17 Awesome Things to See at the National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is one of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC. This museum houses objects which are important in American history. From presidents to pop culture, this museum has something to interest just about everyone.

Outside of the National Museum of American History

Know Before You Go

Like many of the museums in Washington DC, the National Museum of American History doesn’t charge admission. However, you will have to go through security upon arrival.

The National Museum of American History is HUGE! There are 3 gallery floors filled with treasures. It would be easy to spend a whole day there. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a whole day to allocate to this museum. We spent about 3 hours at the museum.

Getting to the National American History Museum is easy. The Federal Triangle Metro Stop is nearby. It is also located next to the National Museum of Natural History and near many of the other museums and monuments on the National Mall. The Federal Triangle Metro Stop is nearby.

If you need a quick meal, the LeRoy Neiman Jazz Cafe is conveniently located on the first floor of the Museum. We ate BBQ sandwiches which were pretty tasty.

BBQ Sandwich from the National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History offers digital audio guides for a small fee. We selected the adult tour. While I typically love an audio tour, I don’t recommend this one. I found the directions to each item to be frustrating to follow.

17 Awesome Things to See

The National Museum of American History has so many treasures. It would be impossible to see everything. However, here are 17 WAY COOL objects which are worth making time to see:

1. The Batmobile

The Bat Mobile at the National Museum of American History — *The Batmobile from the Batman Movie with Michael Keaton*

2. A Piece of the Berlin Wall

Fragment of the Berlin Wall at the National Museum of American History — *Fragment of the Berlin Wall*

3. World Trade Center Steel

*Steel from the South Tower of the World Trade Center*

4. Abraham Lincoln’s Hat

Lincoln's Top Hat in the National Museum of American History — *The Hat Abraham Lincoln was Wearing on the Night of His Assassination*

5. The First Ladies’ Dresses

Eleanor Roosevelt's Inaugural Gown — *Eleanor Roosevelt’s Inaugural Gown*

6. The Presidential Football

The Briefcase Known as the "Football" Carried during the Clinton Administration — *The Briefcase Known as the “Football” Carried during the Clinton Administration*

7. George Washington’s Chair

Chair that Sat by George Washington's Bedside Before He Died — *Chair that Sat by George Washington’s Bedside Before He Died*

8. The Gunboat Philadelphia

The Gunboat Philadelphia Built and Sunk in 1776The Gunboat Philadelphia Built and Sunk in 1776 — *The Gunboat Philadelphia Built and Sunk in 1776*

9. George Washington’s Uniform

*Uniform Worn by George Washington for Portraits and Special Occasions*

10. Thomas Jefferson’s Desk

*Desk where Thomas Jefferson Wrote the First Draft of the Declaration of Independence in 1776*

11. Apolo Ohno’s Skates

*Speed Skates Worn by Apolo Ohno in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City*

12. The Swedish Chef

*The Swedish Chef Puppet from the Muppet Show which Debuted 1975*

13. Penicillin Mold

*Sample of Penicillin Mold Produced by Alexander Fleming in 1928*

14. The Incandescent Lamp

*Incandescent Lamp made by the Edison General Electric Company around 1891*

15. Abraham Lincoln’s Life Mask

Bronze Cast of Abraham Lincoln's Life Mask from 1886 — *Bronze Cast of Abraham Lincoln’s Life Mask from 1886*

16. Julia Child’s Kitchen

Julia Child's Kitchen from Her Home in Cambridge, Massachusetts — *Julia Child’s Kitchen from Her Home in Cambridge, Massachusetts*

17. Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Gloves

Muhammad Ali's Autographed Boxing Gloves from about 1974 — Muhammad Ali’s Autographed Boxing Gloves from about 1974

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has so many interesting artifacts on display for everyone to see. It is such an awesome way to spend an afternoon or an entire day. I can’t wait to go back!

17 Awesome Things to See at the National Museum of American History

Know Before You Go