National Museum of American History

As a bastion of U.S. culture and history, this museum tells America's story in terms of everyday life. Its objects can evoke feelings of awe (the desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence), affection (Dorothy's ruby slippers), or connection (Julia Child's kitchen). And some things here -- the museum's ultimate possession, the huge original Star-Spangled Banner, for example -- evoke all three emotions at once.

A grand renovation completed in November 2008 has much improved the museum. A skylight lightens up the place and a redesign creates better flow; both rid the building of its old sense of clutter. Better yet, the museum brings American history to full-blooded life by staging entertainments in different locations throughout the day. The Mall-level's newly carved-out atrium is one perfect spot -- I've enjoyed performances of professional singers belting out American standards, like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Oklahoma -- and the East Wing's third-floor space in front of the Clara Barton Red Cross ambulance is another -- here, I listened to a man dressed in World War II army fatigues read a letter written by a soldier to his family back home.

The piece de resistance of the museum always has been the original 30*34-foot wool and cotton Star Spangled Banner, which Francis Scott Key observed the morning of September 14, 1814, when he spied this very flag waving above Fort McHenry in Baltimore's harbor, at the height of the War of 1812. Key's emotion at the sight moved him to pen the poem that, when put to music, eventually became the U.S. national anthem. Thanks again to the renovation, the carefully preserved flag now rests in its own dimly lit, no, make that almost completely dark, multistory gallery, on view through an enormous windowfront. The gallery lies on the second floor behind the atrium wall, whose abstract depiction of the flag is meant to lead you to the exhibit entrance. (If you are like me, you might not catch on; just look for the straightforward signs showing you where to enter.) Take the time to examine the artifacts on display, like the piece of burned timber from the torched White House, and to read about the flag's seamstress, professional flagmaker Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag in 6 weeks with the help of her daughter, nieces, and a maid.

On the third floor lies the exhibit "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden," which explores the power and meaning of the presidency by studying those who have held the position. Continue on this floor to the exhibit "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War," which examines major American military events and explores the idea that America's armed forces reflect American society. Among the items on display here are George Washington's commission from Congress as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the uniform jacket that Andrew Jackson wore during the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.

On the second floor, the always popular, recently expanded "First Ladies of the Smithsonian" exhibit now displays 24 First Ladies' gowns (10 more than before, including Michelle Obama's fabulous Jason Wu-designed, white chiffon, one-shoulder inaugural ball gown), 14 watercolor paintings of the dresses, 100 objects, and information about each of the women. Following that, find the exhibit called "Within These Walls . . . ," which interprets the rich history of America by tracing the lives of the people who lived in a 200-year-old house transplanted from Ipswich, Massachusetts.

First-floor exhibits explore the development of farm and power machinery. A temporary exhibit whose popularity may make it a permanent display is "Bon Appétit! Julia Child's Kitchen at the Smithsonian," a presentation of the famous chef's actual kitchen from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. When she moved to California in late 2001, Child donated her kitchen and all that it contained (1,200 items in all) to the museum. Most of these are on display, from vegetable peeler to kitchen sink. Also look here for "America on the Move," which details the story of transportation in America since 1876: 300 artifacts displayed within period settings. And if you enjoy science explained in personal terms, head to the "Invention at Play" exhibit to discover the people behind inventions such as the Kevlar vest and the telephone.

Best to start your tour at the second-floor Welcome Center, near the Mall entrance, to figure out how you'd like to proceed. Inquire about highlight tours (daily at 10:15am and 1pm), spotlight tours (a docent's 15-min. focused talk on a particular object or exhibit, given between 10am and 3pm most days), and daily performances, as well as films, lectures, concerts, and hands-on activities for children and adults. Be sure to visit the museum's gift shops and dining options, also revamped during the remodeling.

The American History Museum has gotten into simulators, only these are different than the popular rides at the Air and Space Museum. Located on the lower level across from the Stars and Stripes Café are four rides that simulate roller coaster and race car adventures. The cost is $7 per ride, each simulator accommodates 8 people, and children unaccompanied by an adult must measure at least 42 inches in height.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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