Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History

Overview

Dive into a rich, visual history of the United States of America, as told using the Smithsonian’s one-of-a-kind collection of iconic and symbolic American artifacts.

Course Details

This course offers an immersive experience into America’s history, showcasing remarkable artifacts that represent the nation’s achievements, struggles, and cultural diversity. Featuring 24 lectures by Dr. Richard Kurin, this educational journey explores:

• Artifacts from various periods of American history and their significance.
• The evolution of American identity through art, music, and technological innovations.
• Cultural narratives that shaped the lives of everyday Americans.

By connecting these artifacts to compelling historical narratives, the course invites you to understand America in a deeper, more contextual way.

Video Lessons

1. Star-Spangled Banner-Inspiring the Anthem (34 min)

• Discover the origins and significance of the American flag.

1. Presidents and Generals-Images of Leadership (30 min)

• Explore artifacts representing America’s great leaders throughout history.

1. Conscience and Conflict – Religious History (31 min)

• Investigate the quest for religious freedom depicted through artifacts.

1. The Growth and Spread of Slavery (33 min)

• Chart the history of slavery in America using significant relics.

1. Emancipation and the Civil War (30 min)

• Study important documents and artifacts from the Civil War era.

1. Gold, Guns, and Grandeur-The West (32 min)

• Experience the accomplishments and conflicts that defined the American West.

1. The First Americans-Then and Now (33 min)

• Trace the history and contributions of Native American cultures.

1. Planes, Trains, Automobiles … and Wagons (32 min)

• Examine artifacts that tell the story of transportation in America.

1. Communications-From Telegraph To Television (32 min)

• Focus on inventions that transformed communication in the U.S.

1. Immigrant Dreams and Immigrant Struggles (31 min)

• Explore the immigrant experience through various artifacts.

1. User Friendly-Democratizing Technology (32 min)

• Delve into inventions that became accessible to the public.

1. Extinction and Conservation (34 min)

• Learn about conservation efforts through significant artifacts.

1. Kitty Hawk to Tranquility-Innovation and Flight (32 min)

• Review milestones in aviation history from the Wright brothers to Apollo missions.

1. Cold War-Red Badges, Bombs, and the Berlin Wall (31 min)

• Survey Cold War artifacts that illustrate this tumultuous period.

1. National Tragedy-Maine, Pearl Harbor, 9/11 (32 min)

• Study artifacts from significant national tragedies and their impacts.

1. For the Greater Good-Public Health (31 min)

• Investigate public health movements and their artifacts.

1. Women Making History (32 min)

• Explore the roles and achievements of women in American history.

1. The Power of Portraits (31 min)

• Examine portraits that shaped national identity.

1. Two Centuries of American Style (30 min)

• Trace the evolution of American fashion and design.

1. Hollywood-The American Myth Machine (32 min)

• Understand the influence of Hollywood on American culture.

1. The Hope Diamond-America’s Crown Jewel (32 min)

• Follow the history and legend of the famous Hope Diamond.

1. Sing Out for Justice-American Music (32 min)

• Explore the intersection of music and civil rights in America.

1. Exploring the Land, Exploring the Universe (32 min)

• Connect America’s expansion with its ventures into space exploration.

1. “All Men Are Created Equal” -Civil Rights (44 min)

• Delve into the struggles for equality and justice, guided by artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement.