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Landmark Objects at the National Museum of American History
Six iconic artifacts point the way to themes and stories in American History.
Transportation and Technology
The 1831 "John Bull," one of the nation's earliest steam locomotives
Science and Innovation
The 1865 Vassar telescope used by America's first woman astronomer, Maria Mitchell
American Ideals
The Greensboro lunch counter of the civil rights era
American Lives
Horatio Greenough's statue of George Washington
American Wars and Politics
A draft wheel from the Civil War
Entertainment, Sports and Music
Disney's Dumbo elephant ride car
Tips
Make a Play Date
Get your hands on history. Look for the cart displays and play around with objects from other eras, like a reproduction cotton gin, a stereoscope or a printing press.
Get Oriented
At the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center, on the second floor near the National Mall entrance, find out about special tours, theater programs and demonstrations. Ask for a copy of Discover, to take a self-guided tour of the museum's highlights.
Take it Home
Extend your visit online with at-home activities found by clicking on the "History Explorer" and "OurStory" offerings on the museum's website.
Buy Advance Tickets
Purchase tickets to the simulator rides at the information desk on the first floor or in the simulator gallery.
Simulator Rides
Choose an adventure and take an exciting virtual trip onboard one of four high-tech ride simulators.
Experience action-packed roller coaster courses or racing in futuristic high-speed hover-cars. Take a submersible to the ocean floor in search of lost legends or journey through the solar system. Located on the lower level, across from the Stars and Stripes Cafe, rides are $7 per person.
To be announced: The rides may close during the renovation.
Getting Around
Exhibitions in each wing are grouped by theme. Six landmark artifacts help to guide the way.
Highlights Tours
(walk-in; meet at either info desk)
Reduced schedule; check at either welcome desk; full schedule to begin in January 2009.
Beginning Fri., Nov. 21, 2008:
• Daily, 10:15 AM, 1 PM, and other times as announced
Note: Tours run approximately 1 hour.
Foreign-Language Highlights Tours: Spanish
(walk-in; meet 1st floor, center, Constitution Ave. Corridor)
Beginning Sun., Dec. 14, 2008:
• Every Sun., 2-3 PM
Note: Tours run approximately 1 hour.
Spotlight Mini-Tours
(walk-in; check at either welcome desk for daily schedule and location)
A docent offers a 15-minute overview tour of an exhibition or an informal conversation about a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" sign outside selected exhibitions.
Beginning Fri., Nov. 21, 2008:
• Daily, between 10:30 AM and 3 PM
Tours for Visitors with Hearing and Visual Impairments
(by appointment, 2-week notice required; call 202-633-3717 (recording/voice mail available 24 hours a day); 202-357-1563 (TTY)); e-mail nmahtours@si.edu
Note: An interpreter translates for visitors who do not understand sign language.
Garden Tour: Heirloom and Victory Garden
Sponsored by Horticulture Services Division
Look for our knowledgeable horticulturist who will give a tour of and discuss some of the plants in the Heirloom Garden and Victory Garden.
• Heirloom Garden
(walk-in; meet outside on Mall Terrace, Southwest Corner)
Tours offered June 4 - September 24, 2009:
- Every other Thurs.: 1 PM, weather permitting
(alternating with Victory Garden tours)
• Victory Garden
(walk-in; meet outside Stars and Stripes Cafe, Lower Level)
Tours offered June 11 - October 15, 2009:
- Every other Thurs.: 1 PM, weather permitting
(alternating with Heirloom Garden tours)
Note
- No tours on federal holidays
Behind-the-Scenes Textiles Tour: Quilts
(by reservation; for details and reservations, call 202-633-3825 (voice/tape))
In this behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's quilt collection, a skilled docent highlights a selection of quilts from the 17th- through the 20th-century.
Year-Round:
• 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
Notes
- Because space is limited, only 10 visitors per tour can be accommodated; as well, no children under 12 or tag-alongs permitted.
- Because docent cannot return for latecomers, participants are asked to arrive on time.
- No tours offered in December or on federal holidays.
Behind-the-Scenes Textiles Tour: Lace
(by reservation; for details and reservations, call 202-633-3826 (voice/tape))
In this behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's lace collection, a skilled docent highlights examples of lace from the 17th- through the 20th-century and discusses the tools and history of lacemaking.
Year-Round:
• 4th Thursday of each month
Notes
- Because space is limited, only 10 visitors per tour can be accommodated; as well, no children under 12 or tag-alongs permitted.
- Because docent cannot return for latecomers, participants are asked to arrive on time.
- No tours offered in November and December or on federal holidays.
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