From Revolutionary War History to Macaroni and Cheese: What’s Happening at the National Museum of American History This October

Your Guide to October at the museum: Revolutionary History to celebrate America 250, new exhibitions and more

FEATURED:

“The Gunboat Philadelphia Preservation Project”
Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Third Floor, East
 
Gunboat Philadelphia: Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island 
The Philadelphia was part of a small American fleet, hastily built in the summer of 1776, that stalled a British invasion from Canada. During the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776, the gunboat was hit by a 24-pound cannonball near its bow and sank to the bottom of Lake Champlain. A salvage team found and raised the boat in 1935, and it was eventually moved to the National Museum of History and Technology (the museum’s original name) in time for its opening in 1964. After 160 years underwater and decades on display, the Philadelphia is undergoing a customized treatment to clean and stabilize it with the latest conservation technology in order to ensure the survival of the vessel for generations to come. Through two viewing windows, visitors can commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island and follow the conservation project to preserve this iconic reminder of the spirit of the American Revolution.
 

Gunboat Philadelphia VR: “Gunboat Philadelphia: Save the Revolution!”

Daily, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
Third Floor, East
 
Visitors don goggles and step back to 1776 with this Virtual Reality activity to experience “Gunboat Philadelphia: Save the Revolution!” and discover how thousands of patriots worked together to thwart a British invasion. Tickets are $10 or $8 for same-day repeat visits.
 

NEW EXHIBITIONS

“American Stories: Artists’ Books from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives”
Opening Thursday, October 8 – ongoing
Smithsonian Libraries Gallery, First Floor, West
 Works of art inspired by books delve into personal, collective and national histories in Smithsonian Library and Archives’ new exhibition, “American Stories,” featuring more than 50 artists’ books from its collection. The exhibition explores American identity and experience through this versatile and inventive medium, and includes a commemoration of Native Hawaiian culture, a Louisiana community’s rituals as a hurricane rolls in and an artist’s celebration of her heritage through African and American fabrics. A variety of artists’ books will be on view, including one-of-a-kind works, examples from famed American artists such as Sol LeWitt and Ed Ruscha, and recent acquisitions from contemporary artists. Accompanying workshops and public programs will be announced later this year.
 

“Good Mythical Morning”
Opening October 22
Outside Entertainment Nation, Third Floor, West
 

The museum collected two blindfolds and a microphone from internet personalities Rhett James McLaughlin (Rhett) and Charles Lincoln Neal III (Link), the hosts of a YouTube channel titled “Good Mythical Morning” and founders of Mythical Entertainment, a media company in 2024. These objects will be on display outside of “Entertainment Nation,” a major ongoing exhibition showcasing the museum’s vast collections related to theater, music, sports, movies and television.

ONGOING EXHIBITION

“In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness”
Ongoing, through the end of 2026

Throughout the National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will lead the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a bold, immersive exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” features 250 objects across 250,000 square feet of the museum’s three public floors, including the desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence; the oldest surviving intact American fighting vessel, the gunboat Philadelphia; and the Star-Spangled Banner, the 1813 flag that inspired the National Anthem. A free guide is available to help locate the artifacts, which range from the 1700s to the 21st century. 

FOOD HISTORY

Cooking Up History:  “The Global Journey of Macaroni and Cheese with Karima Moyer-Nocchi”
Friday, October 2; Noon – 1 p.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza; First Floor, West

Culinary historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi, author of “The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese: From Ancient Rome to Modern America” will demonstrate macaroni pie, the unofficial national dish of Barbados and explore how cooks across the Caribbean adapted ingredients, techniques and flavors. Megan Elias, the museum’s Winiarski Curator of Food and Wine History will engage Moyer-Nocchi in a lively conversation and Q&A with the audience. Following the demonstration, Moyer-Nocchi will sign copies of her book, available for purchase. 

FILM

History Film Forum Presents:
“Faith Healers” (2025)
Wednesday, October 28; 7 p.m.
Warner Bros. Theatre; First Floor, Center
 
The History Film Forum will present “Faith Healers”, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. The documentary explores the untold history of Filipino doctors who left their homeland to care for Americans and in particular looks at the life of Dr. Zorayda Lee-Llacer, her many contributions to American healthcare. Viewers will get a glimpse of the challenges and achievements of a vibrant Filipino American community that grew just outside the nation's capital in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A panel conversation following the screening will include the film’s director, Regina Aquino and others.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

The Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Presents:
“The Axelrod String Quartet – Stradivarius and Amati”
Sat. October 31, 7:30 p.m.
Sun. November 1, 6:30 p.m.
Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music; Third Floor, West

The 50th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society showcases musical masterpieces from the early 17th to the middle of the 20th century, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences have the unparalleled experience of hearing two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicolo Amati. This concert features Mark Fewer and Marc Destrubé, violins), Joan DerHovsepian, viola, and Kenneth Slowik, violoncello in a performance of the Quartet in G Major, Op. 54, No. 1 by Haydn; the Quartet in A Minor, Op. K 464, the “Drum” by Mozart and the Quartet in A Major, Op. 18, No.5 by Beethoven.


To purchase tickets: Members $32; Non-members $36

Sat. October 31: The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati (Saturday series) - Smithsonian Associates 
Sun. November 1: The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati (Sunday series) - Smithsonian Associates
 

STORY TIME

Story Time with D.C. Public Library
Wednesday, October 28; 10:45 a.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza; First Floor, West 
 
The museum hosts a monthly “Story Time” in collaboration with the DC Public Library. Children, and their grown-ups, enjoy a story to explore language and literacy skills. “Story Time” is designed for learners ages 5 and under, but all are welcome. For more details, visit the website.
 

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:

This fall, Chef Arnold and his team will bring the cozy, fall flavors to Eat at America’s Table Cafe. Open for complete food and beverage service daily, it will offer Roast Chicken and local Heirloom Apples, Rainbow Trout in a Hazelnut Brown Butter, Caramelized Cipollini Onions, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Wilted Kale, Shallot & Mushroom, Shaved Kohlrabi and Green Apple Slaw on the side. The Leroy Neiman Jazz Cafe will continue to offer Starbucks Coffee, hot and cold beverages, seasonal cafe favorites, and a selection of desserts. For more information, visit the website.

Bottled water is allowed in the museum. Refillable water bottles for fountains are recommended.

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.