Every Collection has a Story. The Archives holds records that document the Smithsonian’s people, events, buildings, and research. The history of the Smithsonian is a vital part of the history of American experience, scientific exploration, and international cultural understanding.
Home
Explore all 50,147 records that document the Smithsonian's people, events, buildings, exhibits, and research:
This searches the Archives’ collection summaries, digitized media, and historic annotations.
Or scroll down to explore
Capturing, preserving, and sharing the history of the Smithsonian Institution
Explore the history of the Smithsonian Institution:
May 24, 1955
The First Ladies' Hall reopens in the west-north range of the Arts and Industries Building after extensive renovations. Attendees included President Dwight Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, who had recently donated her inaugural dress. The exhibit features reconstructions of eight White House rooms, decorated in period style from its earliest appearance to the present time, containing architectural details recovered from the White House during its recent renovation. The new exhibit is part of the Institution's Exhibit Modernization Program, which updated the exhibits across the Smithsonian.
