The 10th version of the first ladies exhibit opens today at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, featuring 26 dresses worn by first ladies as well as mementos from the days when the country referred to a first lady as "lady presidentress" or "republican queen.” more ›

Late gay rights pioneer Frank Kameny will lie in state in the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square on November 3 between 3 and 8 p.m. more ›

First Lady Michelle Obama will donate the fab one-shoulder gown she wore to last year's inauguration balls to the Smithsonian Institution on Tuesday, the First Lady’s office announced Friday. The dress, designed by Jason Wu, will be displayed within the First Ladies collection at the National Museum of American History. It will be part of a new addition to the permanent exhibit, opening March 10, which features inaugural gowns from 11 of the most recent first ladies, beginning with Mamie Eisenhower. more ›

Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough announced Monday that the three most popular museums on the National Mall will stay open longer through the summer in an effort to boost revenue for their gift shops and restaurants, the AP reports. The National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum will stay open two hours later, until 7:30 p.m., and the National Museum of American History will stay open at least one hour later, every day this summer. The museums open at 10 a.m. and typically closed at the end of the work day. A spokesperson for the Smithsonian confirmed that the extended hours actually started on Mar. 28, and will last until at least Sept. 7, with a few exceptions. Consult the web sites of each museum for the most up to date operating hours. more ›

The Smithsonian museums around the National Mall have all been ordered to stay open on January 20 in order to provide potential shelter and bathrooms for the Inauguration Day throngs. Now comes this story about how museum employees plan to manage to be there to open up at 8 a.m. that morning: camp overnight at work. Yes, a number of workers at the National Museum of American History are planning a large slumber party the night before the inauguration, which is pretty cute (and considering the transportation nightmare of the next morning, also pretty smart). Too bad none of them will be returning home by Rolls Royce after a grand adventure investigating the origin of a beautiful statue. more ›

When the Newseum opened this summer, some commentators reminded us that museums are places to house the archaic, outdated, and the useless—what a perfect place for print media! more ›

As you know, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has been closed down for extensive renovations since Sept. 2006. Though originally slated to open this summer, The AP via WJLA reported yesterday that the museum won't be opening until at least the fall. more ›