"On the Water: Stories from Maritime America" Now Open Visit the Smithsonian’s unparalleled National Watercraft Collection of rigged ship models, patent models, documents and images. Experience the sights, sounds and stories from the oceans, inland rivers, and coastal communities. Share your pictures and stories of life on the water in our online photo sharing activity.
"Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" Moviegoers watch the Smithsonian brought to life in this new film. Visit the artifacts that inspired the film including: Dorothy's ruby slippers, Oscar the Grouch, Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves, Archie Bunker's chair, Custer's jacket, Teddy Roosevelt's chaps, and the Teddy Bear. Download the treasure map and come visit the objects in person.
And the Winner Is... Over 800 eligible entries were submitted to our Star-Spangled Banner Singing Contest, the Smithsonian's first contest on YouTube. Thousands of people rated and commented on their favorite singers. 15 semi-finalists were chosen. Jordan Shelton of Arvada, Colorado, was selected as the grand prize winner and she performed on Flag Day. Check out the winning entries.
I Do Solemnly Swear: Photographs of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration The exhibition, which opened on the 100th day of the Obama administration, highlights the weeklong events surrounding the historic Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. More than 30 framed color and black-and-white photographs taken by 15 professional and amateur photographers and two photographic slide shows will be on exhibition through July 12. Share your own photos and stories from the inaguration to our digital archive.
Maritime Music: Songs of the Water The sea and other waterways such as large lakes, long rivers, and wide bays, have inspired songs for centuries. Maritime music plays a major role in life on the water, through its ability to entertain, motivate, and pace seamen in their work. In honor of the opening of the new “On the Water” exhibition, our Sounds of America series presents a program of music inspired by waterways in the United States and around the world.
Get the News The Museum offers a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring online stories about America's past, featured objects from our collection, activities for kids and families, and current events at the Museum. Sign up today.
Add Your Photos to Our Flickr Groups Hey, shutterbugs! We're looking for your photos and stories about what the American flag means to you, and for images of what your life on the water is like. Learn more about our Star-Spangled Banner Share project, On the Water Snapshots project, and contributing the photos you take during your visit.
Connect with Us Around the Web See what's happening and add your experiences to the mix:
Watch Video of Reopening Events A special ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to dedicate the Star-Spangled Banner gallery. An archived version of the webcast is available including remarks by President Bush and historian David McCullough. The Museum officially reopened to the public on Friday, Nov. 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Watch the archived webcast which includes Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.) reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
