National Museum of American History
(Smithsonian Institution)

Closed for Renovations until Summer 2008

" How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!"
Thomas Jefferson

Sometimes referred to as the "nation's attic," common and unusual items, inventions from average American citizens to U.S. Presidents are donated to the American History Museum showcasing our nation's cultural, scientific and technological heritage. View inaugural ball gowns donated by First Ladies from Jacqueline Kennedy to Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dorothy's famous ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Mr. Roger's sweater, Fonzie's leather jacket, Edgar Bergen's dummy "Charlie McCarthy, " Edith and Archie Bunker's chairs from the hit television show, All in the Family. In addition, see Lincoln's top hat, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Foucault pendulum, which demonstrates the rotation of the earth.