Smithsonian Treasures of American History

by Kathleen Kendrick, Peter Liebhold

The National Museum of American History—our country's largest history museum and one of the Smithsonian's most visited—preserves three million objects that capture the American story. From this vast collection, curators have handpicked more than 150 of the Museum's most valued and amazing treasures—from the hat Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated to Jacqueline Kennedy's inaugural gown and Dorothy's ruby slippers; from Alexander Graham Bell's telephone to Edison's light bulb and Albert Einstein's pipe; from an early box of Crayolas to one of the oldest pairs of Levi's. Four separate sections devoted to "Creativity and Innovation," "American Biography," "National Challenges," and "American Identity" reveal fascinating juxtapositions and startling connections on every page. This visual cornucopia of the material culture of American history reveals the familiar, the famous, and the unexpected at every turn.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Travel, American History

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book! Like having a tiny museum on your bookshelf.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this on a recent trip to the American History Museum. Since the museum had been closed for renovations and was just recently re-opened, it was jam packed. There were lines everywhere! Since the main focus of my trip was not the Smithsonians, I only had approx. an hour and a half to go through. Also, during that hour and a half, I developed a very serious headache that pretty much ruined me for enjoying the exhibits that I was able to easily access. So, while in the gift shop buying aspirins, I bought this book as well. For a tiny book, it sure is filled with a lot of great things. It was a purchase well worth making!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book includes not only items on display at the American History Smithsonian, but also items that are not always on display. I did not know, for instance, that a guitar owned by Prince is owned by the museum. Each item has a little biography and the book is diviaded into sections detailing what type of importance each item is.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick little read. I love history and museums and since I've never been to the Smithsonian it was exciting to see some of the things they have there. I really enjoyed it.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my only trip to Washington, D. C., I was extremely disappointed that the Smithsonian was closed. While looking through this book is a palliative, in many ways it is a poor one. The opportunity to see things like Albert Einstein’s pipe, Helen Keller’s watch, Thomas Jefferson’s desk, the chairs that Lee and Grant sat in during their conference at Appomattox and Andrew Jackson’s uniform coat are reminders of the people and the history they made.
This collection of items in the Smithsonian collection is also a demonstration that what is the normal and mundane can become priceless reminders of the history that they witnessed. For history is made by people that did memorable things, many that are not completely recognized when they occur. Not being able to visit the Smithsonian when I stood at the doors is one of my deepest regrets and one that I am determined to rectify.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little survey. Opened me up to some fascinating stories I never knew about. There are so many objects with such rich stories in those collections that I feel this quick, image-full guide does a great job at capturing the reader's wonder to look deeper. At particular stories, at specific objects or the institution and collections as a whole.

[Lisa Burris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief overview of some of the true treasures of the Smithonian Museum of American History, this slight book is perhaps meant as a souvenir for visitors. Still, it is interesting for a diversion, as you learn a lot about items significant to the American experience.

[soup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and informative. The pictures are lovely too. I love how it shines a light on almost every era and fad of U.S. history.