The Division of Electricity and Modern Physics traces its origins back to 1938. In that year a Section of Electricity and Communications was established in the United States National Museum's Department of Engineering and Industries, Division of Engineering. In 1947 it became the Section of Electricity; in 1958, the Division of Electricity. In 1969 it became the Division of Electricity and Nuclear Energy, taking its present name in 1978.

Curators have included Frank A. Taylor, Curator in charge, 1938-1947; Carl Weaver Mitman (acting) 1943-1946; Kenneth M. Perry, Associate Curator, 1948-1955; W. James King, Jr., Associate Curator, 1956-1958, Curator (acting), 1958-1960; Robert P. Multhauf, Curator (acting), 1961-1962; Bernard S. Finn, Associate Curator, 1963-1964, Curator, 1965- ; and Paul Forman, Associate Curator, 1972-1975, Curator, 1976- .

For many years the Division's interest lay in applications of electricity such as Aaron Vail's telegraph and the industrial system which grew from the ready availability of electric power. More recently it has turned its attention to nuclear energy and the broader effects of modern physics on society.