Research Catalog

Title

Exhibiting America : the Smithsonian's National History Museum, 1881-2018 / David K. Allison and Hannah Peterson.

Author

Allison, David K., 1950-

Publication

• Washington, D.C. : Smithsonian Scholarly Press, 2021.
• ©2021

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Peterson, Hannah (Hannah L. C.)
• Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press, issuing body.

Description

xv, 415 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), plans (some color); 26 cm

Summary

"This book explores the varied ways that the National Museum of American History and its predecessors conveyed the story of America in its exhibitions to millions of annual visitors through five distinct eras of history. Because of the museum's size and scope and its prominent presence in the nation's capital, its leaders have always aspired to grand visions of it mission and program. Yet the realities of exhibition development tempered and shaped what was ultimately displayed on its floors in many surprising and provocative ways. These five eras were: The Nation's Attic (1876-1964), A Museum of History and Technology (1964-1969), Celebrating America' Bicentennial (1969-1979), A National Museum of American History (1979-2001), and What does it mean to be American? (2001-2018). The narrative describes what was on display through both narrative discussions and a wealth of illustrations. In addition, it explores the background stories of how and why the museum chose to mount the exhibitions it presented. A conclusion offers reflections on historical trends and continuing challenges for the museum"--Provided by publisher.

Series Statement

A Smithsonian contribution to knowledge

Uniform Title

Smithsonian contribution to knowledge

Alternative Title

Smithsonian's National History Museum, 1881-2018

Subject

• National Museum of American History (U.S.) > Exhibitions
• National Museum of American History (U.S.) > History
• National museums > Washington (D.C.)
• National characteristics, American
• Civilization
• National museums
• United States > Civilization > Exhibitions
• United States > History > Exhibitions
• United States
• Washington (D.C.)

Genre/Form

• exhibition catalogs.
• Exhibition catalogs.
• History.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 365-387) and index.

Contents

The Nation's attic (1876-1964) -- A museum of history and technology (1964-1969) -- Celebrating America's Bicentennial (1969-1979) -- A national museum of American History (1979-2001) -- What does it mean to be American? (2001-2018) -- Reflections -- Appendix: NMAH directors timeline.

ISBN

• 9781944466404
• 1944466401
• 9781944466398 (canceled/invalid)

LCCN

2020042794

OCLC

• on1202730370
• SCSB-14130433

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library