1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910715080103321

Autore

Allison David K. <1950->

Titolo

Exhibiting America : the Smithsonian's national history museum, 1881-2018 / / David K. Allison and Hannah Peterson

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Washington, D.C. : , : Smithsonian Scholarly Press, , 2021

©2021

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xv, 415 pages) : illustrations (some color), maps

Collana

A Smithsonian contribution to knowledge

Disciplina

973.074753

Soggetti

National museums - Washington (D.C.)

National characteristics, American

Civilization

National museums

Exhibition catalogs.

History

United States Civilization Exhibitions

United States History Exhibitions

United States

Washington (D.C.)

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Publication date (online): 18 February 2021.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Sommario/riassunto

"This book explores the varied ways that the National Museum of American History and its predecessors conveyed the story of America in its exhibitions to millions of annual visitors through five distinct eras of history. Because of the museum's size and scope and its prominent presence in the nation's capital, its leaders have always aspired to grand visions of it mission and program. Yet the realities of exhibition development tempered and shaped what was ultimately displayed on its floors in many surprising and provocative ways. These five eras were: The Nation's Attic (1876-1964), A Museum of History and Technology (1964-1969), Celebrating America' Bicentennial (1969-1979), A National Museum of American History (1979-2001), and What



does it mean to be American? (2001-2018). The narrative describes what was on display through both narrative discussions and a wealth of illustrations. In addition, it explores the background stories of how and why the museum chose to mount the exhibitions it presented. A conclusion offers reflections on historical trends and continuing challenges for the museum"--