The National Museum of American History

Washington, D.C., United States

The National Museum of American History opened in 1964. In 1980, the museum was renamed the National Museum of American History to represent its mission of the collection, care, study, and interpretation of objects that reflect the experience of the American people. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the National Mall.

Each wing of the museum's three exhibition floors is anchored by a landmark object to highlight the theme of that wing. These include the John Bull locomotive, the Greensboro, North Carolina lunch counter, and a one of a kind draft wheel. Landmarks from pre-existing exhibits include the 1865 Vassar Telescope, a George Washington Statue, a Red Cross ambulance, and a car from Disneyland's Dumbo Flying Elephant ride.

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Address

National Mall, Washington, D.C., United States
See all sites in Washington, D.C.

Details

Founded: 1964
Category: Museums in United States

More Information

washington.org
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


National World War II Memorial (0,9 km)
White House (0,9 km)
Lincoln Memorial (1,8 km)
Washington Monument (0,5 km)
Smithsonian Institution Building (0,4 km)
United States Capitol (1,8 km)
Smithsonian American Art Museum (0,9 km)
National Gallery of Art (0,9 km)
National Theatre (0,6 km)


Mount Vernon (21 km)

User Reviews

Brianna Berry (14 months ago)
This is one of the favorite museums at the Smithsonian! The American History museum has so many icons of history and pop culture that you read about in textbooks and see in movies. With the number of exhibits they have, you could spend all day here and there is something for everyone! It is super kid friendly and very interactive. If you have to make a choice between which Smithsonian museums to visit, this one should be at the top of the list.
Kayla Olson (14 months ago)
Free to the public. This is one of the museums with the metal detectors. Have all bags out and ready to open, even wallets. Make sure all metal is out of your pockets. It goes by fast if everyone is prepared
Coley Smith (14 months ago)
Wonderful experience! We went on a weekend so it was crowded as usual, but the exhibits are being improved and added to all the time. We never visit the cafes or anything, as they are museum and just generally overpriced but that’s normal. The Americans at War exhibit is my favorite by far, and is definitely worth the trip in itself. It has tons for everyone to enjoy and covers a huge range of topics and artifacts for a family to enjoy. I’ll visit again!!!
Mohanadarshan Vivekanandalingam (14 months ago)
I loved this place. You will get to know many things about the American history at the end of the visit. Get ready to spend at least few hours in this place. It was a pleasant visit for us. The staff is very friendly. They do have washroom facility in all the floors. One of the must visit in Washington DC; you will really like it.
Krista Hanson (14 months ago)
It's a real mixed bag. The Star Spangled Banner flag is breathtaking. Additionally, one exhibit with the history of voting rights was particularly well curated, so much so I'm inclined to teach my students using it. On the other hand, the first lady exhibit is shameful. It's just a collection of dresses. Almost no mention at all of the political platforms developed by first ladies throughout history.
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In March 1242 at Klis Fortress, Tatars who were a constituent segment of the Mongol army under the leadership of Kadan suffered a major defeat while in pursuit of the Hungarian army led by King Béla IV. After their defeat by Croatian forces, the Mongols retreated, and Béla IV rewarded many Croatian towns and nobles with 'substantial riches'. During the Late Middle Ages, the fortress was governed by Croatian nobility, amongst whom Paul I Šubić of Bribir was the most significant. During his reign, the House of Šubić controlled most of modern-day Croatia and Bosnia. Excluding the brief possession by the forces of Bosnian King, Tvrtko I, the fortress remained in Hungaro-Croatian hands for the next several hundred years, until the 16th century.

Klis Fortress is probably best known for its defense against the Ottoman invasion of Europe in the early 16th century. Croatian captain Petar Kružić led the defense of the fortress against a Turkish invasion and siege that lasted for more than two and a half decades. During this defense, as Kružić and his soldiers fought without allies against the Turks, the military faction of Uskoks was formed, which later became famous as an elite Croatian militant sect. Ultimately, the defenders were defeated and the fortress was occupied by the Ottomans in 1537. After more than a century under Ottoman rule, in 1669, Klis Fortress was besieged and seized by the Republic of Venice, thus moving the border between Christian and Muslim Europe further east and helping to contribute to the decline of the Ottoman Empire. The Venetians restored and enlarged the fortress, but it was taken by the Austrians after Napoleon extinguished the republic itself in 1797. Today, Klis Fortress contains a museum where visitors to this historic military structure can see an array of arms, armor, and traditional uniforms.

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