Smithsonian exhibition celebrates 250 years of US Independence

One of the most surprising things to see at the National Museum of American History is Horatio Greenough’s famous statue of George Washington. Instead of showing the first president in a military uniform or formal suit, Greenough portrayed him shirtless and seated like a classical Greek or Roman god. The statue shocked many people when it was unveiled in the 1800s, but it remains one of the museum’s most unusual and unforgettable pieces. 

PTI

Washington

A unique exhibition showcasing iconic historical artefacts has opened at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US Independence. Titled In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness, the extensive display spans 2,50,00,000 square feet across three floors of the museum, featuring 250 historic objects that bring 250 years of American history to life from 1776 to the present day.

“We like to say that the story of America is so big it takes an entire museum,” said Anthea M Hartig, the museum’s director. Theodore Gonsalves, the project director for the exhibition, added that 76 of the featured objects are on public display for the first time or have been shown only on rare occasions.

Among the most compelling centrepieces is the gunboat Philadelphia, the oldest surviving intact American fighting vessel. Built in 1776 to slow British forces on Lake Champlain, the vessel sank during the Battle of Valcour Island. Recovered in 1935, the ship is now undergoing major conservation work, which visitors can view live through special gallery windows.

Other notable items on display include Thomas Jefferson’s portable desk used to draft the Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s military uniform, Melania Trump’s 2025 inaugural gown, and Abigail Adams’s faux-pearl necklace. More recent history is reflected through an underdog 1980 Olympic hockey player’s gloves, a steelworker’s hard hat from the September 11 attacks, and a 1970 Earth Day flag. The exhibition also features an immersive mural marking the 50th anniversary of Washington’s Metro Rail alongside a massive filing cabinet once belonging to comedian Phyllis Diller, which contains more than 52,000 meticulously indexed handwritten jokes.