Slideshow: 2011 year in review

2011 was a remarkable year for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to provide over 4.6 million visitors with world-class exhibitions and engaging programs.

I hope you enjoy this slideshow of some of the best moments of 2011!

Some highlights of 2011 include:

• Richard Avedon portraits: The Kennedys 50 years ago
• bringing the two winning cars from our Race to the Museum contest to the museum
• beginning our new Time Trials theater program, giving our visitors an opportunity to interact with controversial historical figures Benedict Arnold and John Brown
• "Sweet and Sour" showcase exploring the history of Chinese food in America
• "COBOL" showcase
• marking the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War
• adding HIV and AIDS 30 years ago to Science in American Life
• Phyllis Diller's "gag file"
• the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra toured Russia
• commemorating September 11: Remembrance and Reflection, including a series of lectures, teaching seminars, and online conversations
• conserving of Thomas Jefferson's bible, which is now on display in the Albert H. Small Documents Gallery
• adding an "Electrifying Cars" section to the America on the Move exhibition
• a new installation for The First Ladies
• discovering a way to play 100 year-old experimental sound recordings

Added to the collection in 2011:

• Peace Corps objects
• Tony Hawk's skateboard
• Esperanza Spalding’s Nobel Peace Prize Performance Dress
• Farrah Fawcett's iconic red swimsuit and other objects
• Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein 2" guitar
• 17 items from Sacagawea dollar coin sculptor Glenna Goodacre
• Two gowns from song stylist Nancy Wilson
• objects related to the development of autonomous robots
• Gene Tunney's boxing gloves
• Items from the television series Rescue Me
• political materials from Wisconsin and Occupy Wall Street
• Phil Lesh’s “Eye of Horus” Bass Guitar
• 10-time World Champion Kelly Slater's surfboard

It has been a year of dynamic exhibitions, new acquistions and exciting programs. We look forward to another great year in 2012. Why not get your tax deductions started early? Make a donation and let’s make history together!

Dave McOwen is a New Media Specialist for the National Museum of American History.

Comments

[Holly Wilson]

Nice blog, makes me what to come to Washington DC to see the Smithsonian. There is so much rich history there. I love the gold car it is awesome.

[Siege of Petersburg Online - Brett S.]

I haven't been to Washington, D.C. since 2003 on a trip to see the Civil War battlefields between Richmond and DC, but your information on the Civil War sesquicentennial linked to above makes me even more determined to make it back to see the exhibits before the commemoration is over. I can't wait to see what you'll make available for the Siege of Petersburg!

You guys do a great job of promoting the Museum's materials online, something that a lot of history sites overlook to some extent. I follow your Facebook and Twitter feeds and check in from time to time to see what's new. Keep up the good work!