The National Museum of American History presents Souvenir Nation: Relics, Keepsakes and Curios beginning Aug. 9. The display will feature a selection of diminutive and personal objects that Americans have taken, made and saved as historical mementos from the early Republic up to the present day.
Many of the postcards, structural fragments such as a brick from George Washington’s childhood home, personal effects, locks of hair and other keepsakes on display are part of the earliest Smithsonian collections now in the museum’s Division of Political History. Highlights include a fragment of Plymouth Rock, presidential hair, wood from George Washington’s coffin and pieces from Joan of Arc’s dungeon, the Bastille and the Berlin Wall.
For more information, visit americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free.