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American History

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Obama Campaign Office Acquired by NMAAHC

The Falls Church, Virginia, office provides record of a historic victory, now part of the collections

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Official Smithsonian Word on Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Gown

When will the Smithsonian receive and display Michelle Obama’s inaugural dress?

Philip B. Kunhardt III, author of Lincoln's Contested Legacy.

Philip Kunhardt on “Lincoln’s Contested Legacy”

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Smithsonian Inaugural Collections Grow with Obama Souvenirs

Over the inaugural weekend, Smithsonian curators were among the crowds searching for significant artifacts that will later mark the historical moment

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First Ladies At the Smithsonian

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Weekend Events: It’s an Inauguration Celebration!

Inauguration History

From Washington to Biden, Inauguration History

Every four years, D.C. celebrates the presidential inauguration

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From Edison’s Light Bulb to the Ball in Times Square

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The Stories Behind Holiday Songs

This Sunday, at the National Museum of American History, three theatrical performers sang a version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Inauguration of President Kennedy on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol.

Inauguration History

Inaugural Firsts

When was the first inaugural parade? Who had the longest inaugural address? A look at presidential inaugurations through time

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Smithsonian Weekend Events December 12-14

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Smithsonian Events Week of December 8-14

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Guess the Crowd at American History Museum

Mary's marriage to Cord Meyer would reflect Washington's gender dramas.

44 Years Later, a Washington, D.C. Death Unresolved

Mary Pinchot Meyer’s death remains a mystery. But it’s her life that holds more interest now

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Sneak Peek at the film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

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Top 10 Reasons to Visit the National Museum of American History This Weekend

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American History Transformed, Watch the New Museum Evolve

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the National Museum of American History’s building as it is transformed

In a Kickstarter campaign, 5,300 backers raised $300,000 to help the Smithsonian conserve the Ruby Slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in the popular 1939 film.

The Ruby Slippers Return to the Museum of American History

Frank sought to compile "a spontaneous record of a man seeing this country for the first time." Indianapolis, 1956 is typically short on particulars but laden with symbols.

Robert Frank’s Curious Perspective

In his book The Americans, Robert Frank changed photography. Fifty years on, it still unsettles

Wall Street with Trinity Church in the distance.

The Financial Panic of 1907: Running from History

Robert F. Bruner discusses the panic of 1907 and the financial crisis of 2008

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