Legacies: Collecting America's History at the Smithsonian

Legacies: Collecting America's History at the Smithsonian
by Steven D. Lubar and Kathleen M. Kendrick
Adopted by

Grateful Smithsonian colleagues in honor of Jim Roan on his retirement.
on December 31, 2021
Cover of Legacies

Legacies : Collecting America's History at the Smithsonian

By Steven D. Lubar and Kathleen M. Kendrick. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press in association with the National Museum of American History, Behring Center, c2001.

“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is a place to learn about and connect with the past. Its collections of historical artifacts preserve the memories and experiences of the American people.” So states the introduction to this book, written by Spencer R. Crew, who was serving as Director of the Museum when the book was published in 2001. The museum’s collection is vast and varied, full of amazingly unique objects as well as ordinary everyday items that reflect the spectrum of the American experience. Everything from a uniform worn by George Washington to children’s toys to Prince’s Yellow Cloud guitar. This book tells the story behind 250 of the museum’s treasures – explaining why they were chosen and how they reflect the changing views on American history. This copy of the book from the National Museum of American History Library was signed by the authors, Steven Lubar and Kathleen M. Kendrick, former curators who helped to build and interpret the Museum’s impressive object collection. The NMAH Library provides important research resources and support for the museum staff in their ongoing work with collections, exhibitions, and public programs.

Discover more about this book in our Catalog.

Adoption Type: Build and Access the Collection