National & Regional History Museums in the US

A good place to start learning the history of the country is at national and regional museums that cover a wide range of topics.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

By Becky from Whatever Packs Your Bag

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is located on The National Mall in Washington D.C. It is one of the best museums in the U.S.A for pieces of history that you never thought you would see. There are so many amazing exhibits that you can easily spend multiple days here. The top three exhibits are The Star Spangled Banner, Food, and The First Ladies.

Find the actual flag flown during the Battle of Baltimore at The Star Spangled Banner exhibit. The flag inspired the national anthem by Francis Scott Key. It is almost an awestruck moment when you see the encased flag. There can be lines to see the flag, so give yourself more time.

The Food exhibit is great because it shows the history of food in the USA. It also includes a whole section dedicated to the kitchen of Julia Child. Growing up and watching her as a child, it was so cool to see her actual pots and pans and cookbooks.

The First Ladies exhibit describes the 100 year history of the unofficial job of First Lady. Over 100 years of dresses, most from inaugural balls, are displayed. Seeing such different styles from all the First Ladies through the years is interesting.

These are just some of the highlights. During the day quick guided tours are often provided. This is a huge museum and taking a tour will help you find your way! The tour lead us to Abraham Lincoln’s hat and Dorthy’s shoes.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

By Tegan & Alex from Why Not Walk Travel Guides

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, is a jewel of the Smithsonian Institution. The NMAAHC contains a wealth of information, and is fully dedicated to the lives and experiences of African-Americans in the U.S.

There are more than 36,000 artifacts spread across 85,000 square feet. The rotating exhibits cover a variety of topics such as, the horrors of slavery, segregation, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement and the Black Lives Matter protests. You will be in awe of the detail in each exhibit.

Keep in mind you will not be able to see everything in one visit. A few must-sees include: the stools from the lunch counter at the Woolworth store in Greensboro, NC where the pivotal sit-ins took place; a plane used by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II; the dress worn by Rosa Parks when she was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955; Muhammad Ali’s boxing headgear; and Harriet Tubman's shawl. 

The museum opened in 2016 and is the Smithsonian's newest addition. The tickets remain challenging to acquire to this day. Tickets are free and dispensed via a timed-entry system that lets you book six at a time. You can start booking 30 days in advance, or take your chances on day of tickets, which are released at 8:15 AM every day. Make sure to enter via the 15th Street and Madison Drive NW doors to make the most of your time.

National Civil Rights Museum

Another great museum to learn about African American history is the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. It is one of the best places to learn about Black history in the south and especially the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. An in-depth look at the struggles African Americans have faced for many years, but especially during this period is provided.

The museum's exhibits cover the pivotal events of these years including the bus boycotts, the Freedom Riders, and the student lunch counter sit-ins. There are some artifacts and multi-media exhibits, but the museum is mostly information to read alongside photographs. There is a good mix of historical facts and personal stories.

The museum is located within the former Lorraine Motel where MLK Jr was fatally shot. You are able to see the room where the famous activist was staying. Across the street, visit the former boarding house where James Earl Ray is believed to have shot MLK Jr. Not only is Ray's room preserved, but there is detailed information about why and how authorities believe Ray is the culprit. At the same time there are many conspiracy theories shared in the museum that explain how there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

There is a lot to process and digest here. Plan to spend much longer than the average visiting time of 1.5 hours if you hope to take your time with the exhibits.

The National Museum of the American Indian

By Terri from Female Solo Trek 

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) opened on September 21, 2004. The stunning design features curving walls, landscaped gardens and a waterfall. It is located at 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW on the National Mall in Washington DC. 

The museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere. Exhibitions are created in partnership with Native people of the Americas. NMAI’s ongoing “Americans” exhibit gives a wide angle perspective about Native American history, including the Trail of Tears and the Battle of Little Bighorn.

The Chesapeake Bay region exhibit spotlights Native peoples living in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC region. Reimagine their lives through ceremonial and everyday objects, photos and maps.

The Patriot Nation exhibit explores the history of Native American veterans who have served in every conflict and at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in proportion to their population. It compliments the nearby Native American Veteran Memorial, which was dedicated on Veterans Day in November 2020. The Nation to Nation exhibit examines treaties between the U.S. government and sovereign American Indian tribes from the colonial period through present day.

Timed passes are required. Many NMAI amenities are currently closed including the cafes, activity center and theatre due to Covid.

Autry Museum of the American West

by Alanna from Periodic Adventures

One of the most underrated museums in Los Angeles is the Autry Museum of the American West. It features every aspect of the West including Native American cultures, the pioneers who moved West, cowboys, and the Gold Rush! There’s even an ethnobotanical garden full of Western plant life. It’s very interesting and provides a truly unique historic view that is usually glossed over in most larger history museums.

There are a number of must-sees. Don’t miss the Art of the West exhibit, which features pieces themed around Religion and Ritual, Land and Landscape, and Migration and Movement from artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and Thomas Moran. See the Journeys Gallery to get an idea of what pioneer life in the West was like by viewing period clothing, tools, art, and even an authentic stagecoach!

Plus, step into your favorite Western movies in the Original Imagination Gallery exhibit. There are costumes, props, set design, and memorabilia from classic TV and movies like Bonanza, Annie Get Your Gun, Thelma and Louise, and a number of John Wayne films.

Admission can be purchased on site and costs $14 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $6 for children. It’s located in Griffith Park so you can easily visit The Autry and the Los Angeles Zoo or Griffith Observatory.

US State History Museums

Most states have a museum dedicated to their state’s history in their capital city or other big city. I have found that these are usually large, modern museums with detailed information from the state's early days to present times. 

Michigan State History Museum

One of the best things to do in Lansing, Michigan is visit the Michigan State History Museum. With five floors of exhibits you know there is a lot to see and learn here. Whether you have an interest in war history, automobiles or how Michigan became a state, there is something that will interest everyone.

The exhibits are laid out well in chronological order. One exhibit leads seamlessly to the next starting with the first exhibit on indigenous people of Michigan and all the way through the mining and manufacturing history of the state that lead Michigan to become a highly industrious state. Of course the automobile history and Henry Ford have a large exhibit as well. Don't miss the short film on the Flint sit down strike.

The exhibits include much more than informational panels. In each area you are transported to the time period you are reading about. By the end of your visit you will feel like you took a walk through time.

Consider visiting on the weekend to avoid school groups. Sundays are free admission. The other days of the week purchase tickets on-site.

North Carolina Museum of History

When visiting downtown Raleigh make sure to spend a few hours at the North Carolina Museum of History. The permanent and informative exhibit, The Story of North Carolina, fills the main floor of the museum. It takes you through the earliest days of the state up until more present years. The stories of Tar Heel State residents are shared. You will learn what it was like as a Black or White person living and working in North Carolina decades ago.

The second floor of the museum is home to both permanent and rotating exhibits. The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to the members' inducted into the state's hall of fame. It covers all the state's sports from basketball to hang gliding. Not only are the players and their equipment featured, but also the other contributors to the field of sports such as coaches and journalists.

The traveling and short term exhibits are just as interesting and make you want to visit the museum again and again to see what is new. Currently on show is an exhibit on North Carolina's Variety Vacationland. It focuses on a state run marketing campaign between the 1930s - 1970s that promoted all the travel destinations within the state. These were of course only available to white travelers.

The museum is free to visit!

The New York Historical Society

Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, the New York Historical Society is a little different than the other state museums. The Objects Tell Stories exhibit covers the major events in America's history through the lens of New York. It isn't as thorough and immersive like the other state museums in this post.

While the general history section is not as large, there are plenty of other exhibits to learn about New York's history. Both the ongoing and rotating exhibits cover a wide range of topics. One of the exhibits now features Bruce McCall’s retro-futuristic artwork of New York City. Another exhibit centers around gay and lesbian lives in the 1950s on Cherry Grove. Cherry Grove is a beach town on Fire Island near NYC.

The Center for Women's History is located right inside the museum. In addition to the showcased collections, the center also leads talks and schedules programs. Currently an exhibit tells the story of Native New Yorker and former CEO of the Washington Post, Katharine Graham. There's also a children's museum geared toward 8 - 13 year olds. The life stories of former New York children from different decades are shared.

Both the Center for Women's History and the Dimenna Children's Museum are included in the price of admission. Admission is pay what you wish on Fridays from 5 - 8pm. Also there is free admission with the NY Pass.

Tennessee State Museum

When planning your Nashville itinerary make sure to save several hours to explore the Tennessee State Museum. Any history buff will be in their element spending time walking through this large, free museum.

The permanent exhibits take you back in time starting with the first people of Tennessee and the natural history of the land. You will then learn about how Tennessee became a state and the many challenges and struggles the people faced during the 1700s and 1800s. From the Trail of Tears when American Indians were forced off the land to a divided state due to the Civil War, Tennessee went through many hardships. The state's role in WWI and WWII are also shared. The final section, Tennessee Transforms, looks at the most recent decades and how the state has grown and changed.

These galleries can all be accessed from one to another and also from the Tennessee Time Tunnel. While the exhibits give an in-depth look at the different periods of time, the time tunnel gives an overview of the major events and when they occurred.

You might think you have seen everything at this point, but think again. There are always several temporary exhibits as well. Now one of the exhibits revolves around Tennessee women's right to vote in 1920.

All this learning might make you hungry so make sure to eat at the Nashville Farmers Market across the street!

US City History Museums

For an in depth look into the history of different US cities check out many of the city history museums in the US.

Atlanta History Center

Make sure to include a trip to the Atlanta History Center in your Atlanta itinerary. Located in the Buckhead neighborhood, the Atlanta History Center is a large modern complex with exhibits focused on Atlanta and Georgia's history. The cornerstone exhibit Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta is a good place to start. Stories from Atlantans of different ages, genders, races and time periods are shared in multi-media presentations.

Outside on the grounds are several historic buildings. At the Smith Farm, complete with goats and sheep, learn about rural Georgia farm life. Tour the Swan House, where the Inmans', a prominent Atlanta family lived starting in 1928. The gardens and paths connecting the buildings make for a beautiful setting.

But that's not all! You can also visit the Margaret Mitchell House with your ticket. Here you will take a guided tour through the former home of Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind. You can also browse through the small museum at your leisure. If you haven't read Gone with the Wind you will want to after learning about the author's life!

Chicago History Museum

Gangsters, Abraham Lincoln, Marshall Field's......Chicago, Illinois has played a large role in American History. Learn about the Windy City at the Chicago History Museum. In the Chicago: Crossroads of America permanent gallery you will gain a new understanding of why Chicago is one of the most important cities in the US. With a trolley car, a large train engine and other interactive features you will become immersed in the history.

Have you heard about the devastating Chicago Fire of 1871 that was believed to have started when a family's cow kicked over a lighted lantern? Do you know what it took to be a porter on a train? Through the other permanent and temporary exhibits you can learn about Chicago's Fire, labor unions and many other aspects of Chicago's history.

It's off the beaten path from the loop, but well worth the visit north. Admission is free with the Go Chicago Explorer Pass.

The Museum of the City of New York 

If you love museums, New York City is the place to visit. There is a museum for everything in NYC. It’s no surprise that the city is full of history museums. Out of all the New York City museums the Museum of the City of New York is one of my favorites. 

Start your visit by watching Timescapes a 28 minute documentary that takes you back to the earliest days of the city and into the more recent years. Head to New York at It's Core next. Here your journey will continue as you learn about the people and events that shaped NYC into the greatest city in the world! Perhaps I am biased!?

New Yorkers are about as diverse as it gets in any one city. If there is one thing that brings the city's residents together it is their voices. The Activist New York exhibit is about all the social issues New Yorkers have advocated for past and present. I love looking at the photographs in Collecting New York's Stories and imagining what people's lives are really like. There are always interesting temporary exhibits too.

War History Museums in the US

Unfortunately war history is big part of US history. Many of the major wars the US has fought in have a museum.

Museum of the American Revolution

By Lance & Laura from Guide to Philly

In Old City Philadelphia, not far from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, is one of the country’s best museums. It is the museum that tells the story of the birth of the nation – in the place where it happened. While it took over 200 years to establish, it is now one of the highlights of Philadelphia.

Located in a two-story building in the heart of Philly’s historic center, the museum tells the American birth story in chronological order: from high taxation and inferior treatment under the Crown, to the Constitution and its legacy of inequality. The museum has several hands-on exhibits for children that allow them a close look at what it might have been like to be alive during this period.

The focus of the museum is on its greatest artifact: General George Washington’s headquarters tent within a magnificent theater. This object is an important national symbol that has roots in the Revolution, found use during the Civil War, and sheltered the hopes of a young nation.

Whether you are a passionate lover of history or just looking to learn a little, the Museum of the American Revolution is one of the best museums in America. If you have only one day in Philadelphia, this should be high on your itinerary.

Boston Tea Party Museum

By Shobha from Martha's Vineyard Tourist

When in Boston, a city full of history, make sure to visit the Boston Tea Party Museum, one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts. It is also one of the best history museums in America. The museum is located on Griffin's Wharf where the actual event happened on December 16, 1773.

The Boston Tea Party Museum not only has a replica of the tea clipper that was the subject of the famous event, but also actors who will help you and your kids understand what exactly happened. As this event kick-started the American Revolution and lead America to be what it is today, everyone can benefit from learning the details around that fateful night and the issues leading up to it.

Interactive exhibits also add to the experience. There are bales of tea that children can throw into the water. Overall, history becomes alive at this museum and more interesting than just reading about an important event. After all that exertion, you can also have a cup of tea (or sandwiches and drinks) in the Boston Tea Party Museum cafe!

Every December 16, there is also a full-scale reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. Locals and actors parade from the South Street Meeting House to the Boston Tea Party Museum and re-enact the entire event. It is a lot of fun with much cheering and huzzahs as the bales of tea get dumped into the river.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

By Alexa from 52 Perfect Days

The National WWI Museum and Memorial of the United States is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. If you have a curiosity about the role the United States played in WWI, this museum offers an abundance of ways to learn about the war. The museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world.

Opened to the public as the Liberty Memorial museum in 1926, it was designated in 2004 by the United States Congress as the United States' official museum dedicated to World War I.

A visit to the museum starts with a short film that gives the background of what led up to the war. As you enter the first gallery, you'll cross a glass bridge suspended over a symbolic Western Front poppy field. These nine thousand poppies offer a poignant reminder of the 9 million who perished as a direct result of the war.

Next are several galleries of exhibits including everything from war time art, to WW1 uniforms, military vehicles and several additional movies. WW1 is often termed the forgotten war, and visiting this museum and memorial is a great way to reflect and remember the price so highly paid for freedom.

The National World War II Museum

By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle 

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is an amazing walk through time that’s as good as any of the Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C. Located in the Warehouse District, this museum is a must-see on your New Orleans trip.

Four different buildings occupy the museum’s campus, and the exhibits are broken into the two war theatres – European and Pacific. Each exhibit is immersive, taking the visitor to a specific time and location through artfully designed rooms, multimedia presentations, showcases of artifacts and oral history. It’s an incredibly personal experience, which makes it an emotional one as well. There are additional exhibits with real aircraft, tanks and even a submarine.

The focus of the National World War II museum is not just the history of the war, but also the fighters' experiences and those who supported them at home. Hearing oral history from the time period, browsing through photographs and exploring objects left behind by soldiers and their families really brings the era to life.

Tickets are for a timed entrance, and should be purchased in advance. This museum is good for kids ages 10 and up, or children with a specific interest in the era. A thorough visit will take at least a couple hours.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

By Brittany from Travel by Brit 

One of the best history museums in the U.S. is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It’s not only one of the best things to do in Waikiki, but on the entire island! 

Pearl Harbor National Memorial remembers the attack of the U.S. Pacific Fleet by the Japanese Navy on December 7th, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor is significant because it launched the United States into World War II—it killed 2,403 American citizens and sunk or damaged 18 U.S. warships. 

The most notable thing to see at Pearl Harbor is the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the military personal who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial is free of charge and includes a shuttle boat ride operated by the Navy to visit the memorial in the middle of the harbor.

After visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, walk through the Remembrance Circle to pay tribute to the men, women, and children, both military and civilian, who lost their lives during the attack. You can also visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, featuring the “Road to War” museum and the “Attack Gallery” museum for free. 

During your time at Pearl Harbor, you can also purchase tickets to tour the USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Speciality History Museums in the US

Some of the best US history museums focus on a specific event or period in time. Delve deep into one aspect of American history.  

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Statute of Liberty is the most well-known landmark of America and the symbol of our country's freedom. This colossal statue is on every first timer visitor's NYC itinerary. If you are lucky you might spot it when flying into the city. Either way, to really see how massive Lady Liberty is you need to see her up close and personal on Liberty Island.

Once on Liberty Island visit the new Statue of Liberty museum. See the original torch, learn how the monument was built and enjoy a multi-media adventure of the inside of the statue. With advanced tickets you can also have pedestal or crown access within Lady Liberty herself! Both allow you to climb up several flights of stairs and have a once in a lifetime viewpoint!

Nearby Ellis Island is another historical landmark in the city. It was the first stop in America for more than 12 million immigrants. It is truly a humbling experience to walk through the rooms where so many people had their fates decided. Were they able to start working towards the American dream or were they too sick and only had a journey back to their home country ahead? The museum and accompanying audio guide will take you back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Visit both islands on the same day with a combined tour.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village

By Kris from My Michigan Travel

Located just outside of Detroit, Michigan, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are must-see attractions for history lovers. The Henry Ford Museum houses numerous exhibits, many of them focusing on the history of transportation. You'll find historic airplanes, classic cars, and a collection of retired presidential limousines. Some of the notable artifacts on display are the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot, the bus that Rosa Parks was riding when she was arrested, an Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, and the limousine John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated. There are also several hands-on areas for children.

Once you've explored indoors, head outside to Greenfield Village, a living history museum where historic buildings have been relocated from their original homes. Here, you can stroll streets designed to look like classic American main streets and pop into the different buildings to learn about their notable residents or historic significance. Highlights here include the Wright brothers' original bike shop, Noah Webster's house, poet Robert Frost's house, and the courthouse from Illinois where Abraham Lincoln practiced law.

You also have the opportunity to take a ride in a real Model T car, which is a unique experience you won't find in many other places. Throughout the year, there are several special events including Civil War battle reenactments, historic baseball tournaments where the game is played using rules and equipment from the 1800s, and Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Note that the village closes annually from January-April, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to check it out.

Mob Museum 

By Candice from CS Ginger

Visiting the Mob Museum is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas! It is located in the old federal courthouse which just so happens to be where one of the most famous mob trials was heard.

The Mob Museum takes visitors through the history of organized crime including important incidents, individuals and stories from everyone involved. As you work your way through the museum you will first learn about how the mob started, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the response from the authorities.

The second floor of the museum focuses on the mob in Las Vegas through the present day. You will get some hands on experience at the interactive Crime Lab and Weapon Simulators. You can even sit in the courtroom where a lot of the mob trials were held.

On the way out, be sure to stop at the speakeasy and distillery for a drink. There is a secret door on the side of the building near the parking lot! The password is on their Instagram. It is open to everyone during the day, but after 9 PM you have to be 21 or older.

To get the most out of your visit to the museum, consider going on a guided tour. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and always have such great stories to share.