The National Museum of American History is one of the most visited museums in Washington D.C. and for a good reason too. This museum is home to over 3 million objects that help tell the story of America’s history, culture, and people. In this post, we will take a look at the top 10 things you must see when you visit this incredible museum.
1. Star-Spangled Banner Exhibit
One of the most iconic exhibits in the National Museum of American History is the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit which features the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. The flag measures 30 by 34 feet and has been preserved under special conditions since it was first made in Baltimore in 1813.
2. First Ladies’ Dresses Exhibit
Another popular exhibit at this museum is the First Ladies’ Dresses exhibit which showcases dresses worn by every First Lady from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. These dresses are not only beautiful but they also represent different eras and fashion trends throughout history.
3. Abraham Lincoln’s Hat
Abraham Lincoln’s hat is one of those items that everyone wants to see when they visit this museum because it holds so much history within itself. The hat sits inside a glass case on display with other items that belonged to him such as his watch and gloves.
4. Kermit the Frog Puppet
Kermit The Frog puppet may be an unexpected item on this list but he holds significant cultural importance as Jim Henson created him back in 1955 for his television show “Sam and Friends”. Since then, Kermit has become an icon of pop-culture making appearances on shows like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
5. Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard Of Oz”
“The Wizard Of Oz” remains one of America’s favorite movies till date partly due its iconic ruby slippers worn by Dorothy (Judy Garland) throughout her journey through Oz. The museum has these slippers on display and visitors can see them up close.
6. Julia Child’s Kitchen
The National Museum of American History is home to the kitchen of famous chef and television personality, Julia Child. Her iconic kitchen was donated by her family after her death in 2004 and features appliances, cookbooks, and utensils used by Julia while she filmed her show “The French Chef”.
7. George Washington’s Sword
George Washington’s sword is another popular exhibit at this museum because it represents so much about America’s history given that he led the Continental Army to victory during the Revolutionary War which led to America’s independence.
8. Greensboro Lunch Counter
One of the most important items on display at this museum is the Greensboro Lunch Counter which was central to a sit-in movement in North Carolina where African American students staged protests against racial segregation back in 1960.
9. Thomas Edison’s Light Bulb
Thomas Edison was one of America’s greatest inventors who made significant contributions in creating some of our modern-day technologies such as electricity and telecommunication systems among others. One of his most popular inventions is the light bulb which sits on display at this museum alongside other artifacts from his life.
10. The First Computer Mouse
Lastly, we have the first computer mouse invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963 while working for Stanford Research Institute (SRI). This invention revolutionized how people interact with computers today making it an important item for anyone interested in technology or computing history.
In conclusion, if you are visiting Washington D.C., you cannot miss out on visiting The National Museum of American History as it offers an incredible time capsule into America’s past with exhibits like Star-Spangled Banner exhibit, Abraham Lincoln’s Hat, Kermit The Frog puppet among others mentioned above giving visitors a window into different aspects that make up America’s story from its founding fathers to pop-culture icons like Kermit The Frog.