National Museum of American History

Opening November 20 FOOD: Transforming the American Table, 1950-2000 Whether convenient, fast, organic, processed, gourmet, ethnic, or local, the foods available to Americans have never been more plentiful and diverse, or more ripe for discussion. Coupled with big changes in who does the cooking, where meals are consumed, and what we know (or think we know) about what’s good for us, the story of Americans and food in the last half of the 20th century is about much more than what’s for dinner. A Political menu With the election just days away, we thought we’d serve up a political buffet of our own. If you’re in town on November 2-3, you should join us for the Lemelson Center’s Political Machines Symposium. If you can’t make it, why not browse our online collections for election-related objects or enjoy a blog post about the speakers, voting technology, or presidential debates?   We the people We need your help to shape the future direction of the Museum! Please let us know what you think about the Museum's role in the national community by completing our short online survey. Events Political Machines Symposium November 2-3 Astride Two Ages: Technology and the Civil War Symposium November 9-11 Richard Pickering from the Plimoth plantation November 11 Extended hours: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM November 23-24 Madcap May: The Many Lives and Loves of a Scandalous Showgirl 50% off for Newsletter subscribers! Use promo code 190509 December 4, 6:45 PM Exhibitions OPENING November 20 - FOOD: Transforming the American Table, 1950-2000 The ruby slippers return from their London holiday on Nov. 21 From the Blog Part I: My experience on set of the movie "Gettysburg" by guest author Brian James Egen The big story behind synthetic human growth hormone Covered wagons and the American frontier The colorful, kinetic world of Charles and Ray Eames The bagatelle wizard instead of the pinball wizard On the Web Have you checked out our Pinterest boards? Learn about all the things the Smithsonian does on the new Seriously Amazing website! For Educators Headed to the National Council for the Social Studies conference in Seattle? Join us for our Let’s Do History Tour, an interactive pre-conference clinic on Thursday, November 15 from 2-5 pm in room 614; or for our workshop Integrating Language Arts and History: Online Resources from the Smithsonian on Friday, November 16 from 5-6 pm in room 605.   Hear our curators discuss the Bracero program in the newest episode of the History Explorer podcast series or explore Thanksgiving and harvest celebrations in this conversation with curator Rayna Green. For Kids & Families Discuss the history of Thanksgiving and harvest celebrations together with this episode of the History Explorer podcast.   Considering a museum visit with kids over the holidays? Check out these blog posts: Why You Should Take Your Little Kids to a Museum and Want to Change Your Seven-Year-Old's Life? Food & Shopping November is Thanksgiving, and we are focusing on food all month. The cafes have seasonal specialties like pumpkin muffins, apple pies and tarts, and traditional turkey dinner.   The store has wonderful merchandise you will crave after you visit the new FOOD exhibition. Of course we have Julia child's masterpiece Mastering the Art of French Cooking and there are more books, great gadgets, cool condiments and even child-size utensils and chef's jackets.