National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, we explore the infinite richness and complexity of American history. We help people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future.

The National Museum of American History collects and preserves more than 3 million artifacts—all true national treasures. We take care of everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Our collections form a fascinating mosaic of American life and comprise the greatest single collection of American history.

The Museum hosts a full roster of public programs, from demonstrations, lectures, and tours to immersive live theater experiences.

Indepen'Dance primary image

Indepen'Dance

Fri, Jun 19 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Beat Ya Feat Workshop and Go-Go Performance primary image

Indepen'Dance: Beat Ya Feat Workshop and Go-Go Performance

Fri, Jun 19 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge primary image

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge

Fri, Jun 19 • 5:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios primary image

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios

Sat, Jun 20 • 10:15 AM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios primary image

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios

Sat, Jun 20 • 11:30 AM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association primary image

Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association

Sat, Jun 20 • 1:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

History Film Forum presents Hairspray (1988) primary image

History Film Forum presents Hairspray (1988)

Sat, Jun 20 • 2:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Scott Silbert’s Biggest Big primary image

Indepen'Dance: Scott Silbert’s Biggest Big

Sat, Jun 20 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge primary image

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge

Sat, Jun 20 • 5:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

DJ Baronhawk Poitier primary image

DJ Baronhawk Poitier

Sat, Jun 20 • 6:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Leon City Sounds primary image

Indepen'Dance: Leon City Sounds

Sat, Jun 20 • 6:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Les the DJ primary image

Les the DJ

Sat, Jun 20 • 8:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

June 19Friday
Indepen'Dance primary image

Indepen'Dance

Fri, Jun 19 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Beat Ya Feat Workshop and Go-Go Performance primary image

Indepen'Dance: Beat Ya Feat Workshop and Go-Go Performance

Fri, Jun 19 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge primary image

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge

Fri, Jun 19 • 5:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

June 20Saturday
Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios primary image

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios

Sat, Jun 20 • 10:15 AM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios primary image

Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios

Sat, Jun 20 • 11:30 AM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association primary image

Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association

Sat, Jun 20 • 1:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

History Film Forum presents Hairspray (1988) primary image

History Film Forum presents Hairspray (1988)

Sat, Jun 20 • 2:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Scott Silbert’s Biggest Big primary image

Indepen'Dance: Scott Silbert’s Biggest Big

Sat, Jun 20 • 4:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge primary image

Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge

Sat, Jun 20 • 5:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

DJ Baronhawk Poitier primary image

DJ Baronhawk Poitier

Sat, Jun 20 • 6:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Indepen'Dance: Leon City Sounds primary image

Indepen'Dance: Leon City Sounds

Sat, Jun 20 • 6:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free

Les the DJ primary image

Les the DJ

Sat, Jun 20 • 8:00 PM

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Free