Arts and Industries Building
The Arts and Industries Building (A&I) was designed by two Philadelphia architects: Adolph Cluss and Rudolph Schulze. It first opened in 1881 as the United States National Museum, the Smithsonian’s first building dedicated solely to the research, care, and display of collections. After the natural history collection moved into its own building in 1910, the Arts and Industries Building exhibited primarily historical collections. The postcards in this gallery have exterior views of the building, as well as images of exhibits.
Grayscale postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A horse and buggy is in front of the museum entrance. The tree in front of the museum is bare. A thick white border is below the black and white image. The postcard is numbered 4 and is unused. c. 1907-1910, I. & M. Ottenheimer, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 75, Folder: 7, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06641 and SIA2013-06642.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A tree is in front of the building. An American flag is flying from the building, and the road in front of the museum appears yellow. c. 1907-1910, Unknown, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building. A garden plot in the left foreground contains green foliage and pink and white flowers. The sun is casting long shadows onto the lawn in front of the building. The postcard refers to the building as the “Museum of Natural History,” most likely because it housed natural history collections until the Natural History Building was built, but that is not the correct name for the museum. c. 1907-1910, Unknown, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, with a circular garden plot of green, orange, and yellow foliage in the foreground. The back of the postcard is addressed to Marley Williams in New York. The card was mailed to Marley on September 11, 1907. There is a white border at the bottom of the front with a short written message: "Sep 11. Just six o'clock ready to go out to breakfast, good Bye." September 11, 1907, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2275 and SIA2011-2276.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A tree is in front of the building, and people are sitting underneath it. An American flag is flying from the building. The white object at the center left of the postcard is the Syrian sarcophagus given to President Andrew Jackson. c. 1908, Unknown, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Grayscale postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A circular garden surrounded by a short, arched fence is in the foreground. c. 1909, Unknown, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The view of the building is through partially bare trees. There are benches in front of the museum, and the surrounding grounds are empty. c. 1910, Valentine & Sons’ Publishing Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The sky is clear and the trees are green. A circular garden plot surrounded by a short, rounded fence is in the foreground. The front of the postcard has a white border. The back of the postcard is addressed to Miss Mary Wilson, and it is postmarked February 5, 1911. The message is as follows: “Hello:— Was indeed glad to get your card. How is this for a spring day? Sure I am still ‘on my job.’ How many months of school do you have left? Yes we have both penants [sic] and pins. I think we will have some new pins in a few days Sincerely H.B.M.” February 5, 1911, Ullman Manufacturing Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2291 (front) and SIA2011-2292 (back).
Color postcard of the “old” US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. There is a tree in front of the building, with people sitting underneath it on a bench. A yellow car is on the road in front of the building. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a short printed note about the museum: "The National Museum contains the Government collections, comprising millions of objects of scientific and artistic interest, collected from all quarters of the globe." The front of the postcard has a white border. After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the “old” National Museum, because the “new” National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The “new” National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. c. 1915-1930, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2301 (front) and SIA2011-2302 (back).
Color postcard with an exterior view of the “old” US National Museum building, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The number 1721 is in the bottom left-hand corner on the front. The front of the postcard has a white border. An American flag is flying above the museum, and people are sitting on a bench under a tree. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the museum: "The National Museum contains the Government collections, comprising millions of objects of scientific and artistic interest, collected from all quarters of the globe." After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the “old” National Museum, because the “new” National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The “new” National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. c.1915-1930, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 32, Folder: 9, Negative Numbers 2003-19543 (front) and SIA2013-07201 (back).
Color postcard of the “old” US National Museum building, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The front of the postcard has a white border. An American flag is flying above the museum, and a couple is sitting on a bench under a tree. On the message side there is a printed note about the museum: "The National Museum contains the Government collections, comprising millions of objects of scientific and artistic interest, collected from all quarters of the globe." The card is postmarked February 24, 1921, and it is addressed to Mrs. J.M. Strut. It has a hand-written message, as follows: “Dear Sister Your letter rec. also got the Eggs. I buried my Dead wife here in Wash. Are getting along as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Will write you in a few Days. with love R. T. Davis” After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the “old” National Museum, because the “new” National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The “new” National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. February 24, 1921, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2279 (front) and SIA2011-2280 (back).
Color postcard of the "old" US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. There is a tree in front of the building, with people sitting underneath it on a bench. A yellow car is on the road in front of the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is numbered 21202 in the bottom right-hand corner on the front. The message side of the postcard has a printed note about the building: "803—The National Museum contains the Government collections, comprising millions of objects of scientific and artistic interest, collected from all quarters of the globe." The postcard is addressed to Mrs. Mary Sennolt, with the following message for her: "[top] The lilac bushes are in bloom here Dear Aunt Mary, Just a line to let you Know We Got this far With Out any trouble not even a flat so far, Love from us both Doris & Paul" After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the "old" National Museum, because the “new” National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The "new" National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. May 1, 1931, B.S. Reynolds Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Grayscale postcard of a dress of Martha Washington at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A mannequin is sitting in a chair wearing the dress, wrapped in a shawl. It was part of the Collection of Period Costumes exhibit in the Arts and Industries Building and is now part of the at the National Museum of American History. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Dress of Martha Washington. Dress worn by Martha Washington during the administration of George Washington as President of the United States." Martha Custis Washington was the wife of the first US President George Washington. Click here to view a photo of the dress on display with other first ladies’ gowns. Martha Washington’s gown is the center-right dress. 1933, The Albertype Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07793 (front) and SIA2013-07794 (back).
Grayscale postcard of the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh's plane, hanging in the US National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, above display cases. A thick white border is below the image on the front. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the plane: "'The Spirit of St. Louis'. Flown by Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh (then Captain) on May 20-21, 1927, from New York to Paris, a distance of 3,610 miles, in 33 hours, 28 minutes. After returning from Europe on the USS. Memphis, Colonel Lindbergh made a 22,350 mile tour of the United States in this historic plane, followed by a Pan-American flight of 9,200 miles. The 'Spirit of St. Louis' was presented to the Smithsonian Institution by Colonel Lindbergh on December 11, 1927, at the presentation to him of the Langley Medal of the Institution, and was installed in the National Museum on May 14, 1928." Today the plane can be found at the National Air and Space Museum. 1933, The Albertype Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07787 (front) and SIA2013-07788 (back).
Grayscale postcard of the Franklin Press on exhibit at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the press: "This ‘Improved Wooden Press’ was used by Benjamin Franklin when employed in London as a printer by John Watts in 1726. The press passed to Cox and Sons, who sold it to Messrs. Harrild & Sons, who in turn presented it to John B. Murray of New York, in 1842. That same year it was deposited in the Patent Office, where it remained, except for six months in 1876, until 1883, when it was moved to the US National Museum. This type of printing press was in general use from about 1690 until after 1800, when it was superseded by the more powerful iron press." Today the Franklin Press can be found at the National Museum of American History. 1933, The Albertype Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07801 (front) and SIA2013-07802 (back).
Color postcard of a dress of Martha Washington at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. A mannequin is sitting in a chair wearing the dress, which appears pink in color, wrapped in a yellow shawl. It was part of the Collection of Period Costumes exhibit in the Arts and Industries Building and is now part of the First Ladies collection at the National Museum of American History. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Martha Custis Washington was the wife of the first US President George Washington. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 24, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07223 (front) and SIA2013-07224 (back).
Color postcard of a dress of Dolley Madison (image—dress on the far left) at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The dress is yellow with pink and floral embellishments. It was part of the Collection of Period Costumes exhibit in the Arts and Industries Building and is now part of the First Ladies collection at the National Museum of American History. The mannequin is wearing a pink shawl and is reaching one of her hands out. An empty chair sits in the background. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Dolley Madison was the wife of President James Madison. The postcard has misspelled her name as "Dolly." 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 28, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06653 (front) and SIA2013-06654 (back).
Color postcard of a dress of Sarah Childress Polk at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The dress is blue with brown embellishments. It was part of the Collection of Period Costumes exhibit in the Arts and Industries Building and is now part of the First Ladies collection at the National Museum of American History. The mannequin is standing, holding a fan. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Sarah Childress Polk was the wife of President James K. Polk. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 24, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07225 (front) and SIA2013-07226 (back).
Color postcard of a dress of Mary Todd Lincoln at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The dress is purple. It was part of the Collection of Period Costumes exhibit in the Arts and Industries Building and is now part of the First Ladies collection at the National Museum of American History. The mannequin wearing the dress is standing, holding a purple and white fan in her hands. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Mary Todd Lincoln was the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 24, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07227 (front) and SIA2013-07228 (back).
Color postcard of the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh's plane, hanging in the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, above display cases. Light green bands are above and below the image. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Today the plane can be found at the National Air and Space Museum. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 28, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06661 (front) and SIA2013-06662 (back).
Color postcard of the original John Bull Engine at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The postcard shows the engine on a railroad track, against an orange background. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. Today the locomotive can be found at the National Museum of American History. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07229 (front) and SIA2013-07230 (back).
Color postcard of the original Star Spangled Banner hanging in the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. It is shown against a yellow background. The postcard is unused, and it has white edging. The original Star Spangled Banner is the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write his song of the same name after American forces defeated the British at the Battle of Fort McHenry (September 14, 1812) during the War of 1812. The flag is on permanent exhibition at the National Museum of American History, in accordance with the wishes of its donor, New York stockbroker Eben Appleton. 1934, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 27, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07232 (front) and SIA2013-07233 (back).
Postcard of the "old" US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, in rich color. A large tree branch hangs in the foreground, above the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The message side has a printed note: "The Old National Museum is devoted to an exposition of the arts and industries, materials and methods of manufacturers, processes employed in the industrial arts, series showing the developments of arts and industries, all in vast array." The postcard is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Z.J. Ireland and it is postmarked April 13, 1939, with the following note for them: "Enjoying a wonderful time Going to Congressional Library tomorrow Margaret Keller." After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the "old" National Museum, because the "new" National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The "new" National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. April 13, 1939, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2285 (front) and SIA2011-2286 (back).
Grayscale postcard of a horse-drawn Hansom Cab on display in the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The postcard is labeled as one of the "Free Post Cards For Service Men" distributed during World War II. The postcard is unused, and the front of it has a white border. Today the Hansom Cab can be found at the National Museum of American History. 1942, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection T90126, Box 1, Folder: 3: Selected Smithsonian Exhibits and Buildings, Negative Numbers SIA2013-01062 (front) and SIA2013-07708 (back).
Color postcard of cartoon soldiers wearing Continental uniforms that were on exhibit at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The figures are against a yellow background. The postcard is labeled as one of the "Free Post Cards For Service Men" distributed during World War II. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but there is some adhesive and paper residue on the message side. Today the uniforms can be found at the National Museum of American History. 1942, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07812 (front) and SIA2013-07813 (back).
Grayscale postcard of the Wright Army Plane, also known as the 1909 Wright Military Flyer, flying above trees. The card indicates that the 1908-1909 Wright Army Plane was the first government-owned plane "in the world." In 1942, the year of production for the postcard, the plane was on display at the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The postcard is labeled as one of the "Free Post Cards For Service Men" distributed during World War II. The front of the postcard has a white border, and the card is unused. 1942, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07814 (front) and SIA2013-07815 (back).
Black and white photo postcard of the original 1903 Wright Flyer hanging on display in the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The Wright Flyer was on display in this building from 1948 to 1976, when it was moved to the National Air and Space Museum. The front of the card has a white border, and the postcard is unused. However, an additional negative number of “38391” can be seen written in pencil on the message side. This negative number is for the photograph used to produce the postcard. Today the plane can be found at the National Air and Space Museum. c. 1948-1976, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection T90126, Box 1, Folder: 3, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07721 (front) and SIA2013-07722 (back).
Color photochrom postcard of the Arts and Industries Building. The image shows the north front of the building. The sky is clear and the street in front of the building is empty. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Arts and Industries Building, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., containing exhibits pertaining to arts and engineering, American history, and aeronautics.” c. 1950s, Colourpicture, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection T90126, Box 1, Folder: Smithsonian Buildings: Smithsonian Institution Buildings (The Castle) 1956 and undated, Negative Number SIA2013-01060.