The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History preserves our nation’s collections and tells a full and complex history of the United States.

The National Museum of American History collects artifacts of all kinds—from gowns to locomotives—to preserve for the American people an enduring record of their past. We have more than 1.7 million objects and 22,000 linear feet of archival documents in our collection. Search the Collections. Learn More. About the Online Collection

The selection of images on display provided glimpses of the war front, illustrated participation on the home front, revealed the new roles of women, demonstrated new technologies, showed the breadth of military service, and depicted America’s allies and enemies at that time.

Welcome to the National Museum of American History! The museum’s world class collection of over 1.7 million objects helps tell the complex history of our nation. Hours. The museum is open every day, except December 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is …

Hours & Admission. Open every day, except December 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

Jan 23, 2025 · African American History. Black History Month is an important opportunity to revisit our shared past in a way that is inclusive of all people in the United States. During February, visit our topic page to explore the historical resources and special events our museum has to offer. Explore African American History

The National Museum of American History serves as the custodian of our national treasures and is honored to hold the public’s trust. At the heart of the museum are the dedicated professionals who care for its audiences, collections, resources, messages, buildings, and scholarship—all in service to the people of the United States.

This major exhibition examines how transportation—from 1876 to 1999—has shaped our American identity from a mostly rural nation into a major economic power, forged a sense of national unity, delivered consumer abundance, and encouraged a degree of social and economic mobility unlike that of any other nation of the world.

Hours & Admission. Open every day, except December 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

The National Museum of American History opened to the public in January 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology. It was the sixth Smithsonian building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Since then, some 4 million visitors a year have passed through the doors to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, public programs, educational activities ...