Earl Shaffer was the first person to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous hike, all the way from Georgia to Maine. Shaffer had no expert advice, no previous footsteps to follow, or even guidebooks to help him. At the time, experts believed that a hike of the entire Trail was impossible. Shaffer kept a diary, along with photographs taken along the way, to prove to skeptics that he had really accomplished what he claimed. This exhibition features photographs taken along the trail, diaries from the 1948 hike and later ones, letters from hikers asking for advice, and papers relating to Shaffer’s activism in numerous environmental and hiking groups. Visit the exhibition online or in person starting July 10, 2009.

Hey, shutterbugs! We're looking for photos for two projects on Flickr. First, we want to know what the American flag means to you. Your photos and stories will make up a mosaic image of the flag on the Star-Spangled Banner Web site for all to see. Or, tell us how what happens on the water affects your daily life, whether you live in the desert, on the beach, or somewhere in between. This Flickr group attached to our new “On the Water” exhibition is dedicated to collecting the images and descriptions of maritime activities across the United States of America including the foods you eat, shipping, fishing, and travel.

Celebrate 233 years of American independence with a donation to the nation’s history museum! Your tax-deductible donation will help the Museum fulfill its mission to collect, preserve, and share the treasures and stories of American history. Want to honor a loved one? Make a gift in their honor and you will have the opportunity to send an e-card with a special message. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a gift today!

Meet with Museum experts every Thursday in July. This month's talks include: first-hand knowledge of the flag that inspired our national anthem and its preservation by the Smithsonian (July 2); stories about inventors and musicians who helped develop the electric guitar (July 9); a discussion about the Archives Center's collection from the Sioux City Ghosts, a travelling African American baseball club and swing band (July 16); trade secrets used to restore the largest artifact in the museum—a house! (July 23); and, a walk through the exhibition that explores the life and papers of the noted American environmentalist Earl Shaffer, the first person to hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirety (July 30). Join us at noon, 2nd floor center.

This exhibition features more than 30 framed photographs highlighting the week-long events surrounding the historic presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. The photos were taken by 15 professional and amateur photographers, including David Hume Kennerly, Bob McNeely, and Karen Ballard. You are invited to submit a story or photo from the 2009 presidential inauguration for a digital archive created in conjunction with the exhibition.

Get immersed in the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write his famous lyrics! The almost 200-year old, 30-by-34-foot flag is displayed in a special environmentally controlled chamber. The exhibition explores the flag as a family keepsake in the 19th century; the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to preserve the artifact since 1907; and how Americans have used the Star-Spangled Bannerboth the flag and the songto express diverse ideas of patriotism and national identity. Don't forget to share your photos and stories about what the American flag means to you.

When Julia Child moved back to her home state of California in 2001, she donated the kitchen from her Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to the Museum. The exhibition features the actual kitchen, including the cabinets, appliances, cookbooks, kitchen table, and hundreds of utensils and gadgets. Peek into the working kitchen of one of the world’s best-known cooks, and explore how her influence as an author and host of several television series changed the way America cooks.

Showcasing young historians, cheering for a performance by our national anthem singing contest winner, thanking our security officers for their efforts, witnessing more than 20 children become new American citizens, being inspired by environmentalists and bikers, and remembering the Merchant Marines—all in a day’s work at the Museum! Come behind the scenes with us.

"Invention is innate to humans," asserts author Julie Fenster in her new book "The Spirit of Invention: The Story of the Thinkers, Creators, and Dreamers Who Formed Our Nation," written in collaboration with the Museum’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. Fenster tells the stories of both heralded and unknown inventors from all eras and walks of life, revealing that the true spirit of invention lies not in the quest for fame and fortune, but in the impulse to create something new. Tune in!

Don't let the learning stop over summer vacation! Tell your students and their families about OurStory, the Museum's newly redesigned family Web site that offers free, themed activities for exploring American history through reading and hands-on experiences.

Celebrate America's birthday by singing along with some of the country's best-loved patriotic songs. Four performances every day through August 16th.
 

Learn more about what the American flag means, and design a flag that represents your family!
 
 

Want a souvenir from your summer trip to the Museum? Be sure to stop in one of our stores. In addition to such favorites as personalized dog tags, D.C. souvenirs, and inaugural merchandise, there are two brand-new collections. Our "Night at the Museum" merchandise is as popular as the movie. The t-shirt, cap, and poster are exclusive to the Smithsonian! In honor of our new "On The Water" exhibition, a large selection of maritime-related goods, including jewelry, books, model ships, and fun pirate mementos await you.