For elementary school students to practice thinking routines by carefully observing museum objects and artifacts. Each video has an accompanying lesson plan with activities for students to do in the class or home. Find them in the description section of each individual video. Each video is 5 minutes

Although we might think of fax machines as a relatively recent (if somewhat dated) technology, this episode uncovers the surprising history of the wireless fax machine. Host Tory Altman speaks with Hal Wallace, associate curator of the museum's electricity collection, about this 1930s device that

Hear Smithsonian staff members discuss jazz, the jazz collection, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. 

In this post, readers join a New York architect in 1968 as he explores the usefulness of the Empire State Building and its potential for the future.  Including a portion of the architect’s testimony to the Y Supreme Court, this blog asks readers to consider the non-monetary value of a stru

A short video, this one is great as a lesson opener! "Star-Spangled Souvenirs" is the first episode in the NMAH webseries "Founding Fragments." Join host Tory Altman for a behind-the-scenes look at some of our most intriguing and little-known objects.  Hear personal interviews with curators

Newsreel video footage from 1944 and 1945, showing the Allies prepare and carry out the invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Paris, Battle of the Bulge and the eventual fall of the Third Reich and surrender of Germany. This video is part of the Price of Freedom learning resources packag

One of the most enduring national brand characters to appear in the early days of advertising is everyone's favorite sartorially gifted legume, Mr. Peanut. In this episode, host Tory Altman joins Kathleen Franz, professor at American University, to talk about the history of "spokes-characters" in

In this series of interviews, member of the Greensboro Four Joseph McNeil talks about what motivated him to participate and shares a message for young people on being involved in their communities. 

This short video is a great lesson opener on the 1950s and 60s and post-WW2 America. "Ken Kesey's Acid Test Signboard" is the third episode in the NMAH webseries "Founding Fragments." Join host Tory Altman for a behind-the-scenes look at some of our most intriguing and little-known objects.  

This series introduces you to the lives of 10 Latinas, as told by curators, scientists, and educators across the Smithsonian. Join them as they explore stories of labor organizing, fashion, music, science exploration, performance, and art that have shaped the United States. The Latinas Talk Latinas