This is an assortment of photographs from the Photographic History Collection of photographs and photographic objects that include an American flag.
Are there limits to the types of speech we protect? What happens when a publication threatens national security? How do we keep the practice of one religion from impinging on the rights of others? Americans have debated the boundaries of their First Amendment rights since those rights were delineated in the Constitution.
"The Art of Citizenship" is a digital resource that explores the modern-day relevance of Thomas Jefferson's ideas about the American experiment in self-government. Using videos, podcasts, photos, timelines, and quotes, this website illustrates the enduring challenges and opportunities faced by every generation of Americans and offers a springboard for discussion about civic engagement in a […]
How the Monuments Came Down is a timely and searing look at the history of white supremacy and Black resistance in Richmond, Virginia. The feature-length film — brought to life by history-makers, descendants, scholars, and activists — reveals how monuments to Confederate leaders stood for more than a century, and why they fell. Following the […]
The History Film Forum is an online series from the Smithsonian that explores history on the screen and the evolution of film as public history. The “American Masters”/PBS documentary examines how six iconic African American women entertainers—Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Pam Grier—broke thorough and challenged an entertainment industry […]
What actions can we take to heal a society reeling from the abuse of power in the realms of gender and sexuality? Tibetan Buddhist lama and Harvard-trained theologian Rod Owens is known for bringing ease, authenticity, and humor to “the stuff we’re scared to talk about.” Join him and Compassionate Action Series host Kate Johnson […]
"Revolutionary City: A Portal to the Nation's Founding" is a one-stop-shop for students, teachers, scholars, and lovers of history to learn about diverse stories of the American Revolution from the perspective of early residents of America's revolutionary city. Focused on the stories of everyday Philadelphians, the portal pushes beyond the Founder-centric narrative by bringing together […]
George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas, 1776. They were heading from Pennsylvania to engage the British-paid Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey. Read about the dangerous travels to Trenton, and the challenges of returning to Pennsylvania after their victory. America250 is a multi-year effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, […]
When it was first invented, people thought the postage stamp was silly. Why would anyone pay to send a letter, when they were used to paying to receive it? Learn the fascinating history of the postage stamp, and the first two stamps issued in the United States (can you guess who was featured on them?). […]
When we reflect on the American Revolution, the crucial role of the South is often overlooked. In this pre-recorded conversation, speakers Jacob Ross and Tawnya Waggle, both from the National Park Service, reflect on President Jimmy Carter's historical fiction set during the Revolution in the southern states. The conversation connected the book to President Carter's […]
Join two Nation Builders to discuss the Cost of Freedom during the formation of the United States; the impact on soldiers and civilians in the war, the fight for religious freedom and separation of church and state, the arguments at the Constitutional Convention regarding the Bill of Rights, the self-liberation and emancipation of some enslaved […]
It’s the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today. Step back in time and encounter points of view that run the gamut. Then, engage in the most crucial debate in our nation’s history–you will decide whether we remain […]