Explore History & Culture
Illuminating history and culture for our shared future
The Smithsonian not only explores U.S. history and culture to better understand what it means to be an American, but also examines, explains, and protects cultural heritage in the U.S. and around the world. Our collections and subject experts illuminate the past and present to help discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge that secures our shared future as a nation and a global community.
Featured
Discover featured online collections, resources, and stories from across the Smithsonian.
-
-
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Smithsonian celebrates an American civil rights icon with a look through the collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
On the Gridiron
Explore football-related items in our collections dating from the late 1880s to the present. -
National Portrait Gallery
Happy Birthday Elvis
Born on this day in 1935, Presley grew up in the musical melting pot of Memphis, Tennessee. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
An Eloquent Argument
“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...”—Thomas Paine
-
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Music and Fashion
Music and fashion influence each other, and they reflect and impact the culture at large. -
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Who Was Molly Pitcher?
The heroic figure of Molly Pitcher has come to represent the critical roles that many women played during the fight for American independence. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Revolution
Explore collections and stories related to the founding of the United States of America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
The Statue of Liberty: Symbol for a Nation
A gift from France in 1886, Lady Liberty in our collections and across America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Playtime: Toys, Games, and Puzzles
From vintage to high-tech, there's something for every child (and child at heart) in our collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Hip-Hop and Rap
This Technics brand turntable was used by Grandmaster Flash. Discover more hip-hop collection items. -
National Air and Space Museum
Passenger Flight
Learn about the history of commercial aviation in the United States from air mail to airlines.
Topics in History and Culture
Connect with history and culture online at the Smithsonian's museums and cultural centers.
National Museum of American History
American History and Culture
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
American Women's History
National Museum of African American History and Culture
African American History and Culture
National Museum of the American Indian
American Indian History and Culture
National Museum of the American Latino
American Latino History and Culture
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Asian Pacific American History and Culture
National Air and Space Museum
Air and Space History and Culture
National Postal Museum
Postal History and Stamps
Anacostia Community Museum
Urban Community Life
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
"People's" Music, Spoken Word, and Sound
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn the stories behind the collections. Discover more episodes on history and culture.
-
Sidedoor Podcast
A Very Cold Case
This epic frozen whodunit, features a shipwreck, romance, and a social media darling with a dark secret.
-
Sidedoor Podcast
Everybody Pledge Now
Why do we pledge allegiance to the flag? Learn the history behind this everyday occurrence on Sidedoor.
-
Sidedoor Podcast
Ponzi's Scheme
Meet the man behind the Ponzi Scheme, and hear from a postal investigator trained to catch swindlers who use the U.S. mail for nefarious purposes.
-
Sidedoor Podcast
Wrinkled Radicals
Hear about the U.S. movement against ageism started by Maggie Kuhn in the 1970s.