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 Harlem Cultural Festival took place the same summer as Woodstock and boasted an attendance on a par with that event 100 miles away. More than 300,000 people filled Mount […]
The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, recognized for her groundbreaking judicial work and commitment to gender equity and human rights, will posthumously receive the National Museum of American History's highest honor—the Great Americans Medal. Her children Jane C. Ginsburg, J.D., and James S. Ginsburg will accept the medal on their mother's behalf in this virtual […]
We’re excited to bring you a new weekly video series showing some of the stories that make St. Mary’s County’s (Maryland) history so unique and interesting, called “Wayback Wednesdays”. Join us every week for short videos featuring everything from the quirky to the fascinating, as well as lots of stories about Black, female and other […]
No matter your age or experience, if you’re a young person who cares about an issue in your community, this advocacy guide is for you. Maybe you’ve never done advocacy before. Maybe you’ve never seen anyone who looks like you speak up where you live. That means it’s even more important to get involved. If […]
Join the National Museum of American History for a discussion on the relationship between film and social change, the connection between entertainment and activism, and the history of how storytelling can make a difference. Special guests include David Linde, CEO of Participant; Dawn Porter, director of "John Lewis: Good Trouble"; and Steve James, director of […]
This series of conversations on creativity, history and leadership brings together scholars, artists and other thought-leaders as they think aloud about the future of the arts, civics and history. With each conversation, we connect the lessons of the Civil War, Lincoln's presidency, theatre, arts and education to our contemporary life. Nine episodes are available as […]
A brief history of Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier in US sports -- and in business, as well as his work fighting for civil rights.
Explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts' self-guided mural tour in conjunction with our public art installation series on the museum’s exterior during its renovation. This online guide features a selection of murals located around Washington, D.C., by local artist MISS CHELOVE, a.k.a. Cita Sadeli. Part of NMWA’s Lookout: MISS CHELOVE project, check […]
Explore how artists and activists push for social change! In 1907, the Artists' Suffrage League galvanized to create banners, posters, postcards, and cartoons to provide a visual identity for the suffrage movement. More than one hundred years after the 19th Amendment was passed, artists, political organizers, and activists continue to work together in the push […]
Read a new book this Civic Season! We recommend "History, Disrupted: How Social Media & the World Wide Web Have Changed the Past." It's a book about how social media has shaped what we know about history, and the consequences of consuming information about history online.
Cecelia Larrison is one of many people who liberated themselves from slavery long before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In 1846, at age 15, while on a trip to Niagara Falls with her enslavers, the Thruston family of Louisville, Kentucky, Cecelia slipped away and crossed the border into Canada. Throughout her years as a […]
On June 23, 1909, in Louisville, Kentucky, a rising star was born: the mysterious, elegant, and multi-talented Helen Humes. Humes was raised loving music, and starting at age 17, she began a wildly successful career singing jazz and blues. She worked with many noteable musicians and groups, including the Count Basie Orchestra and Norman Granz. […]