. 
Flag Hall, Second Floor West

"The President’s Own” United States Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress in 1798, and its mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The band's ensemble "Free Country" pays tribute to the men and women in uniform with country classics, patriotic favorites, and original works.

“Music from the Hearts of America:
Origem with the Lucini Bros & Friends: The Influence of Brazilian Music on Jazz”

Saturday, July 19, Noon & 2 p.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, First Floor West

This event will offer a dynamic and educational exploration of the lasting influence of Brazilian music, especially Samba, Bossa Nova and Baiao, on jazz.

Attendees will gain insight into how these rich Brazilian traditions have shaped and been woven into the fabric of jazz music.

VISITING

What to know:

The museum is open seven days a week, except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and passes are not required. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit.

Food:  

The Eat at America’s Table Cafe is open for complete food and beverage service. This summer, executive chef Mollie Kaufman presents a “Backyard BBQ” inspired menu, including BBQ Pork ribs, House Smoked Chicken Thighs with Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, and a variety of salads and pop-up specials. The Leroy Neiman Jazz Cafe also offers a summer menu featuring a turkey sandwich, classic Muffaletta, vegetable wrap, as well as a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo; along with desserts and hot and cold beverages, including Starbucks coffee. For more information, visit the website.

Bottled water is allowed in the museum. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle for fountains.

Stores:
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25 and in 2025, Jan. 20, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, K–12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media via Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

 

Amy Kehs | Read More

Amy Kehs is a brand strategist and communications expert for museums.