What’s Happening at the National Museum of American History in December

EXHIBITION UPDATE

Last Chance to See Some Popular Objects!
"Entertainment Nation”/ "Nación del espectáculo”

Ray and Dagmar Dolby Hall of American Culture

Third Floor, West, Ongoing


In December and January, visitors will have a last chance to see some of the museum’s iconic popular culture objects, including “Miss Piggy,” “Kermit” and “Cookie Monster,” as well as Elizabeth Moss’s costume from “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bull’s Jersey. These objects will rotate off to allow for an exciting new round of artifacts in “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo.” The exhibition will temporarily be off view Jan. 27 – Jan. 31, 2025. The exhibition, which immerses visitors in the dramatic arc of the nation’s story as told through the power and influence of theater, television, film, music and sports, showcases approximately 200 objects in a 7,200-square-foot, multimedia exhibition in the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Hall of American Culture. 
 
PROGRAMS

Salud Comunitaria: Stories of Latino D.C. Health Care Leaders
Dec. 12, Doors open at 6 p.m.; Program starts at 6:30 p.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West
6 – 6:30 p.m.: Objects Out of Storage  6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Panel Conversation followed by “Giving in America” exhibit viewing
  

How have new immigrants been able to access healthcare and support around Washington D.C.? The museum will host a conversation about the history and current state of wellbeing of D.C.’s Latino communities. Participants include Maria Gomez, founder of Mary’s Center; Clinica del Pueblo Chief Program Officer Suyanna Barker; and the museum’s oral historian Jose Centeno-Melendez, with Amanda Moniz, David M. Rubenstein Curator of Philanthropy, moderating the conversation. Visitors will be able see objects–out-of-storage and view the “Giving in America” exhibit examining how Americans’ gifts of time and resources continue to shape our complex history. The Mary’s Center’s founding and evolution is the focus of the exhibit’s thematic showcase “A Story of Community." 

CHAMBER MUSIC
 

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Presents: Masterworks of Five Centuries
Nicholas F. and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music
Sat. December 7, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sun. December 8, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Third Floor, West 

The 47th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society presents musical masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized instruments. This concert features the music of Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord. This selection will be played by Kenneth Slowik on harpsichord and Catherine Manson on violin.

To purchase tickets: 
Members: $32; Non-members: $36
Sat. Dec. 7: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/scms-masterworks-1P0857
Sun. Dec. 8: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/scms-masterworks-1P0862

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Presents:  The Axelrod String Quartet – Stradivarius and Amati Series
Nicholas F. and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music
Sat. December 14, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Sun. December 15, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Third Floor, West

The 47th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society presents musical masterpieces from the late 16th century to the cusp of the 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized instruments. This concert features Quartet in G Minor, D173 by Franz Schubert; Quintet in C Major, K515 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and Felix Mendelssohn’s Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 87. Joan DerHovsepian is the featured guest violinist. 

To purchase tickets: 
Members $32; Non-members $36
Sat. December 14: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/axelrod-string-quartet-1P0848
Sun. December 15: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/axelrod-string-quartet-1P0852

JAZZ

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Presents:
“Jazz and the Armed Services”
Note Location: Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

 
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as the big-band-in-residence at the National Museum of American History. 
 
Congressionally funded military bands date to 1798 with the establishment of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. In the 1910s, elements of jazz were added to the military music repertoire, and today most branches have an official jazz ensemble. The SJMO’s season-opening concert salutes military jazz bands and the role they play in inspiring American troop, fostering patriotic support and promoting national interests at home and abroad. The program includes such highlights as “Memphis Blues” by W.C. Handy and Carl Wolfe; “American Patrol” by E.H. Meacham and Glenn Miller; and the “Armed Forces Medley.”
 
To purchase tickets: 
Members: $30; Non-members: $40
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Jazz and the Armed Services - Smithsonian Associates

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
 
Exterior and Interior
Flag Hall, Second Floor
Nov. 22 to Jan. 2, 2025 
 
Smithsonian Gardens joins in closing out the celebration of the museum’s 60th anniversary year with a specially themed 12-foot, mid-century silver holiday tree among the interior and exterior decorations across the museum. The popular Dolls’ House, found near the museum’s “Wegmans Wonderplace” is also traditionally decorated for the holidays and the museum’s gift stores and cafes will feature special merchandise and holiday-themed foods.    

VISITING

What to know:

The museum is open seven days a week, except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and passes are not required. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit

FOOD

The Eat at America’s Table Cafe is open for complete food and beverage service. In December, Chef Kyre and his team will present a menu of delicious and warming winter favorites, including Basque Lamb Stew, Cinnamon Brandy Braised Chicken, along with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli Rabe, plus Honeynut Squash salad, Root Vegetable Salad and Chopped Winter Salad. 

The Leroy Neiman Jazz Cafe offers light lunch, including sandwiches and pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages. The Jazz Cafe serves Starbucks coffee, including the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte.  For more information, visit the website.

Bottled water is allowed in the museum. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle for use at fountains.

Stores: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25 between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, K–12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media via Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

Amy Kehs | READ MORE

Amy Kehs is a brand strategist and communications expert for museums.