Plan Your Visit to the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC

With so many great museums in Washington, DC, it’s hard to know where to focus your time. That said, one of the most inspirational exhibits about the United States is at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The Star Spangled Banner exhibit, along with multiple other exhibits, make this museum a must-visit during a visit to the nation’s capital.

It’s easy to get lost in this museum, considering there are multiple floors, stairways, escalators and winding halls. But here are a few tips and a rundown on the National Museum of American History so you can plan your visit.

How to Prepare for Your Visit to the National Musuem of American History

The best part about this museum, like many others in Washington, DC, is that there is no admission fee. The museum is open and accessible to all. You don’t even need to make reservations in advance, so you can show up as your schedule allows. Just note: The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the year, except Christmas day (Dec. 25).

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The main entrance to the National Museum of American History is located on the south side of the building, just off of Madison Drive. This is east of the Washington Monument along the north side of the National Mall.

Rather than trying to park near the National Mall, I recommend taking the metro or walking. There are two metro stops near the National Musuem of American History – Federal Triangle (walk south) or Smithsonian (walk north). You can access either of these stops on the Blue, Orange or Silver lines.

The Most Inspirational Exhibit – The Star Spangled Banner

During my first visit to the National Museum of American History, I had no clue what to expect. I wandered all the hallways, trying to take in everything I could about American history. But when I walked through The Star Spangled Banner Exhibit, I was amazed. It’s hard to describe the experience, but here’s what you’ll see as you walk through the area.

The Star Spangled Banner is on the second floor of the museum, right near the main entrance. Enter the exhibit through the opening on the right side. Along the dark hallways leading to the back of the exhibit, read about the early history of America. While many people think the national anthem was written as part of the Revolutionary War (which is what I originally thought), it wasn’t penned until the War of 1812.

Francis Scott Key was a lawyer and amateur poet. While detained aboard a British warship, he watched as British forces attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore. They failed in that attack, and the American flag continued flying through the “rockets red glare” and the “bombs bursting in air.” That flag now sits in a temperature controlled, low-light room in the museum, on display for the world to see the flag that inspired the country’s national anthem.

How inspiring. Seeing the large flag, while reading about those who continued to fight for America’s liberty is something I will never forget.

What You’ll Find on the 1st Floor of the Museum

With three floors of exhibits filled with historical artifacts, displays, clothing and much more, it’s easy to get lost. Here’s a rundown on what you’ll find on the 1st floor of the National Museum of American History.

America on the Move

Probably one of the more iconic displays at the museum, you’ll find modes of transportation through the years. Some of the more notable vehicles on display include:

• “Jupiter,” a steam-powered locomotive built in 1876 for the Santa Cruz Railroad
• 1903 Winton, the first car driven across the United States
• 1942 Harley-Davidson motorcycle
• Chicago Transit Authority “L” mass transit car built in 1959

On the Water: Stories from Maritime America

What role has boats and shipping played in America? How has it impacted where cities and industries have formed and grown?  Read stories of whaling crews, fishermen, shipbuilders, merchant mariners, passengers, and others who worked the waterways and on the sea.

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Food: Transforming the American Table

Do you enjoy eating? I know I do. But have you ever wondered how food has evolved over the years? This exhibit examines how technology and cultures have changed the foods we eat. The opening area is a replica of Julia Child’s kitchen, with a copy of her famous cookbook, the Joy of Cooking, on display.

American Enterprise

There’s a strong connection between democracy and Capitalism – for better or for worse. Learn about the evolution from a primarily farming community to one of the world’s most vibrant economies. For example, McDonald’s (the fast-food restaurant) has expanded around the globe, and on display is a store front sign from Asia.

Draper Spark!Lab

Do you have kids that want to explore their creativity? Make a stop at Spark!Lab between 11-4 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday. Kids between 6-12 will have an opportunity to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment, and even invent.

The Exhibits on the 2nd Floor of the Museum

Beyond The Star Spangled Banner exhibit on the second floor of the National Museum of American History, there are several other areas to explore and learn. Here’s a rundown on some of the more poignant ones I recommend exploring.

Many Voices, One Nation

E pluribus unum…, Out of many, one. That’s the premise behind this exhibit at the National Museum of American History. The nation that we know today is what it is because of the many cultures and people who have called it home. There are lots of exhibits on display that share stories from the people who have influenced – and those continuing to influence – the United States of America.

Within These Walls

Probably the largest exhibit on display is literally “housed” in this exhibit – A Georgian-style, two-and-a-half-story timber-framed house. The panels around the house tell the story of five families who lived in that house for more than 200 years outside of Boston. There are vintage artifacts on display, including an anti-slavery almanac and the Wedgwood Anti-Slavery medallion, a World War II-era cookbooks, posters, rationing coupons and even a Philco radio from the 1930s.

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American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith

The new nation, founded in 1776, did something a little different than other nations. Rather than a monarchy, they decided the people should rule the nation. This exhibit explores the statement, “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Read all about the changing political ideals in democracy as the nation grew – from artifacts linked to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Declaration of Sentiments on display.

The Historical Exhibits on the 3rd Floor of the Museum

The upper-most floor of the National Museum of American History continues telling the story of the nation. There are multiple exhibits, but here are three you must visit.

The First Ladies

The women who have held the title of “First Lady” have helped to shape the nation we know today. They’ve set national agendas and sought to address national issues. The exhibit area features more than two dozen gowns worn by these amazing women and shares how they shaped the nation during their husband’s administration and president.

The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden

Do you have a favorite president? One you’d like to learn more about? This exhibit highlights key points of those who have held the office of President of the United States. There are artifacts, including those from personal collections of the presidents and those documenting the nation’s history.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War

Beyond learning about the ins and outs of any given war, this exhibit showcases the link between military conflict and American political leadership, social values, technological innovation, and personal sacrifice. Those stories and experiences will bring history to life through the eyes – and artifacts – of those who lived them.

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Entertainment Nation / Nación del Espectáculo

You’ve probably heard that Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers were on display at the National Museum of American History. Well, you’re right. These shoes were worn by Judy Garland in the movie, The Wizard of Oz, and are among several artifacts showing how entertainment has the power to captivate, inspire and transform us. This new exhibit area opened in December 2022.

The Details

Address: The Museum is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets, Washington, D.C.

How long to spend: Plan on at least two hours. You could easily spend 3-4+ hours exploring the museum.

Cost: There is no admission fee to the National Museum of American History.

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on December 25.

Website: https://americanhistory.si.edu/

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