In 1620 an English mathematician and astronomer named Edmund Gunter described a surveyor's chain with 100 links, measuring 66 feet (22 yards or 4 poles) overall. By this design, one square chain ...

During a visit to see his great uncle in Mississippi, 14-year-old Emmett Till, of Chicago, was brutally lynched on Aug. 28, 1955. When his mutilated body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River, his ...

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of American History’s Smithsonian Food History Gala and the ...

The museum was designated as the steward for the medal by public law. The medal depicts five service members in silhouette standing over a crowd of people waiting to board a C-17 aircraft with the ...

New and future voters are sharing their perspectives to shape the world in many ways this election season. They join a long ...

A costume worn by actress Mariska Hargitay in her role as Capt. Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is donated ...

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History recently acquired several significant artifacts that reflect key moments in American history and culture. These additions include objects from the ...

Upon learning that the world spins on its axis, Irma Peterson—the title character of the comic strip My Friend Irma—reacts with shock, exclaiming "Golly, no wonder I'm dizzy!!!" while her boss looks ...

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will host its 11th annual National Youth Summit Sept. 17–24 under the title “Elections & Politics.” This year’s online program will offer ...

Worn to honor and increase awareness of POW/MIA soldiers. Traditionally, these bracelets were worn until the POW returned to the United States at which time the bracelet was presented to the former ...

The Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection (NNC) is America's collection of monetary and transactional objects. This diverse and expansive global collection contains objects that represent every ...

The Museum is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets, Washington, D.C. The use of public transportation, including taxis, in Washington is recommended ...