Students will review the roles of the presidency by using objects, images, and documents in this section of the online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden. Students will explore the complex duties of the president and how they have helped to determine their actions and

Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This online exhibition examines how wars have shaped the nations' history and transformed American society. Students will learn about America

During the American Civil War, General Benjamin Butler so appreciated the heroic actions of African American soldiers under his command at the 1864 battles of Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer that he commissioned a special medal for them. Designed by Anthony C. Paquet and realized in silver by Tiffa

Construction of the National Japanese American Memorial on Federal land was authorized by statute (PL 102-502) and signed into law by President George Bush on October 24, 1992. Initially intended to commemorate Japanese American War veterans, the purpose has been extended to honor the patriotism

Students will learn how the loyalty of Japanese Americans was tested during World War II. Based on answers to mandatory loyalty questionnaires, many Japanese Americans were sent to separate camps, repatriated, expatriated or given the opportunity to be drafted into the military. This section of

Students will learn about the 25,000 Japanese Americans who served in U.S. military units during World War II. This section of A More Perfect Union, an online exhibition, uses artifacts from the Museum's collections, primary so

In this post, readers will explore the writings of an assistant surgeon in the 150th Pennsylvania infantry during the Civil War, M.A. Henderson.  Although Henderson did not see much action and describes little of his medical duties, his diary is a resource for understanding the Ci

In this post, readers will discover some of the early history of bullet-proof vests and how Americans during the Civil War tried to protect themselves and their loved ones with this relatively new invention.  Written by Civil War scholar Sarah Weicksel, this post i

In this post, a Museum staff member answers a question posed by Museum visitors: Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?” A commemoration with a long history, this blog explores the roots and intentions of this spring holiday.  Written by Project Assistant Ryan Lintelman,

In this post, students will learn about Audie Murphy by answering the question, "What was it about Audie Murphy that impelled him to become a hero?" Murphy was the most highly decorated World War II soldier, and upon his return to civilian life, he was an instant celebrity. He parlayed his n