"The National Museum of American History's brief is all-encompassing: tell the story of America using a collection of more than 1.8 million historical objects. For a quick jaunt through the highlights, the museum suggests seeing the original Star-Spangled Banner, the lunch counter from Greensboro's famous sit-in during the Civil Rights movement, Dorothy's ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” Julia Child's exact kitchen, and Michelle Obama's inauguration dress in "The First Ladies" exhibit. Most exhibits are ongoing, but recent special exhibits include "Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice, and the Murder of Emmett Till." In pre-pandemic times, this was school group field trip central—and a must-stop for tourist families as well. (Note that a number of exhibits are temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but are slated to return in late 2021.)" - Amy McKeever, Adele Chapin
