Things to do nearSmithsonian National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History opened on the National Mall in 1964 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its collections span more than three million objects, covering American political history, science and technology, social history, cultural life, and the military experience.

The museum's most iconic artifact is the 30-by-34-foot Star-Spangled Banner, the actual flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem. Displayed in a specially climate-controlled gallery, it remains a genuinely moving sight. Beyond that centerpiece, visitors encounter Abraham Lincoln's top hat, Thomas Edison's light bulb prototypes, a first ladies gown collection, and the original Kermit the Frog puppet.

The American Stories gallery weaves together pop culture, immigration, and everyday life in a way that feels personal rather than academic. The museum also holds a significant collection related to the American presidency, including furniture, documents, and campaign memorabilia stretching across more than two centuries. Dining options inside include a casual cafe serving American comfort food, making it easy to refuel without leaving the building.

Free admission, a central location on the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, and the sheer breadth of its holdings make the Smithsonian National Museum of American History an essential stop for anyone seeking a grounded, human-scale understanding of how the United States came to be what it is today.