Smithsonian National Museum of American History

For Barbara Beirne (1933–2021), being a photographer meant building relationships of trust and collaboration with her subjects to amplify the voices of those who chose resilience in the face of adversity. In 1992, Beirne embarked on a project documenting the poverty-stricken Appalachian region of Kentucky. Over the course of seven years and nine trips, she interviewed and created portraits of Appalachian women actively working to improve their communities – such as this portrait of Eula Hall, pictured outside the health clinic she founded to provide medical care for her neighbors. “I raised my children here in Mud Creek and seen the needs. People were suffering and needed medical care, so in 1973 I moved out of my house. We converted it into a clinic. We have a large clinic now, but I still worry a lot about the people. If they can’t get here, I pick them up and if they can’t get their medicine, I deliver it. Things don’t get done by settin’ and suffering and feeling sorry for yourself.” Eula Hall, 1995 New on the blog, how Barbara Beirne documented tenacity: https://s.si.edu/3CG1E5S

Here at the Smithsonian, our objects are always defying gravity. ?? ? Join Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator at Smithsonian National Museum of American History ,?as he guides us on a journey through objects from the original Broadway production of “Wicked” in 2003. Though not currently on display, these and other objects from your favorite musicals are available for you to explore at americanhistory.si.edu.??

How have new immigrants been able to access healthcare and support around Washington, D.C.? Join the museum on Dec. 12 for a talk about the history and current state of well-being of D.C.’s Latino communities. Mary’s Center founder Maria Gomez, Clinica del Pueblo Chief Program Officer Suyanna Barker, and oral historian José Centeno-Meléndez will participate in a conversation moderated by David M. Rubenstein Curator of Philanthropy Amanda Moniz.

This laptop, part of the museum’s numismatic collection, played a pivotal role in unraveling the theft of over $3 billion in stolen cryptocurrency. Using the data stored on the device, then-IRS Criminal Investigation agent Chris Janczewski used it to help trace and ultimately seize the stolen funds on behalf of the U.S. government. In Smithsonian Magazine, National Numismatic Collection Curator Ellen Feingold explores the laptop’s story, the crime, and how it ended up at the Museum: https://s.si.edu/3UZHl9I

Join us tomorrow night for the History Film Forum's presentation of Popeye! The event will feature a digital premiere of three Popeye cartoons, historical objects out of storage, trivia, talks with historians, and a cash bar & snacks!

Attention all @Popeye fans! Join us on Tuesday, November 19th to celebrate 95 years of the spinach-loving, forearm-flexing Sailor Man! The evening will feature a digital premiere of three cartoons from the “Popeye the Sailor” series, which have been remastered to create a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that will be sure to delight fans. There will also be objects out of storage, like the comic pictured here, talks with historians, trivia, a cash bar, and complimentary snacks! Registration in bio.

Attention all Popeye fans! Join us on Tuesday, November 19th to celebrate 95 years of the spinach-loving, forearm-flexing Sailor Man! The evening will feature a digital premiere of three cartoons from the “Popeye the Sailor” series, which have been remastered to create a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that will be sure to delight fans. There will also be objects out of storage, talks with historians, trivia, a cash bar, and complimentary snacks!

We're hiring! We're seeking a Cataloguing and Collections Information Manager, GS-1001-13, in the Office of Digital Collections, Department of Digital Access and Archives, Division of Public History. This is a full-time, permanent Federal position open to all and to employees with Federal status, as well as special appointing authorities. The announcement closes on Friday, November 22nd. Federal status/special authorities: https://lnkd.in/eDsF52tU Open to all: https://lnkd.in/evdx38ir #NowHiring #JobOpening

To keep the U.S. flag from falling into enemy hands, Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood risked his life during the Civil War. As the Union Army advanced on Richmond, Virginia, Fleetwood and his fellow soldiers in the United States Colored Troops 4th Regiment Infantry faced off against Confederate troops at the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in September 1864. When two of the regiment’s color bearers were shot in the battle, Fleetwood seized the American flag, rallying his fellow soldiers throughout the fight. In recognition for his bravery, Fleetwood became one of the first Black soldiers to earn the nation’s highest military award—the Medal of Honor. In collaboration with USA Today, the Smithsonian invites you to explore the profiles of courageous veterans, such as Fleetwood, through our new education guide. Download your free copy: s.si.edu/AmericasVeterans. Fleetwood’s portrait is in our National Portrait Gallery and his Medal of Honor is in our Smithsonian National Museum of American History. #VeteransDay

“Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.” ???? In “The Muppet Movie” (1979), Kermit the Frog sang “Rainbow Connection,” encouraging viewers to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. One of Jim Henson’s earliest creations, Kermit was the star and host of "The Muppet Show" and appears on "Sesame Street." He’s a calm, level-headed character who is constantly trying to keep everything together. Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Cookie Monster, and even more of their Muppet friends are on view in “Entertainment Nation” at our Smithsonian National Museum of American History.