National Museum of American History, History museum in National Mall, Washington, United States
The National Museum of American History is a history museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., housed in a building designed by McKim, Mead & White that opened in 1964. Its three exhibition floors display three million objects, with landmark artifacts anchoring each wing, such as the John Bull locomotive and the Greensboro lunch counter. A five-story skylit atrium, added in the 2008 renovation, is surrounded by glass cases of artifacts.
The museum opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology in a new building, reflecting growing interest in science and everyday culture. The name changed in 1980 to clarify the focus on American narratives and identity.
The Fort McHenry flag from the War of 1812 hangs in a specially designed chamber with controlled lighting to protect the historic fabric. Visitors can view the hand-sewn stars and stripes up close while an interactive display explains the banner's story during the British bombardment.
Access is through Federal Triangle or Smithsonian metro stations, both a short walk from the entrance. The museum is open Friday to Tuesday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with galleries typically less crowded in the early afternoon.
The museum's collection numbers about three million artifacts. Among the landmark objects placed in each wing are the John Bull locomotive, the Greensboro lunch counter from the Woolworth store where a 1960 sit-in began, a draft wheel, the 1865 Vassar Telescope, a George Washington statue, a Red Cross ambulance, and a car from Disneyland's Dumbo ride.
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