Description
Celebrate 250 years of American history—and witness the nation's decade-by-decade evolution—in this gorgeously illustrated volume featuring 700 Smithsonian objects.
The 250th anniversary of the United States marks a major milestone, representing two-and-a-half centuries of upholding democracy, building communities, defining freedom, and working to become a more perfect union. In The Promise of a Nation: Commemorating 250 Years of Patriotism, Resilience, and Aspirations from the National Collection, Smithsonian curators share aspirational stories that have shaped the nation in chapters representing each decade from the 1770's to the 2020's. Smithsonian objects help bring each decade to life and personalize the history, from George Washington's sword (1770's) to an African American volunteer fire company badge (1860's) to Marian Anderson's attire worn at her Lincoln Memorial concert (1930's) to the Space Shuttle Discovery (1990's).
Each chapter begins with a timeline of major events and census data, followed by an essay that considers American history through a meaningful and often unexpected lens. Gorgeous full spreads feature spotlight objects that tell decade-specific stories and offer important insight into each decade and the American story.
The nation's semiquincentennial is an opportunity to reflect on the past with care and curiosity. The scope of American history is vast, but The Promise of a Nation distills it into compelling narratives that speak to the strength and aspirations of the American people and inspire optimism for what comes next.
Museum Story
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is responsible for the collection, care and preservation of more than three million objects. The collections reflect the breadth, depth and complexity of the experiences of the American people, from social and cultural history to the history of science, medicine and technology.
Details
- Hardcover
- 348 pages, 700 color images
- 11" x 9"
- Foreword by Lonnie G. Bunch III, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian
- Introduction by Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects at the Smithsonian
