American History Museum
Upcoming Events (14)
Jazz Afternoons
Jazz Afternoons at the Smithsonian American History Museum during Jazz Appreciation Month. On Tuesday afternoons, a rotating display brings out rare jazz treasures—Duke Ellington’s manuscripts, Ella Fitzgerald’s dresses, Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet, John Coltrane’s manuscript, and Benny Goodman’s clarinet—while curators discuss the objects in the galleries.
University Jazz Jam
Hear top collegiate jazz ensembles from Shenandoah Conservatory, UMBC, Temple University, American University and more at the Smithsonian's American History Museum. The University Jazz Jam showcases energy, artistry, and region-wide innovation produced by student performers in a formal museum setting.
History Film Forum presents Early Jazz on Film
History Film Forum at the American History Museum presents Early Jazz on Film, tracing how jazz and cinema shaped the Jazz Age. A screening program of rare early jazz film clips paired with expert commentary, spotlighting the transition from silent to sound cinema.
Axelrod String Quartet: Haydn, Bartók & Beethoven
The Smithsonian Chamber Music Society presents the Axelrod String Quartet in the Stradivarius vs. Amati Saturday series at the American History Museum. Hear Haydn's Quartet in D major, Bartók's No. 2 in A minor, and Beethoven's Quartet in C-sharp minor, on historic instruments in an intimate chamber-music setting.
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Jazz Across America
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents Jazz Across America, a rich program tracing the arc of jazz from its roots to bold modern echoes. Featuring selections associated with Jelly Roll Morton and Sun Ra, the concert at the American History Museum celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with living history in sound.
Puro Ritmo: Salsa Family Festival
Join the National Museum of the American Latino for Puro Ritmo: Salsa Family Festival at the American History Museum. From 12–5 PM, enjoy salsa dance lessons, a guided tour of the ¡Puro Ritmo! exhibition, family activities, West African percussion, and a live salsa concert with listening sessions led by prominent salseros.
Sonatas of Johann Sebastian Bach (Masterworks of Three Centuries)
The Smithsonian Chamber Music Society presents Bach sonatas (Masterworks of Three Centuries) performed on period instruments by Catherine Manson (violin) and Kenneth Slowik (harpsichord) at the American History Museum. Part of an eight-concert series highlighting masterworks from the 17th to 20th centuries.
History Film Forum: "The Big Parade"
King Vidor's 1925 classic The Big Parade is screened at the American History Museum with a brand-new live orchestral score by Andrew Earle Simpson, restoring WWI battlefield drama and tender romance for a modern audience.
Ella Fitzgerald Day
Celebrate Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday at the National Museum of American History with a tribute to her iconic vocal style and virtuosic scatting. This Smithsonian-backed program highlights jazz history with performances in a landmark DC museum space.
Shout and Feel It! Swing Dance with DC Lindy Exchange
Join 600 swing dancers at the Smithsonian's American History Museum for an afternoon of Lindy Hop with live music by Josh Lee and the Extended Family. Beginner-friendly lessons start at noon with New Columbia Swing, followed by social dancing and high-energy performances on the museum floor.
Transportation Week: Bicycles
At the National Museum of American History, Transportation Week spotlights bicycles as part of American mobility, history, and culture. The day features docent-led tours (10:30–noon), Wheelwoman performances, and conversations that explore how cycling shapes the past and future.
Oscar Peterson Donation Ceremony
A formal donation ceremony at the American History Museum presents artifacts honoring jazz legend Oscar Peterson to the National Museum of American History. The event celebrates Peterson's virtuosity and his influence on modern jazz piano.
Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata & Quintet (D821, D956)
Smithsonian Chamber Music Society presents a refined chamber program at the American History Museum on May 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC, featuring Schubert Arpeggione Sonata (D821) and the String Quintet (D956) performed by the Smithsonian Chamber Players with fortepiano. An intimate, museum-classical evening of masterworks.
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Let Freedom Ring
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performs Let Freedom Ring at the American History Museum, a program tracing jazz's role in America's journey toward a more perfect union. Featuring works by Billy Taylor, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach, the concert blends history, spirituality, protest, and patriotism in a moving evening.