National Museum of American History

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What's Happening in September: Events, Exhibits and More!

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

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Spanish-language Television Turns 70 in Puerto Rico

WKAQ, Channel 2 Began Broadcasting March 28, 1954

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Sports Inventions, Music and More, Check Out These March Happenings

March Happenings include a new exhibition, a new online educational video series and the 46th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

Hand-stitched American flag

How This WWII Flag Fulfilled a General's Dying Wish

Private José Quintero struggled to create this flag in secret while held as a prisoner of war during World War II

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Fall in Love With These October Events

Chilly weather got you down? Step inside and experience food history, fast cars, beer tasting, chamber music, and more this October!

Gordo comic strip. Uncle Mio (wearing a suit and carrying a box of chocolates bouquet of flowers) talks to his nephew, who explains the qualities of different types of flowers. Behind the two figures appear precise, scientific diagrams of flowers.

How Gus Arriola and Gordo Became Accidental Ambassadors of Mexican Culture

When Arriola started his comic strip, words like 'burrito' were unknown in the United States

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The Artistry Behind a Baseball Bat

Commemorate Roberto Clemente Day by learning what goes into a baseball bat

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Reflecting on the Ten Year Anniversary of DACA

Three undocumented organizers share their reflections from inside the movement

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The Workers' Turkey

Like many homes across America, in my home Thanksgiving meant turkey. Lots of turkeys. And employers gave out these big birds as work incentives, to ensure that their working-class employees wouldn't go without this crown jewel on their table.

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The Washington Senators Couldn't Win—but Excelled at Scouting Latino Talent

The Senators’ spectacular losing record obscures one of the most important stories in baseball history: the club's role in integrating Latino players into the major leagues

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Carlos Martinez, Patriot and Philanthropist

The Defense Department discriminated against Latino veterans — Carlos Martinez decided to do something about it

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Essential or Expendable? How the UFW Fights for Farmworkers

Agricultural labor is often overlooked, but it is critical to understand its history, especially as COVID-19 shines a light on unchecked abuse and exploitation

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How Butterfly Wings Helped a New Collecting Initiative Take Flight

It’s perhaps unusual—but not unprecedented—that people without citizenship papers can effect change in government policy.

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Ten Objects That Will Help You Understand Latinx History

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve put together a top 10 list of the museum’s most exciting Latinx history objects.

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Baseball Uniforms Honor Latino Heritage on the Field

Puerto Rican baseball legend Roberto Clemente once declared, “When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth.”

Rea Ann Silva with an oversized version of the Beautyblender sponge (Courtesy of Beautyblender)

How Rea Ann Silva Invented the Beautyblender—and Changed Makeup Forever

Silva’s work as a makeup artist on "Girlfriends" unexpectedly thrust her into the beauty products industry as an innovator and entrepreneur

Girlhood (It’s complicated) opened to the public on October 9, 2020. Artwork by Krystal Quiles for NMAH.

Why Did the Smithsonian Create an Exhibit About Girlhood?

The museum had a bold new idea—it was going to create an exhibition about girlhood

Photograph for a Coca-Cola ad featuring Selena, 1994. Photo by Al Rendon. (NMAH)

How Do We Remember Selena?

Three women on the National Museum of American History staff share their personal connections with Selena and discuss why her legacy matters not just to them but to many Americans.

Rendon working on a photoshoot with Selena, 1994. Photo courtesy of Rick Tolar. (NMAH)

How an Advertising Photographer Created Some of the Most Iconic Images of Selena

Who wouldn't want to share a Coke with Selena?

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