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American History

The Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum is just one of the many attractions to be enjoyed this holiday weekend.

Insider Visitor Tips for the Holiday Weekend

Must-see exhibits, little known facts and veteran visitor wisdom for your Thanksgiving weekend at the Smithsonian

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These Communities Decided Not To Rebuild After Disaster

It seems that despite always asking the question, the answer is always the same: rebuild. Except in these cases - when entire communities just pick up and leave

Archeologists Uncover Utah’s First Mormon Baptistry

Archeologists uncovered the remains of the first Latter-day Saints baptistry in Utah County, build around 1875

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The Life And Death of Wonder Bread

Clever advertising and technical innovations propelled Wonder Bread to the top

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The Space Shuttle Was Almost Called ‘Pegasus’

Alternate names for the Space Shuttle that nearly were: Starlighter, Pegasus, Space Clipper

Fire-fighting boats battle the blaze at BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil platform.

As BP Set to Plead Guilty for 2010 Spill, Some Good News From Gulf Wildlife

BP may be about to pay the largest criminal fine in U.S. history

Jason Moran: Making Jazz Personal

How a MacArthur Genius Fellow is using his life experience and musical genius to engge youth in jazz

Once the king of the road, the Conestoga Wagon could haul up to five tons of cargo.

Going West: The American History Museum’s Conestoga Wagon is a Must-See

An iconic piece of history comes out of storage just in time for Thanksgiving visitors

Henry Wiencek's book "Master of the Mountain" has caused much debate amongst Jefferson scholars this month.

Henry Wiencek Responds to His Critics

The author of a new book about Thomas Jefferson makes his case and defends his scholarship

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These Scientists Want The Election To Go On Even Longer

If these computer scientists have their dastardly way, the election season will be extended by a whole week - all for voting

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Pilgrims on Parade at the American History Museum

Pilgrim interpreters from the Plimoth Plantation arrive at the National Museum of American History

Star gaze with the Smithsonian at the Saturday Star Party.

Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways

This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker

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The 2012 Election’s Big Winner: Math

Independently of President Barack Obama’s win last night, this year’s campaign was one in which numbers trumped gut

Eleanor Roosevelt and Marian Anderson in Japan

Marian Anderson: Freedom Singer and Mentor To Generations

How a gifted black singer transformed opera and the nation through a lifetime of giving

New Jersey Will Be Able to Vote Online This Year, But You Probably Never Will

This week, the state is grappling with how to bring their citizens the vote

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Why Do We Vote on Tuesdays?

Tomorrow, Americans across the country will head to the voting booth and cast their ballots for the next president of the United States - but why always on Tuesday?

Cities, Bridges And Burning Man Don’t Build Themselves

As humankind expands into the far reaches of the world - we build things. Bridges, cities, buildings. How do those things get built?

Local hip-hop artist Substantial will perform at the American Art Museum.

Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music

This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial

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“Confederates Try to Burn New York”

A new poem by George Green

PHOTOS: The History of Abraham Lincoln on Film

The 16th president has been a Hollywood star and box office attraction since the earliest days of Hollywood

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