As a teacher, you are likely always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to engage your students and deepen their understanding of history. One place that is sure to captivate and inspire your students is the American History Museum in Washington DC. This museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, offers a rich and diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of America’s past. In this blog post, we will explore some of the highlights of the American History Museum and discuss how you can use them to enhance your students’ learning.

Introduction to the American History Museum

The American History Museum was established in 1964 as part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the heritage of the United States in order to inspire and educate people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum is home to more than 1.8 million artifacts, ranging from the original Star-Spangled Banner to Abraham Lincoln’s top hat.

The museum is divided into several thematic areas, each of which offers a unique perspective on American history. These include:

The First Ladies Collection – This exhibit features the gowns and personal effects of America’s First Ladies, providing a glimpse into the fashion and style of each era.

The War on Terror – This exhibit explores the events and aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the ongoing war on terror.

American Enterprise – This exhibit traces the history of American business, from the colonial period to the present day.

The American Presidency – This exhibit examines the role of the president in American history, featuring artifacts such as the desk used by President Thomas Jefferson and the suit worn by President Ronald Reagan when he was shot in 1981.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War – This exhibit explores the experiences of Americans in times of war, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Many Voices, One Nation – This exhibit celebrates the diversity of America’s people, featuring artifacts and stories from a wide range of cultures and communities.

These are just a few examples of the exhibits and collections that you and your students can explore at the American History Museum. Let’s take a closer look at some of the museum’s most notable artifacts and exhibits, and discuss how you can use them to enhance your teaching.

The Star-Spangled Banner

One of the most iconic artifacts at the American History Museum is the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became our national anthem. The flag, which measures 30 feet by 34 feet, was flown over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. Despite sustaining damage from the battle, the flag was carefully preserved and eventually donated to the Smithsonian in 1912.

As you can imagine, the Star-Spangled Banner is a powerful symbol of American patriotism and resilience. It can be used to teach your students about the War of 1812 and the role that this conflict played in shaping America’s national identity. You could also use the flag to spark a discussion about the importance of symbols in American culture, and how they are used to convey meaning and inspire emotions.

The First Ladies Collection

The First Ladies Collection is a fascinating exhibit that features the gowns and personal effects of America’s First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump. The exhibit offers a unique perspective on American history, showing how the role of the First Lady has evolved over time and how these women have used their position to advocate for causes they believe in.

You could use the First Ladies Collection to teach your students about the changing roles of women in American society. You could also explore the various causes and initiatives that First Ladies have championed, such as literacy, health, and education. This could be a great way to spark a discussion about the power of women in leadership roles, and how their contributions have helped shape our country.

The War on Terror

The War on Terror exhibit is a sobering reminder of the events of September 11, 2001, and the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The exhibit features artifacts such as a twisted steel beam from the World Trade Center, a fragment of the Pentagon, and personal items recovered from the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93.

While it can be difficult to discuss events like 9/11 with your students, the War on Terror exhibit can be a valuable tool for teaching about the impact of terrorism on American society. You could use the exhibit to spark a discussion about the causes and effects of terrorism, as well as the ways in which the United States has responded to this threat. You could also explore the impact of these events on civil liberties and individual freedoms, and discuss how we balance the need for security with the protection of our rights.

The American Presidency

The American Presidency exhibit is a fascinating look at the history of the presidency in the United States. The exhibit features artifacts such as the desk used by Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence, the top hat worn by Abraham Lincoln on the night he was assassinated, and the suit worn by Ronald Reagan when he was shot in 1981.

You could use the American Presidency exhibit to teach your students about the history of the presidency, including the ways in which the role and responsibilities of the president have evolved over time. You could also explore the different leadership styles and personalities of past presidents, and how these factors have influenced their decisions and actions.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit is a comprehensive look at the experiences of Americans in times of war. The exhibit features artifacts such as uniforms, weapons, and personal items from soldiers and civilians, as well as exhibits on specific conflicts such as the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War II.

You could use the Price of Freedom exhibit to teach your students about the impact of war on American society, and the sacrifices that have been made by those who have served in our armed forces. You could also explore the ways in which war has shaped our national identity, and the role that conflicts like the Civil War and World War II have played in shaping our values and beliefs.

Many Voices, One Nation

Many Voices, One Nation is a celebration of the diversity of American culture and history. The exhibit features artifacts and stories from a wide range of communities, including Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrants from around the world.

You could use the Many Voices, One Nation exhibit to teach your students about the ways in which diversity has shaped American culture and society. You could also explore the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result of immigration and cultural exchange, and discuss the ways in which we can work to build a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Conclusion

The American History Museum in Washington DC is a rich and diverse resource for teachers and students alike. With its vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the many facets of American history and culture. By incorporating visits to the museum into your teaching, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and the values that have shaped our country over time. Whether you’re exploring the Star-Spangled Banner, learning about the role of First Ladies, or reflecting on the impact of war and terrorism, the American History Museum offers a wealth of educational opportunities that are sure to inspire and engage your students for years to come.