The National Museum of American History
Date Visited: June 18, 2006
Hours: closed
Admission: free
Contact Information:
Located on the National Mall 
Washington, D.C.
Email: info@si.edu
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Facts: The Museum opened to the public in January 1964 as the National Museum of History and Technology. In 1980, the Museum's name was changed to the National Museum of American History to better represent its basic mission. The is currently closed for renovation and is not scheduled to reopen until the summer of 2008.
Mission Statement: "The National Museum of American History dedicates its collections and scholarship to inspiring a broader understanding of our nation and its many peoples. We create learning opportunities, stimulate imaginations, and present challenging ideas about our country's past."
Experience: I visited the The National Museum of American History this summer while in D.C. A lot of times there is a long line to get into the museum but when I went, the line was not bad at all. When I walked through the door, I saw the huge flag that was hung outside of the pentagon on 9/11 hanging on the back wall. The wear and tear was apparent and it brought a flood of memories of the day into my mind. The flag is not completely attached to the wall so it waves as people pass by. After I paid my respects to the flag, I decided to walk through the exhibit on the first ladies. This exhibit offered great information about the roles the various first ladies played while their husbands' were in the White House. A l
ot of information was given about the issues and causes for which they fought. It also included information about how demanding the role of first lady can be, in keeping up an image and playing hostess. Many of the first ladies' dresses were on exhibit. Mary Todd Lincoln's dress is shown to the right. She the wore the dress in a photograph taken by Matthew Brady. The lighting was very low and the dresses were behind protective glass in order to preserve their delicate fabrics. Although the lighting made it difficult to see details of the gowns, it is an understandable measure the museum must take in caring for the collection. It was not only neat to see the dresses because they were once worn by these great women but also to witness the dramatic changes in style over the periods. Although this exhibit is now closed, it does travel to other museums. The exhibit is currently at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. In March of next year, it is booked to go to the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus, OH. The exhibit costs $100,000 for a 12-week booking period and that does not include shipping. While the museum is closed, they still have their travelling exhibits as well as exhibits in other Smithsonian museums. For example, an exhibit entitled Treasures of American History is g
oing to be shown in the National Air and Space Museum opening November 17th of this year. The exhibit will include more than 150 of the museum's items, including Kermit the Frog and Dorothy's ruby slippers.
The National Museum of American History
Date Visited: June 18, 2006
Hours: closed
Admission: free
Contact Information:
Located on the National Mall 
Washington, D.C.
Email: info@si.edu
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Facts: The Museum opened to the public in January 1964 as the National Museum of History and Technology. In 1980, the Museum's name was changed to the National Museum of American History to better represent its basic mission. The is currently closed for renovation and is not scheduled to reopen until the summer of 2008.
Mission Statement: "The National Museum of American History dedicates its collections and scholarship to inspiring a broader understanding of our nation and its many peoples. We create learning opportunities, stimulate imaginations, and present challenging ideas about our country's past."
Experience: I visited the The National Museum of American History this summer while in D.C. A lot of times there is a long line to get into the museum but when I went, the line was not bad at all. When I walked through the door, I saw the huge flag that was hung outside of the pentagon on 9/11 hanging on the back wall. The wear and tear was apparent and it brought a flood of memories of the day into my mind. The flag is not completely attached to the wall so it waves as people pass by. After I paid my respects to the flag, I decided to walk through the exhibit on the first ladies. This exhibit offered great information about the roles the various first ladies played while their husbands' were in the White House. A l
ot of information was given about the issues and causes for which they fought. It also included information about how demanding the role of first lady can be, in keeping up an image and playing hostess. Many of the first ladies' dresses were on exhibit. Mary Todd Lincoln's dress is shown to the right. She the wore the dress in a photograph taken by Matthew Brady. The lighting was very low and the dresses were behind protective glass in order to preserve their delicate fabrics. Although the lighting made it difficult to see details of the gowns, it is an understandable measure the museum must take in caring for the collection. It was not only neat to see the dresses because they were once worn by these great women but also to witness the dramatic changes in style over the periods. Although this exhibit is now closed, it does travel to other museums. The exhibit is currently at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. In March of next year, it is booked to go to the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus, OH. The exhibit costs $100,000 for a 12-week booking period and that does not include shipping. While the museum is closed, they still have their travelling exhibits as well as exhibits in other Smithsonian museums. For example, an exhibit entitled Treasures of American History is g
oing to be shown in the National Air and Space Museum opening November 17th of this year. The exhibit will include more than 150 of the museum's items, including Kermit the Frog and Dorothy's ruby slippers.
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