|
1.
Why is the Museum closed?
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History announced plans on April 12, 2006 for a major architectural transformation to focus on three areas: architectural enhancements to the museum’s interior, constructing a state-of-the-art gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner and updating the 42-year-old building’s infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, fire and security systems.) Learn more about the renovation
2.
How long will the Museum be closed?
We are committed to keeping the Museum closed for the minimum time necessary to complete construction and installation. The Museum is scheduled to reopen November 21, 2008. Meanwhile, we have almost a dozen exhibitions currently traveling the country. In addition to our traveling exhibitions, there are currently two small exhibitions at other Smithsonian museums: a selection from our numismatic collections, Legendary Coins and Currency, is currently on display in the Smithsonian Castle; and more than 150 objects from the collections of the Museum are on view at the National Air and Space Museum in the exhibition Treasures of American History.
3.
Can I use an image from your Web site for a school project or other personal use?
Generally, permission is not required for personal, non-commercial, user, such as a personal Web site or school project. Appropriate credit to the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution should appear with the image. Images on our site which are credited to another person or organization may not be used without that party’s permission.
4.
How do I get rights to use a Smithsonian image for a book or for other commercial purposes?
Anyone wishing to use any text or images for commercial use, publication, or any purpose other than fair use as defined by law, must request and receive prior written permission from the Smithsonian Institution. Read more about Smithsonian copyright and image use.
5.
I would like to know how much an artifact is worth. Can the Museum provide appraisals?
It is against Smithsonian policy to place value on objects. If you are interested in having an item appraised, we recommend you contact the Appraisers Society of America at 703-478-2228. See here for more information.
6.
I have an artifact that I want to know more about, or find out how to properly take care of it. Where can I find more information?
The Smithsonian has posted Web pages with information and resources for identifying and caring for historical artifacts. Local and state historical societies, libraries, and professional appraisers are also good sources of information. Questions may also be directed to the appropriate curatorial division; however, due to the volume of inquiries, we cannot promise to answer all requests.
7.
Someone from my family has donated an object to the Museum. Is it available for viewing?
The Museum is home to more than 3 million objects. Most of the collections that are normally housed in the building will remain here during the museum renovation under special protective measures. Other objects will be moved to off-site storage. Since most of the museum will be an active construction site and the collection storage areas will be protected and secured, access will be severely limited. The best way to find out if a particular object is available for viewing is to call the Museum's Office of Curatorial Affairs at 202-633-3376.
8.
Who should I contact about donating items to the Museum?
Please contact the Museum’s Office of Curatorial Affairs at 202-633-3376 to obtain the proper procedure for donating items to the Museum’s collections.
9.
I need to research some historical facts for my homework assignment. Can you help?
The Museum does not have the resources to help with general historical research. We encourage you to make use of your local library or search reputable Web sites. Questions dealing with specific areas relevant to Museum research or staff expertise should be directed to the appropriate curatorial division or staff member.
10.
What are the opportunities for research at the Museum?
Every effort will be made to accommodate researchers who need access to the research materials during the Museum’s renovation. Please note that since most of the Museum will be an active construction site, there may be occasional short disruptions to access during the period of the renovation. - Libraries: Research may be done in the National Museum of American History Branch Library and the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology which are open to the public by appointment only. Please call the Library's staff to schedule an appointment. National Museum of American History Branch Library: 202-633-3865; Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology: 202-633-3872
- Artifact Collections: Access to collection materials generally requires making a research appointment with the appropriate curatorial division. Since most of the Museum will be an active construction site and the storage areas will be protected and secured, access will be severely limited.
- Archives Center: Researchers are invited to make an appointment and consult with a reference specialist in the Archives Center.
- Fellowships: Fellowships at the Smithsonian Institution provide students and scholars with opportunities to pursue independent research projects in association with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff. The fellowship program will remain active during the renovation but access to certain research materials and collections may be affected. More information.
11.
How can I purchase Museum merchandise?
During the renovation, our museum stores will be closed. You can shop for selected merchandise online at www.smithsonianstore.com.
12.
May I create a link to your site?
We welcome and encourage any links to the National Museum of American History Web site. However, use of Smithsonian logos or images as link buttons is not permitted.
13.
Something on the Web site isn’t working or I’ve found a broken link. How can I let someone know?
Please use the comment form to notify the Webmaster. We appreciate your feedback!
14.
Who designed your Web site?
The National Museum of American History's main Web site was designed by Mediatrope in collaboration with Museum staff.
15.
What is the Kenneth E. Behring Center? Who is Mr. Behring, and why is the Center named after him?
California philanthropist Kenneth E. Behring made the largest single gift to the Smithsonian Institution in the fall of 2000, donating $20 million to the National Museum of Natural History and $80 million to the National Museum of American History for a total of $100 million. In recognition of this gift, the building that houses the National Museum of American History was designated as the "Kenneth E. Behring Center." The name of the Museum has not changed.
16.
Why is the "Treasures of American History" exhibition closing?
The exhibition, “Treasures of American History” at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will close April 13, 2008.
The National Museum of American History, sponsor of this very popular exhibit, set the closing date to allow for long-scheduled maintenance work in the NASM gallery where the show is located and to give the American History Museum time to protect and move these treasures back to its building.
Many of the fantastic, fabulous and rare items seen in “Treasures of American History” will be back on view in the popular exhibitions at the National Museum of American History when it reopens November 21, 2008.
Learn more about the renovation.
|
