National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History first opened to the public in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology. In 1980, a bill signed by President Jimmy Carter changed the museum’s name to the National Museum of American History. The postcards in this gallery show objects on display at the museum, as well as views of the building. Some objects that are now in the National Museum of American History collections, like the First Ladies’ gowns, predate the creation of NMAH. Objects like these were previously found in the collections of the Smithsonian’s United States National Museum, which was housed in what is now the National Museum of Natural History and the Arts and Industries Building. For more objects from NMAH collections, see the Arts and Industries Building Gallery.
Color postcard of a Pacific-type passenger steam locomotive from the Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The locomotive is green, #1401, and its side says "Southern." The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the locomotive: "Pacific-type passenger steam locomotive built in 1926 by the Richmond, Va., works of the American Locomotive Co. Weight, 280 tons; wheels, 73 inches in diameter; cylinder, 27 by 28 inches; over-all length, 92 feet. Retired in 1952. Museum of History and Technology, Smithsonian Institution." c.1964-1980, Capsco Wholesalers Inc., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 45, Folder: 15, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07218 (front) and SIA2013-07219 (back).
Color postcard of the National Museum of American History Building’s north entrance. The Washington Monument is rising behind the building. The street in front of the museum is empty, and a tree overhangs the top of the image. c. 1964, Unknown creator, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the Slater spinning frame on display at the National Museum of American History. c. 1969, Unknown creator, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the National Museum of American History building's south entrance on the National Mall. Purple and pink flowers are in bloom in front of the museum. A sculpture is at the top of the steps. c. 1990s, Unknown creator, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the First Ladies Hall in the National Museum of American History. This view of the hall shows seven mannequins of the First Ladies wearing their dresses. c. 1990s, Unknown creator, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard from the National Museum of American History of the first Teddy Bear. The bear is set against a blue background and has a red bow around its neck. c. 1990s, Unknown creator, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.