Highlights Report 2010 National Museum of American History “Never has an understanding of our story as a people, of who we are and how we came to be the way we are, and what we stand for, been of such importance as right now.” —David McCullough

Highlights Report 2010 National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu Throughout history, the public square has represented the heart of community life. Many museums experience a drop in attendance after their first year. Whether it is known as the agora, the forum, the plaza, the town center, the But here at the National Museum of American History, two years after village green, the quad, or the diamond, this is a space where social, political, reopening the building, the crowds are still streaming through our doors… economic, and cultural activity takes place. It is a place that promotes a more than 4 million people in 2010. connection with ideas and information, with goods and services, and human We see parents and grandparents guiding and teaching, we see school groups interaction. and teachers exploring and discovering, we see the awe on the faces of The public square at the National Museum of American History plays this everyone who turns the corner in the flag gallery—and sees the Star-Spangled critical role. Visitors enter from the National Mall at the center of Washington’s Banner for the first time. We see generations connected and enriched by the memorial landscape. All the elements of an authentic public square are wisdom that only the recognition of history can bring. Here, you can discover Brent D. Glass visible. There is an information center; a store; displays of artifacts that reflect the American spirit of determination, imagination and innovation that created John F. W. our extraordinary history; a statue of George Washington; and the Greensboro our past and predicts our future. Rogers The Elizabeth lunch counter, a monument to the story of liberty. Anchoring the square is a The ideals of America are here, in the artifacts and the exhibitions, in MacMillan sculptural tribute to a secular shrine, the Star-Spangled Banner where we tell particular the American spirit of freedom and the opportunity it brings. The Board Chair the story of an American treasure. freedom to chart one’s own course, to accept risks knowingly and to own the Director, Our public square has become a dynamic place for musical performances, outcome, to believe that personal initiative counts for something, that if you hands-on learning, and special events. Naturalization ceremonies and living can imagine it, you can achieve it. It is a freedom that is ours to infuse with Emeritus history theater happen here. Where could there be a better place to witness the tenacity and purpose: to craft and shape the American identity. This Museum swearing-in of new citizens or to “join the student sit-ins” at the lunch counter? is a testament to the American experience, to our collective history. It is a memorial to this country of endless possibilities and boundless hope. Each day during the summer, in front of the Star-Spangled Banner gallery, Museum interns unfold an American flag, a full-size replica of the original that When the Museum opened in 1964 with a dedication by President Lyndon B. flew over Fort McHenry in 1814. They invite visitors of all ages and from all Johnson, he cited the words of William Faulkner: walks of life to take hold of the flag. Then they join together with onlookers “Here is recorded the agony and the sweat of the human spirit, the victory of who are snapping pictures from the balcony in a full-throated singing of the the freedom and the genius of our country.” National Anthem. When they finish a cheer rings out that echoes throughout And in 2008, when President George W. Bush reopened the Museum, the Museum. They will never forget this moment in America’s public square. he said that in this fantastic place of learning, “we see a nation constantly It has been an honor to further the Smithsonian mission for the past nine years, moving toward greater freedom and greater opportunity.” to increase awareness of American history and to inspire millions of visitors. The National Museum of American History reminds us of the promise that is From my office window I had a unique view of the public square and all the America…furthering the narrative of our nation. Each time I am here, I am human energy generated throughout the year. I also had a close-up view of filled with hopefulness about what our collective future as a nation can be. the skylight that shines new light on American history and symbolizes the transformation of the Museum. As the Museum completes another successful I hope that you will enjoy this overview of the many important moments in year and begins planning for renovations of the west wing followed by its 50th the life of the National Museum of American History throughout 2010. anniversary in 2014, we all can take pride in the many accomplishments past and present but also look ahead to a bright and hopeful future.

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu Secretary G. Wayne Clough First Lady Michelle Obama at the presentation ceremony with Museum Director Brent D. Glass (left) and Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough.

Students from Huntington High School get a sneak peek at the Obama gown in its new display

Continuing an almost century-long tradition, First Lady For decades, the First Ladies Collection has been one of the First Lady Michelle Obama formally presented the gown she wore to most popular attractions at the Smithsonian Institution. The the 2009 inaugural balls to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies original First Ladies exhibition of 1914 was the first display at Michelle Collection in March 2010. the Smithsonian to prominently feature women. Obama In attendance were a group of Mrs. Obama’s personal The gown has become a part of the country’s collective friends, students from the Fashion Design and memory—as part of one of the most enduring and popular Presents Illustration classes at Huntington High School in New collections of the Smithsonian—and a part of the personal Inaugural York, special guests and a crowd of journalists. Visitors memories of the millions of visitors who visit the Museum. Michelle Obama’s could see the gown immediately after the ceremony diamond ring, bracelets “The donation ceremony,” said Mrs. Obama, “was about and earrings, designed Gown at the center of a new gallery, much more than this gown. It’s also about how, with enough A First Lady’s Debut. and donated by focus and with enough determination, someone in this room Loree Rodkin, total 87 The one-shouldered, white-silk chiffon gown, could be the next Jason Wu. Someone in this room could be carats—61 carats in created by Taiwan-born immigrant Jason Wu, the next . It’s about how the American story the earrings alone. is embellished with organza flowers with is written by real people—not just names on a page. And Swarovski crystal centers. Mrs. Obama chose it’s about how something you create today—whether it’s a Wu’s design from several gowns offered, a dress, or a painting, or a story or a song—can help teach the choice that was not revealed to anyone next generation in a way that nothing else can.” until that evening.

Jason Wu and Michelle Obama

Jason Wu, the designer of the Obama gown, did not know that she had picked his design until he saw her step out wearing it on national TV.

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu On February 1, 1960, four African American college Stories of freshmen sat down at the Woolworth’s “whites-only” lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., and politely asked to be served. Freedom When they remained in the seats after their request was and Justice refused, they ignited a youth-led movement challenging injustice and racial inequality throughout the South. A four- stool, eight-foot portion of the Woolworth’s lunch counter is on view at the museum as a powerful artifact of the Civil Rights movement. 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of this bold action and the Museum explored Stories of Freedom and Justice throughout the year, reminding everyone that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. In a special evening ceremony on February 3, 2010, the From left: Franklin E. McCain, Jabreel Khazan, David Richmond, Jr., Joseph A. McNeil Museum presented the Greensboro Four—Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and, posthumously, David Richmond—with the James Smithson The Museum also hosted a town hall meeting with the Bicentennial Medal in recognition of their contribution to In Their Own Words “The sit-ins spread Greensboro Civil Rights Pioneers and high school students like wildfires and civil rights in America. The ceremony included U.S. Rep. “I was thinking about the importance to discuss the meaning and significance of the sit-in and the John Lewis (D-GA), Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough of service before self. The protesters importance of civic engagement. people said, we’re and Lonnie Bunch, director, National Museum of African didn’t ask ‘What’s in it for me?’” —Joseph A. McNeil The six-month protest ended on July 25, 1960, with the tired, we can’t take it American History and Culture. desegregation of all Woolworth’s lunch counters. The anymore.” “Our behavior could get us seriously commemoration concluded with a special premiere —U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) hurt or killed.” —Jabreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.) screening of Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4. This Xavier “Fifteen seconds after I sat down on Smithsonian Channel documentary is narrated by actress Carnegie that stool, I felt so clean, invincible… Anna Deavere Smith and features music by Emmy award- I had seen the other side, I was whole.” winner Lenny Williams. —Franklin E. McCain For more on this commemoration, visit americanhistory.si.edu/freedomandjustice.

In 2010, actors presented 835 performances of Join the Student Sit-ins “American History is built around the struggle for 96,800 visitors. to achieve an ideal nation, a struggle that began with the American Revolution.” —Fath Davis Ruffins, National Museum of American History Curator

From left: Richard Kurin, Undersecretary for History, Arts and Culture; Jabreel Khazan; Brent D. Glass; Joseph A. McNeil

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu William Steinway’s Diaries

Dibner Library showing “Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop and Turn”

Travel brochure, 1930s, Warshaw Collection, Archives Center JANUARY JUNE

Exhibition Selections from The Lockwood Greene Engineering Records, Restless Inventor: Solomon “Sol” Adler Openings 1871–2004 Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn

FEBRUARY SEPTEMBER

Fifty Years of Lasers The Mexican Revolution! American Legacy A Letter from George Washington, November 30, 1785 The View From Up North: Americans Experience Mexico, circa 1890–1945 MARCH

The First Ladies at the Smithsonian: A First Lady’s Debut OCTOBER Good As Gold: America’s Double Eagles The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey—Where Art and History Intersect in the National Museum of APRIL African American History and Culture Gallery

Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped NOVEMBER American Entertainment in the National Museum of African American History and Culture Gallery 1939 Jazz at the Philharmonic Sam and Friends

The Museum had 4.2 million MAY DECEMBER visitors in 2010 with the highest Cosmos in Miniature: The Remarkable Star Map of Simeon De Witt A Gateway to the 19th Century: The William Steinway Diary, visitation—39,440—on July 4. 1861–1896 Toys from the Attic Carmichael and Taylor: Two Smithsonian Key Figures Celluloid: The First Plastic

Artifact Walls display of “Toys from the Attic”

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu In 2010, 11,000 visitors participated Events and Programs in folding the full size Programs, Star-Spangled Banner JANUARY replica. Education & Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Family Festival

Outreach FEBRUARY Black History Month Family Day Celebration Greensboro Sit-in 50th Anniversary

MARCH

Rubén Blades—In His Own Words Environmental Film Festival

APRIL

Jazz Appreciation Month concerts, Offering free, standards based, Online Presence workshops and more innovative resources for NanoDays teaching and learning history, • 24,000 monthly e-newsletter • 26,000 views of the Museum’s subscribers YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ National Robotics Week including the Civil War, Civil • 13,500 Twitter followers smithsonianamhistory) Rights and the Gold Rush. (@americanhistorymuseum) • 3,500 photos posted to the MAY historyexplorer. • 9,700 Facebook fans and around 167 Museum’s Flickr group The Fortune Cookie Chronicles americanhistory.si.edu comments and likes per week (www.flickr.com/photos/ A Fresh Look—U.S. Perspectives during (facebook.com/americanhistory) nationalmuseumofamericanhistory) Argentina’s Military Dictatorship (1976–1983) • 171 posts and 208,000 visits to the • 1,733,793 visits to Smithsonian’s Museum’s blog (blog.americanhistory.edu) History Explorer (historyexplorer. JUNE americanhistory.si.edu)

Flag Day Family Festival & Citizenship Ceremony Portrait of Dave Brubeck by artist LeRoy Neiman

AUGUST New Americans are sworn in during a Ongoing Demonstrations, Music and Theater Programs special Flag Day citizenship ceremony National Inventors’ Month Family Festival: Music Smithsonian Chamber Music Society The Abraham Lincoln Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra & Lecture Series SEPTEMBER Small Groups Innovative Lives Hispanic Heritage Month events Meet Our Museum Looking American More than Malbec: The Story of Argentine Wine Broad Stripes and Bright Stars Time Trial of Benedict Arnold Join the Student Sit-ins Flag Folding NOVEMBER Discovery Theater: Sit Down, Stand Up! Book signings Food for Tomorrow Symposium The Story of the Student Sit-ins Quilting and Lace-making Veteran’s Day Medal of Honor Red Oak Tree Commemoration Sing for Freedom Tours and Demonstrations

DECEMBER

Pop-up Artist Chuck Fisher

Actor David Kozisek portrays Benedict Arnold

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu The founder of the Red Hat Society’s hat and feather boa

Collections & JANUARY Historic Food Coupons from USDA The First Ladies Collection was inaugurated in 1912 and Helen Taft Acquisitions FEBRUARY donated the first ball gown. Every Selected Judith Jamison (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), donates First Lady since Helen Taft has costume from The Mooche followed that tradition.

Events MARCH Henry Winkler visits the leather jacket he wore as The Fonz in “Happy Days” Michelle Obama Inaugural Gown Donation Ceremony

APRIL

Museum acquires WWII-era John F. Kennedy Cane JULY

Museum Collects 75 Years of Auto Safety MAY Red Hat Society Donates Founder’s Red Hat and Feather Boa Lutron Electronics Donates Company History

AUGUST JUNE Jim Henson Family Presents “Sam and Friends” Puppets, including Dutchess County, N.Y., donates Suicide-Prevention Phone the Original Kermit John Isner Donates his Record-Breaking Wimbledon Racquet

SEPTEMBER

ECRI Institute Donates prototype Medical Emergency Crash Cart

OCTOBER

Museum Acquires Donald J. Stubblebine Musical Theater and Crash test Dummies Vince and Larry (actors Tony Reitano and Motion Picture Collection, 1843–2010 Whitney Rydbeck) with David Strickland, NHTSA administrator, Oklahoma Family Donates Rare Footage of Tulsa’s “Black Wall and Brent Glass Street,” 1948–1952 Museum Purchases Rare 18th-century Silver Milk Pot at Auction

DECEMBER

Jim Henson’s “Sam and Lifetouch Inc. Donates Cameras and other Company History Friends” puppets

Judith Jamison and Brent Glass

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu Gyroscope activity

The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation’s Lemelson 2010 activities advanced scholarship on the history of invention, shared stories about inventors and their work, and nurtured Center creativity in young people. The Center continues the development of Places of Invention, an interactive, family-friendly exhibition that will follow Invention at Play in the Lemelson Hall of Invention. In September, the Center was privileged to receive a $2.58 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fund the development, evaluation and installation of the upcoming exhibition.

Events and Programs Events at the country’s only National Museum of American MARCH Special History provide guests with the exclusive opportunity to Spirit of Silicon Valley tour in view one-of-a-kind national treasures including the Events Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, APRIL Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Julia Child’s NanoDays and National Robotics Week Kitchen, and much more while enjoying excellent food and drink in a private setting. JUNE In 2010, Spark!Lab Corporations, associations and others who make an Solomon “Sol” Adler: Restless Inventor, an Archives and Invention at Play unrestricted gift to the Museum may co-host a special Center case collaboration welcomed the one celebratory event. In the past year, the National Museum of millionth visitor to the AUGUST American History’s special events staff have coordinated Lemelson Center since National Inventors’ Month: Music and Sound over 100 events ranging from donation ceremonies to its reopening in 2008. symposia to evening receptions and seated dinners. The NOVEMBER Museum can accommodate receptions for up to 3,200 and Food for Tomorrow symposium, a collaboration with the Museum’s Making bubbles in Spark!Lab—an seated dinners for up to 500 guests. introduction to the study of optics American Food and Wine History Project

NASA food scientist Vickie Kloeris speaking at “Food for Tomorrow”

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth,” also known as Jefferson’s Bible The Smithsonian gratefully acknowledges the individuals and organizations that Thank You made possible numerous activities of the National Museum of American History to Our in calendar year 2010. Warner Bros. Biotechnology Industry Organization Supporters Verizon Foundation CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Goldman, Sachs & Co. Ms. Patricia Q. Stonesifer and Mr. Michael E. The Honorable John F.W. Rogers Kinsley (Seattle Foundation) Timothy O’Neill Booz Allen Hamilton Mrs. Dorothy Lemelson, The Lemelson The Herb Alpert Foundation Kenneth Slowik at the Foundation Altria Group, Inc. harpsichord The Argus Fund Christopher Cope and Jamie Shaw Anonymous The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Peter and Rhondda Grant Mr. Brenton Halsey FEBRUARY 2010 Pete and Linda Claussen National Asphalt Pavement Association Donor Luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, featuring the The Nathan Cummings Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Strickler Jefferson Bible. Curator Harry Rubenstein and conservator Janice History Channel Events Stagnitto Ellis explored the history of the Jefferson Bible and shared the Museum’s plans to conserve, digitize, and exhibit it in 2011.

APRIL 2010 Smithsonian Council for American History Behind-the-scenes tour and reception sponsored by the The Smithsonian gratefully acknowledges the founding members of the Smithsonian Council for American History. Curators Kenneth Slowik In September 2010, Warner Bros. Smithsonian Council for American History whose generous unrestricted support and John Edward Hasse showcased the music collections and their made a $5 million gift to transform own musical talents. the Museum’s auditorium into a helped the Museum advance its mission in 2010. state-of-the-art theater. The Warner Anonymous MAY 2010 Bros. Theater offers an ideal venue for James K. Asselstine and Bette J. Davis presenting the history of American film Reception hosted by Council member Vin Di Bona in , Susan and Thomas Baxter in formats ranging from 35-mm reel to . Curator Dwight Blocker Bowers shared a presentation digital 3-D projection technology. Mr. and Mrs. David E. Behring on the Museum’s entertainment collections. The Honorable Max N. Berry Museum Advisory Board Dinner with guest speaker David Hackett Bram Bluestein and Ilene Gordon Bluestein Guests enjoy a reception Fischer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Washington’s Crossing. hosted by Council member Jere and Bonnie Broh-Kahn Vin Di Bona Kathryn C. Brown JULY 2010 Pete and Linda Claussen From left: Charlie Bryan, Judy Fischer, Tom Fourth of July Picnic Supper and viewing of the National Fireworks Esther L. Coopersmith Phelps, David Hackett Fischer, Charles Manatt, Display, hosted by Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough. Harry L. Crisp III and Cammy Bryan at the May Board dinner Vin Di Bona Elizabeth and Whitney MacMillan OCTOBER 2010 Peggie Ann Findlay Mr. and Mrs. David McCullough Museum Advisory Board Dinner, with a performance by the Sarajane Foster The Michelson Family Foundation Smithsonian Chamber Music Society’s Axelrod Quartet and guest Ms. Virginia Fulton I.A. and Marjorie Morris speaker Valerie Tripp, an author best known for her work on the Jeff Garrett Lee and Carol Orr American Girl series. Jayne and Walt Garrison Susan and Elihu Rose Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Glass Vicki Sant NOVEMBER 2010 Drs. Mark Graham and Laneta Dorflinger Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Small Donor appreciation luncheon for the Museum’s planned giving Peter and Rhondda Grant Doug and Betsy Stiles donors. Curator Timothy Winkle and conservator Beth Richwine Thomas E. Harvey and Cathleen P. Black Nicholas F. Taubman presented three early 19th-century fire hats from the CIGNA Bill and Alice Konze Bob Tuttle Firefighting Collection and explained the process of conserving Tony and Karril Kornheiser Mr. and Mrs. Togo D. West, Jr. these artifacts. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lader Thomas and Carol Wheeler Mrs. Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg Mike Wilkins and Sheila Duignan

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu Museum Members of the Board Alumni The National Museum of American History is not just a place to learn about The Honorable John F.W. Rogers Mr. David E. Behring Chairman of the Board Mr. Michael Beschloss America but to affirm our nation’s possibilities. Here we tell stories through Board & Mr. Curt Bradbury original objects with a connection to authentic people and events, such as the Ellsworth H. Brown, Ph.D. Charles F. Bryan, Jr., Ph.D. Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that “was still there” after the bombardment Executive Mrs. Kathryn C. Brown The Honorable Thad Cochran (R-MS) Mr. H.P. “Pete” Claussen of Fort McHenry in 1814 and which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Staff Lesley S. Herrmann, Ph.D. Mr. David M. Fields song that would become America’s anthem. In its new state-of the-art gallery, as of October 2011 The Honorable Philip Lader Ms. Irene Y. Hirano this flag lies not only at the core of the Museum and of the capital, but in the Mr. Jack L. Martin Ms. Francine LeFrak hearts of all Americans. The Honorable Doris Matsui Mrs. Dorothy Lemelson And so, it was an easy decision for me to accept the offer to become Interim Mr. Barry M. Meyer Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) MacMillan Marc Director in July while the Smithsonian searches for a new director. Although I Mr. David McCullough Ambassador Charles T. Manatt Mr. James R. Mellor retired from the Smithsonian in 2008, I consider myself lucky and privileged to Mr. Timothy O’Neill Pachter Libby Haight O’Connell, Ph.D. be a part of the team again. Ms. Abbe Raven Mr. David M. Rubenstein Elihu (Elly) Rose, Ph.D. Interim I originally served as this great Museum’s acting director from November Vicki Ruiz, Ph.D. The Honorable Ivan Selin Acknowledgements 2001 to December 2002, while also holding a full time position as director The Honorable Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. The Honorable Rodney E. Slater Director of the National Portrait Gallery. During this first appointment, the Museum This Highlights Report was created by: Ambassador Nicholas Taubman Mr. Riley K. Temple completed planning and design for the renovation of the center core, which Mr. Robert Uhler Mr. Marvin D. Williams was the first phase of the ongoing transformation of the building. I also was EDITORS Mr. James Vella Ms. Tae Yoo involved in the acquisition and display of Julia Child’s kitchen and the opening Melinda Machado Mrs. Gail Berry West Director of Public Affairs Executive Staff of Sept. 11: Bearing Witness to History, an exhibition that marked powerfully the Ms. Judy C. Woodruff first anniversary of the attacks and then traveled across the U.S. Valeska Hilbig Marc Pachter Deputy Director of Public Affairs Ex Officio to the Board Interim Director Now, ten years later, I still remember that day and its aftermath; how empty G. Wayne Clough David K. Allison the Museum, and all of Washington, was in the months following. This is DESIGN Secretary of the Smithsonian Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs a different place now, filled with millions of visitors each year, revitalized Cyndi Wood & Kim Bieler Richard Kurin Judy Gradwohl and flourishing with light-filled spaces, theater presentations and inspiring Creative Project Management, Inc. Under Secretary for History Art and Culture, Associate Director for Public Programs creativeprojectmgmt.com exhibitions. As it happens, during my first month here the Museum once again Smithsonian Institution Janice G. Lilja set up a special display about Sept. 11, and we are moving ahead with the PHOTOGRAPHY Associate Director for Management and second phase of the building’s ongoing renovation and renewal. NMAH Photographic Services: Museum Services There are many changes ahead, and I am thrilled to be helping in that Harold Dorwin Margaret Webster transformation. Richard Strauss Associate Director for External Affairs Hugh Talman The Museum fondly remembers longtime board member Pedro Colon NASM Communications: Charles T. Manatt, who passed Renovation Program Manager Eric Long away in July 2011. Melinda Machado Director, Office of Public Affairs

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu The grand staircase in the atrium opened in 2008.

Hall of Music, architectural rendering

The Museum’s transformation will continue with a major Looking project to renew the building’s 120,000-square-foot West Forward to Exhibition Wing, including new galleries, interior public plazas, and a Hall of Music for live performances. A new 2012 state-of-the-art Education Center focused on objects and hands-on experiences, a new gallery for the Lemelson West Center for Invention and Innovation, and the hands-on Spark!Lab will create opportunities to explore and learn for Exhibition all ages. Wing A new panoramic window and entrances to the outside terrace will create a sense of place and connect Museum Renovation visitors to the landmarks of the National Mall. The work will also modernize the infrastructure in this section of the building, including wireless environments. The goal is to maximize program and exhibition spaces that engage visitors in the American experience. The Museum will also return the Alexander Calder sculpture “Gwenfritz” to its original location on the west lawn, facing the Washington Monument and contributing to the monumental cityscape.

National Museum of American History Highlights Report 2010 americanhistory.si.edu