Our Story in History

Contact Us
Bibliography
Our Program Try it at Home Try it Online Visit the Museum
 
The Hands on History Room
  In the Hands On History Room, you'll encounter history in a new way. Each activity features reproductions of historical artifacts that give you a chance to touch, examine, and use objects like those you see elsewhere in the Museum.
Hands on History Room
Events
  Explore life in the past through 36 activities. Ride a highwheel bicycle, build an 18th-century Chippendale chair, send a message in Morse code, listen to a folktale in Gullah or a song in Cherokee, learn a traditional Latino dance, make your own rope, or harness a life-sized mule!
 
Photo of a girl with an object.

What happens when I turn this handle? Exploring a cylindrical slide rule.
 
 
Photo of family with piggin.

Assembling a piggin. It's harder than it looks.
 
The HOHR is designed for ages 5 to 105. If you're between the ages of 5 and 12, an adult must accompany you.
 
Hands On History is located on the second floor of the National Museum of American History, Behring Center. It is open from noon to 3pm, Tuesday through Sunday (see link below for more details). Free tickets, may be required during busy times. Tickets are distributed at the Room beginning at 12:00. Please call 202.357.1481 for group reservations. During the school year, docent-led thematic programs are available by reservation.
 
More information about the Hands on History Room
 
 
Home | Copyright © 2002 Smithsonian National Museum of American History | All photographs by Smithsonian Institution.