The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Behring Center
Written by Sarah Worthy
When I first stepped into the doors of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, I thought this might be another boring tour of wars and presidents long in our past. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The National Museum of American History is the largest collection of artifacts that define what makes American Culture the most influential culture in the world.
Where else can you go to find a guitar used by Prince, a set of surgeons tools from the Civil War, and the prototype for the first microwave under one roof? The Museum of American History has over 3 million pieces that form an understanding of American Culture and what it is to be an American. As you walk past the exhibits, you will see items from our past that shaped American culture and the world today.
If you are bringing your children with you, there are a number on hands-on exhibits geared towards their curious nature. You can get passes for lab experiments and other science activities at the Hands On Science Center and you’ll find a number of exhibits that appeal to kids such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers and a doll house, donated by Faith Bradford in 1951 after she spent nearly half a century collecting and building its miniature furnishings.
Among the more popular exhibits you will find The Hall of Electricity where you can learn all about the inventions powered by electric current. There is the History in the News: Collecting September 11 exhibiting artifacts related to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Information Age: People, Information and Technology exhibit has early computers, a ham radio station, and even the Deep Blue Chess Computer on display.
The museum is located on the north side of the Mall and is open everyday except Christmas. It offers free guided tours daily. It offers free guided tours daily. For more information you can call 202-633-1000 (voice/tape).
