This is a Bata Cubana, or Cuban Rumba dress, donated to the Smithsonian by Celia Cruz, the great Cuban salsa singer in 1997. An adaptation of the traditional Cuban rumba dress, it was made in the United States by Cuban-born designer José Arteaga. The Bata Cubana has its roots in the 19th century

Physical Description Oxidized metal bugle. Specific History This bugle was salvaged from the wreck of the USS Maine. General History USS Maine was a second-class battleship built between 1888 and 1895. It was sent to Havana, Cub

Explore features of the Star-Spangled Banner using this interactive flag included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem. Using this interactive tool, students can click on hotspots and learn something new about the fla

Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn, an exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Libraries, presents more than 50 examples of action-packed constructions and inspired works of art spanning 500 years. The related Web site includes a blog, exhibition brochure, and video

The most basic right of citizenship has been equal access and protection under the law. The fight to extend this right to all began before the Declaration of Independence proclaimed “all men are created equal,” and continues today.

These shoes, worn by dancer Stella Abrera in a January 2018 production of The Nutcracker, have been pancaked to match Abrera's skin color. When they are dancing without wearing tights, dancers pancake their shoes to match their skin color.Stella Abrera joined the American Ballet Theatre in 1996 and

Associate Chief Joseph A. Banco Jr. is a highly decorated, 22-year-veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol. During his long and distinguished career, Mr. Banco served on our Nation’s southwestern, coastal, and northern borders as well as internationally.This uniform was worn during the late 1990s betwee

Physical Description Handwriting on paper attached to bamboo. Specific History Emilio Aguinaldo’s address to the Philippine people, bearing his seal. The paper is attached to a woven bamboo board. It was found one morning hanging on a fence in the town of Bugasou, P

Physical Description Large yellow stripe with anchor and coat of arms. Red stripes on either side of yellow. Specific History Spanish admiral’s flag captured by United States gunboat Petrel from the cruiser Isla de Luzon during the Battle of Manila

At six feet four inches tall, Lincoln towered over most of his contemporaries. He chose to stand out even more by wearing high top hats. He acquired this hat from J. Y. Davis, a Washington hat maker. Lincoln had the black silk mourning band added in remembrance of his son Willie. No one knows whe