Page 80 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

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Exploring the National Museum continent. From 18th-century
of American History sailing ships, 19th-century steam-
boats and fishing craft to today’s
mega-containerships, America’s
The collections at the National Museum of American History maritime connections are
are very diverse. Whether you head straight for the First Ladies’ shown through interactive
gowns or spend time viewing the col lections of money, medals, displays, documents, and film.
musical instruments, and presidential artifacts, planning is Also on the first floor, Lighting
a Revolution looks at electricity
the key to a successful visit. The museum is gradually being and electrical invention in the
transformed with continuing renovation and the opening of 20th century, illuminating all
new wings, like the Innovation hall. The center core and east the differences in the process
wing remain open to the public. of invention between Thomas
Edison’s time and our own.
For those with an interest
in all things mechanical, the
Power Machinery Hall features
examples of the machines that
made America a world leader
in industrial production, and
contains models and actual
examples of engines, turbines,
pumps, and more. Perhaps the
most famous machine of all is
the John Bull Locomotive in the
East Wing, the oldest operative
self-propelled locomotive in the
The museum’s modern facade on Madison Drive world. Spark!Lab invites families
to participate in activities that
maritime history and exploring blend science, technology,
First Floor life and work on the nation’s engineering, and mathematics
Stories on Money explores the waterways. The exhibits build (STEM), with art and creativity.
museum’s collection of American on the Smithsonian’s National The American Enterprise exhibit
coinage and currency. The Watercraft Collection of rigged in the Innovation hall chronicles
exhibition “America’s Money” ship models, patent models, how businesses and inventions
examines the changes from documents, and images to have informed democracy –
Colonial America to the Gold bring the sights, sounds, and think the Industrial Revolution,
Rush, and the present day, stories from the oceans, inland advertising, and the digital age.
focusing on the renaissance rivers, and coastal communities
of American coinage. to museum visitors. Second Floor
Food: Transforming America’s The maritime influence on
Table 1950–2000 explores the American history is one of the The American Stories exhibit
way technology, societal shifts, most compelling chapters in showcases the historic and
cultural influences, and research the national story. Maritime trade cultural journey of American
into health have changed how established major cities, created history through more than
and what the country eats. The connections between people 100 objects from the museum’s
highlight is the recreation of Julia and places and opened the extensive collection. These
Child’s home kitchen, in all its
multicolored, haphazard glory.
America on the Move is
the museum’s largest single
exhibition and tells the story
of how trains, streetcars, and
automobiles have shaped
American lives. Exhibits include
the locomotive that pulled
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral
train, a 40-ft (12-m) section of
pavement from the legendary
Route 66, a 1903 Winton, Ford’s
Model T, and a Hot Rod.
On the Water: Stories from
Maritime America is a vast
exhibition chartering American 1950 Buick Super sedan displayed in America on the Move

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Flashmap follow-on template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.4)
Date 5th November 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm