HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 2016 Below: Kennedy-Johnson Campaign Hat, 1960 Democratic National Convention
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AMERICA PARTICI PATES HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 2016 Below: Kennedy-Johnson campaign hat, 1960 Democratic National Convention MISSION Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, we explore the infinite richness and complexity of American history. We help people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future. How are Americans causing ripples of change? Americans are a people who put into action. With all of the twists and turns of the most recent election, voting remains an example of how we can influence the roll up their sleeves for the nation’s future through one simple action. common good. Nothing seems For the Museum, it was particularly important to reach younger impossible; no challenge is audiences with our message of participation, as they are the next too daunting. generation of teachers, CEOs, parents, doctors, legislators, philanthropists — and maybe presidents. We the Party People was one event that welcomed thousands of vibrant millennials passionate Suffering from the effects of a natural disaster? We raise money about their country and history. Guests crowded a pulsating dance John Gray to support relief efforts and rebuild communities. Facing a floor, listened to lightning talks and learned about amazing Elizabeth MacMillan Director formidable foe? We enlist to defend our country. Wanting to lift objects brought out of storage, among other activities. spirits? We volunteer at a local hospital to read to children. The ways in which Americans participate are as varied as the people The wide range of backgrounds these individuals represent who give back by committing their time, talents and resources and their interest in our democracy reflect the themes of our to various causes, with each action causing ripples of change upcoming exhibitions Many Voices, One Nation and American across society. Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, just months away from opening on June 28, 2017. Many Voices, One Nation will take a timely look In 2016, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American at the role of migration and immigration in the United States, History highlighted just how people join together to accomplish while American Democracy will explore citizen participation. shared goals during a year themed “America Participates.” Both take us through a journey of discovery about our past Through the Museum’s collections, programs, exhibitions, and our future. Appropriately, next year’s theme is “The Nation publications, blog and social media, we explored how ordinary We Build Together.” It is together, after all, that we are able The Honorable Nicholas Taubman citizens have an impact on many aspects of American life, from to face challenges — small and large, defined or abstract — Board Chairman our culture to our democracy. The 2016 presidential campaign and construct solutions. was an ideal time to examine the meaning of participation through our exhibition Hooray for Politics!, which juxtaposed historic voting We hope you will enjoy this look at 2016 but also encourage you devices with contemporary candidate rally signs. Our Founding to think about how you can participate in making a difference Fathers believed in the power of the people, but just as in our in your community — or even nationally. And while you’re at it, country’s earliest days, that power can be effective only when inspire your friends to do the same! America Participates Highlights Report 2016 1 America Participates From top left: Eisenhower campaign In 2016, the National Museum button, 1952; then-Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. with students from the Youth Civic Engagement of American History demonstrated Program; visitors participate in a hip-hop demonstration during how an unforgettable election, Museum Day Live!; guests of We the Party People show their a rocking Flag Hall and a celebration patriotic spirit of the nation’s philanthropic spirit all represent ways Americans are changing the world around them. 2 National Museum of American History The Museum’s exhibitions and programs explored examples “After this program, I am more open-minded,” said one From left: Hooray for Politics! display; of citizens getting involved to shape American life, culture participant about YCEP. “I have a new appreciation for museums costumed guests and DJ Biz Markie and democracy during a year themed America Participates. as being the connection between the public of today [and] the at We the Party People Visitors took snapshots in front of Hooray for Politics!, a display history of this country.” that highlighted political participation and engagement. In it, mannequins held aloft rally signs from the 2016 presidential Millennials dominated the crowd of 2,500 at We the Party campaign and were flanked by voting devices, including an 1898 People in June, as part of a collaboration with events and media automated machine. Signs were provided by the campaigns company Brightest Young Things. Inspired by the passionate of declared candidates running as of January 29, 2016, who had political participation of 19th-century American youth, the more than 1 percent support in a recognized national poll. As evening encouraged civic engagement through lightning talks, campaigns were suspended or ended, the signs were lowered. cooking demonstrations on the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza and access to objects out of storage. Then-Secretary “It is through participation that Americans contribute to our of the Interior Sally Jewell was among the guests, many democracy in a multitude of ways, including voting,” said of whom donned their finest red, white and blue and danced Elizabeth MacMillan Director John Gray. “We hope to inspire in a transformed Flag Hall to tunes spun by DJ Biz Markie, a new generation to participate.” known for his 1989 hit, “Just a Friend.” REI’s “United Outside” campaign to find common ground in nature enticed visitors Throughout the year, 20 local teens delved into historical topics to venture onto the outdoor terrace to pick up refreshments as part of the Museum’s Youth Civic Engagement Program from a canoe and converse in camping tents. Rock the Vote, (YCEP), which encourages civic involvement. They connected a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, registered young people with visitors using interactive carts and talk-back boards at to vote. Activities were part of America Now, a collaboration programs such as Museum Day Live!, a daylong festival in March between the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, American celebrating women of color, in partnership with the White Art Museum and National Museum of American History that House Council on Women and Girls. is generously supported by the Robert and Arlene Kogod Family Foundation. America Participates Highlights Report 2016 3 Above: Jeff Bezos during the James As part of America Now, Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton as well as a rotation of selected letters from signatories of the Smithson Bicentennial Medal ceremony; presented the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal to Amazon’s Giving Pledge. The range of stories and objects presented citizenship candidates take the Oath founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, during a naturalization ceremony demonstrate to millions of visitors how their donations of time, of Allegiance on Flag Day in June. The medal is awarded to an American who talent, expertise and funding at all levels can effect change. embodies values based on the diffusion of knowledge. Bezos spoke of his father’s immigrant story before the 20 citizenship Following the opening was the second annual Power of Giving candidates from 17 countries seated in front of the Star-Spangled program, which focused on philanthropy’s impact on issues Banner gallery. The afternoon demonstrated that America’s of sustainability and the environment. Speakers included Jean democracy is strengthened by the participation and community Case, Ted Steinberg, Katherine Lorenz, Gifford Pinchot III, and of its citizenry. representatives from groups such as The Nature Conservancy and the Hewlett and Summit foundations. The Power of Giving One of the most common ways Americans participate is through and Giving in America are part of the Museum’s Philanthropy philanthropic efforts. November marked the opening of theGiving Initiative made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in America exhibit, which includes objects from the collection, and David M. Rubenstein. 4 National Museum of American History What It Means to Be American The Museum, in partnership with Zócalo Public Square, is sparking discussions across the country through its program What It Means to Be American. Launched in 2014, this national, multiplatform conversation brings together leading thinkers, public figures and Americans from all walks of life. Together they examine big, visceral questions about how America’s history of immigration and democratic traditions has made us the nation we are today. Live public events from Washington to Denver to Los Angeles, and resources such as digital humanities Amanda Moniz, the newly selected David M. Rubenstein Curator Above: Giving in America exhibit journalism, newspapers, television, radio and books — of Philanthropy, was also on hand for #GivingTuesday events. in partnership with leading museums and universities — An author and early American historian, Moniz previously served all explore what it means to be American. as associate director of the National History Center of the American Historical Association. The Carnegie Corporation