Best Smithsonian | National Museum of American History Podcasts (2024)

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Trailer 1:09

11h ago1:09

1:09

Audio Guide Washington, D.C. | Walking Tour from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House Welcome to "Audio Guide Washington, D.C. | Walking Tour from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House," your perfect companion for exploring the nation's capital in one unforgettable journey! This expertly designed audio guide takes you through the most iconic l…

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Introduction | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 1:58

11h ago1:58

1:58

Audio Guide Washington, D.C. | Walking Tour from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House Welcome to "Audio Guide Washington, D.C. | Walking Tour from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House," your perfect companion for exploring the nation's capital in one unforgettable journey! This expertly designed audio guide takes you through the most iconic l…

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Lincoln Memorial 🏛️🇺🇸 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:12

11h ago5:12

5:12

Lincoln Memorial 🏛️🇺🇸 The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C., honoring the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. This neoclassical monument stands at the western end of the National Mall and is a symbol of unity, freedom, and equality. The memorial is not only a tribute to Lincoln’s leadership d…

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Vietnam Veterans Memorial 🪖🇺🇸 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:31

11h ago5:31

5:31

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 🪖🇺🇸 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is one of the most poignant and powerful war memorials in the United States. Known simply as “The Wall,” its stark black granite design is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 service members who gave their lives or went missing in action during the Vietnam War.…

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Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial ✊🏾🕊️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:18

11h ago5:18

5:18

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial ✊🏾🕊️ The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders. Located on the northwest shore of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., the memorial is a place for reflection, inspiration, and remembran…

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The Tidal Basin 🌸🌊 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:14

11h ago5:14

5:14

The Tidal Basin 🌸🌊 The Tidal Basin is one of Washington, D.C.’s most scenic and serene spots, offering stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the iconic Cherry Blossoms that bloom each spring. This man-made reservoir, nestled between the Potomac River and the Nation…

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Thomas Jefferson Memorial 🏛️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:07

11h ago6:07

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Thomas Jefferson Memorial 🏛️ Dedicated to the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a graceful tribute to one of the country’s most influential Founding Fathers. Situated on the Tidal Basin, this neoclassical domed monument, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, offers stu…

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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) 🕊️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:01

11h ago6:01

6:01

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) 🕊️ The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is one of the most powerful and important museums in the world, dedicated to documenting, studying, and educating people about the Holocaust. Located just off the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this museum offers a deeply moving experience tha…

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The National Mall 🇺🇸🌳 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:41

11h ago5:41

5:41

The National Mall 🇺🇸🌳 Welcome to the National Mall, America’s most iconic open space, often referred to as the "Nation's Front Yard." Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is home to some of the country’s most famous monuments, memorials, and museums. Whether you’re here to explore history, enjoy art, or simply…

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Washington Monument 🏛️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 4:49

11h ago4:49

4:49

Washington Monument 🏛️ The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. Standing tall at 555 feet, this majestic obelisk is dedicated to George Washington, the first President of the United States. Whether you're interested in soaking up the views from the top or learning more about its fascinating history, the Washin…

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National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) ✊🏽🏛️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 4:53

11h ago4:53

4:53

National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) ✊🏽🏛️ Hey, history and culture enthusiasts! Ready to explore one of the most powerful and inspiring museums in Washington, D.C.? The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) tells the complex and rich story of the African American experience, from the horrors of…

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National Museum of American History 🇺🇸 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 7:12

11h ago7:12

7:12

National Museum of American History 🇺🇸 Hey, history buffs and culture enthusiasts! Ready to dive deep into the story of America? The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is where you can explore the nation’s rich past through artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that cover everything from politics and pop culture to technology a…

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 🦖🌍 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:27

11h ago6:27

6:27

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 🦖🌍 Hey, nature lovers and curious minds! Ready to explore the wonders of the natural world? The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in Washington, D.C., and it's easy to see why. From towering dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones and fascinating exhibi…

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The National Archives Museum 📜 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:24

11h ago6:24

6:24

The National Archives Museum 📜 Hey, history buffs! Ready to step into the pages of American history? The National Archives Museum is home to some of the most significant documents in the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These "Charters of Freedom" are the cornerstone of America…

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National Gallery of Art 🎨 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 7:04

11h ago7:04

7:04

National Gallery of Art 🎨 Hello, art aficionados! Ready to immerse yourself in masterpieces spanning centuries? The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s premier art museums, housing a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Whether you’re an art expert or just looking to soa…

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum ✈️🚀 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 4:43

11h ago4:43

4:43

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum ✈️🚀 Hey, adventurers and space enthusiasts! Ready to explore the wonders of flight and the universe? The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in Washington, D.C., and for good reason! From iconic planes to space capsules that have been to the Moon, this museum is pack…

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United States Botanic Garden 🌿 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:17

11h ago6:17

6:17

United States Botanic Garden 🌿 Hey, nature lovers! Ready for a peaceful escape in the heart of Washington, D.C.? The United States Botanic Garden is a lush, green oasis filled with exotic plants, beautiful blooms, and tranquil spaces—perfect for a relaxing visit after exploring the National Mall. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking fo…

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Library of Congress 📚 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:30

11h ago6:30

6:30

Library of Congress 📚 Hey, bookworms and history buffs! Ready to dive into one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings in Washington, D.C.? The Library of Congress is not only the largest library in the world but also a treasure trove of history, art, and knowledge. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or checking out rare manuscripts…

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United States Capitol 🏛️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:11

11h ago6:11

6:11

United States Capitol 🏛️ Hello, fellow explorers! 🇺🇸 Ready to visit one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in the United States? The United States Capitol is not just a symbol of American democracy but also a stunning architectural marvel. From the grand dome to the historic chambers, this is one D.C. stop you can’t miss. Her…

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Supreme Court of the United States ⚖️ | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 6:00

11h ago6:00

6:00

Supreme Court of the United States ⚖️ Hey there, history and law enthusiasts! Visiting the Supreme Court of the United States is a must if you’re in D.C. Ready to stand where landmark decisions have been made and soak in the grandeur of the highest court in the land? Here’s your ultimate guide packed with insider tips, hidden gems, and everything y…

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Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery 🎨 | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:13

11h ago5:13

5:13

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery 🎨 Hey, art lovers and history buffs! Ready to immerse yourself in the stories of America’s most influential figures through stunning portraits? The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is one of D.C.’s most captivating museums, blending art and history in every frame. Here’s everything you need to know for a p…

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The White House | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 5:59

11h ago5:59

5:59

The White House Hey there, fellow explorers! 🇺🇸 Ready to dive into everything you need to know about visiting the White House? Here are some insider tips, tricks, and fun facts to help make your visit unforgettable. Whether you’re snapping photos or grabbing a bite to eat, I’ve got you covered! (1) Google Maps Link: 📍 Find The White House on Google…

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Outro | Walking Tour of Washington D.C. in a Day 1:59

11h ago1:59

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Thanks for joining our tour. If you liked it - please give us a good review on the podcast platform of your choice. Thanks - and have a great day!By Orello

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Bankers in the Boudoir 32:08

3d ago32:08

32:08

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo becomes invisible when he puts the Ring on his finger. Well, at banks in the 1970s, this is basically what happened when a woman put a wedding ring on her finger. Her credit cards would no longer work, and the banks wouldn't count her income as part of the household income. This led to a fight for women's fin…

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Jim the Penman 37:36

17d ago37:36

37:36

During the mid-1800s, one third of all paper money in America was thought to be fake. It was the golden age of counterfeiting, and one exceptionally talented con artist stood out from all the rest. His fakes were nearly perfect…but for a trademark tell. Known to law enforcement only as “Jim the Penman,” this celebrity criminal led many Americans to…

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It's Season 11 1:23

24d ago1:23

1:23

Sidedoor returns for its eleventh season on Wednesday, September 18th!By Smithsonian Institution

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Are Robots About to Level Up? 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

Within just a few years, artificial intelligence systems that sometimes seem to display almost human characteristics have gone from science fiction to apps on your phone. But there’s another AI-influenced frontier that is developing rapidly and remains untamed: robotics. Can the technologies that have helped computers get smarter now bring similar …

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Social Media and the Subway 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

There aren’t many portrait artists who get recognized on the street, but it happens to Devon Rodriguez all the time. After quietly honing his skill for a decade, Devon started posting videos of his live drawings of New York City subway commuters to social media. The videos took off, earning him some 50 million followers and placing portraiture in f…

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Archiving the Underground 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

Next up in our summer playlist, we bring you an episode of The Kitchen Sisters Present, a podcast featuring sound-rich stories ‘from the b-side of history.’ This one is a musical treat! The Kitchen Sisters delve into the story of the founding of the Hiphop Archive and Research Institute at Harvard by Dr. Marcyliena Morgan, Professor of African and …

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Rocket Man 40:53

3M ago40:53

40:53

In the twentieth century, the jetpack became synonymous with the idea of a ‘futuristic society.’ Appearing in cartoons and magazines, it felt like a matter of time before people could ride a jetpack to work. But jetpacks never became a mainstream technology, leaving many to wonder…why? In this episode of 99 Percent Invisible, producer Chris Berube …

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A Giant Listening Project 25:26

3M ago25:26

25:26

It’s been called ‘the most noble and absurd undertaking ever attempted by any state.’ During the height of the Great Depression, the U.S government hired out-of-work writers and laid-off reporters and sent them out to record the stories of all kinds of Americans. Called the Federal Writers’ Project, historians have called the program a giant “liste…

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The Lost Woolly Dog 41:07

4M ago41:07

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For thousands of years, fluffy white dogs could be found across the Pacific Northwest. Their exceptionally soft, crimpy hair was shorn like sheep’s wool, spun into yarn, and woven into blankets and robes by indigenous women who carefully tended them in communities across Coast Salish territory. But a hundred years ago, the woolly dog quietly vanish…

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Cosmic Journey II: Voyage into the Abyss 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

Hitch a ride on the Chandra X-ray Observatory as it scours deep space for some of the most enigmatic and misunderstood objects in the universe: black holes. What are they good for? Absolutely something. This is the second episode of a two-part journey celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysica…

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Cosmic Journey I: "Stellar Buffoonery" 34:37

5M ago34:37

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Black holes could unlock the mysteries of creation and live at the heart of nearly every galaxy. But these invisible balls of extremely dense matter have never been fully understood, especially when they were only a theory. We travel through a cosmic wormhole back to the 1930s to learn how the first astrophysicist to successfully theorize a black h…

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Cicadapalooza 33:04

5M ago33:04

33:04

The cicadas are back for some fun in the sun, and this time, they’re louder than ever! For the first time since 1803, Broods XIII and XIX will be emerging at the same time, covering the American South and Midwest with trillions of cicadas. As Smithsonian entomologist Floyd Shockley readies his nets for the biggest bug invasion in centuries, we look…

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The Birds and the Beans 37:21

6M ago37:21

37:21

"God in a cup." "Perfection." "The world's best coffee." Panamanian geisha coffee has been called many things, but never Smithsonian Bird Friendly certified. That might soon change, however, as researchers from Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Bird Center find new ways to grow coffee in harmony with migratory …

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Dude, Where’s my Carbon? 32:36

6M ago32:36

32:36

If you’ve bought a plane ticket recently, you’ve probably had the option to pay a few extra dollars to offset your carbon emissions. That money might go toward planting some trees… but how many trees? Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are trying to answer this very question by hand-measuring trees, weighing wood, and climbi…

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Monkeyin' Around on the Devil's Island 28:24

6M ago28:24

28:24

It started as a rumor in the cafeteria of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama: monkeys on an island in the Pacific were doing something no one had ever seen them do before. But when researchers went searching for these elusive capuchin monkeys, they discovered more questions than answers. Guests: Claudio Monteza, Smithsonian Tropi…

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Face Value 31:54

7M ago31:54

31:54

Money is power. But who's on our money - or isn’t - can be just as powerful. While Lady Liberty has graced American coins and dollars for most of our history, it wasn’t until the 1970s that a real woman appeared on a circulating American coin. But that's about to change. Congress recently authorized the creation of twenty new quarters featuring Ame…

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Jeepers Leapers! 13:30

7M ago13:30

13:30

Did you know a person born on February 29 is called a "leapling"? This special episode is hopping with Leap Day trivia! Like, why do we need an extra day every four years anyway? And will I get paid for working an extra day in February? It's the lowdown on Leap Day in an episode that's as off-kilter as the earth's axis. Guest: Bob Craddock, Geologi…

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Til Death Do Us Part? 29:20

8M ago29:20

29:20

They say love is eternal. What about heartbreak? This Valentine’s Day, we bring you some of Japanese theater’s most popular tales of scorned lovers seeking vengeance from beyond the grave — with a burning passion. Guests: Frank Feltens, Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art Kit Brooks, Japan Foundation Assistant …

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To Sidedoor, With Love 36:22

8M ago36:22

36:22

From brontosauruses with bronchitis to birds on a wire to flying space rocks and a botched heist at 20 thousand feet. In this episode, Lizzie and Sidedoor producer James run all around the Smithsonian to answer listeners' questions from the Sidedoor mailbag. Guests: Lynn Heidelbaugh, curator at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum Sara Hallager…

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Tails of Bravery 46:31

9M ago46:31

46:31

As long as there have been wars, animals have joined their human companions on the battlefield. But a few have served so bravely they’ve been memorialized at the Smithsonian. In honor of these furry and feathered war heroes, we bring you the tales of dogs, cats and birds who went above and beyond the call of duty. Guests: Jennifer Jones, curator of…

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The Milkmaid Spy 28:55

9M ago28:55

28:55

Virginia Hall dreamed of being America’s first female ambassador. Instead, she became a spy. Joining the ranks of the U.S.’s first civilian spy network, she operated alone in occupied France, where she built French Resistance networks, delivered critical intelligence, and sold cheese to the enemy. All on one leg. Guests: Sonia Purnell, author of “A…

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Auld Lang What? 21:18

10M ago21:18

21:18

It’s a song we often hear at the start of the new year. But what does “auld lang syne” even mean? And how did it come to be associated with New Year's Eve? With a little musical sleuthing, we find Charlie Chaplin might have something to do with it… Guests: James Deutsch, curator of folklife and popular culture at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife…

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Welcome Back, Otter 26:07

10M ago26:07

26:07

North American River Otters are popping up in places they haven't been seen in decades and nobody really knows why. As we search for answers we discover a trail of fish heads, poop splats and cuddle parties. Guests: Katrina Lohan, head of the Coastal Disease Ecology Laboratory at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Alejandra Morales Picar…

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Wrinkled Radicals 31:20

11M ago31:20

31:20

When Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire from the job she loved at age 65, her colleagues gave her a sewing machine as a parting gift. Outraged, she shut the sewing machine in a closet and, instead, stitched together the first-ever movement against ageism in the U.S. The Gray Panthers would galvanize gray haired citizenry and youth alike to challenge …

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Farewell Giant Pandas 29:23

11M ago29:23

29:23

All three Giant Pandas are leaving the Smithsonian's National Zoo for China by the end of the year. What's up with that?! We sat down with the director of the Zoo, Brandie Smith, to find out why the pandas are leaving, and whether China plans to send more. This might truly be the end of a beara ... we mean era! Guests: Brandie Smith, John and Adrie…

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Resurrected: Spooked at the Smithsonian 37:54

12M ago37:54

37:54

The Smithsonian Institution was founded on principles of reason and scientific inquiry. So why is the Smithsonian home to countless tales of unexplained phenomena and—dare we say—ghost sightings? Inspired by an apparition at the National Museum of American History, we creak across museum attic floorboards, sneak into an old house in the woods, and …

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CSI: Southern Pacific 38:56

12M ago38:56

38:56

Looks like these criminals used correct postage, 'cause justice is about to be delivered. Okay, there are no snappy one-liners in this crime scene investigation, but there are explosions, collisions, manhunts and even a cow who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. On the centennial of "The Last Great Train Robbery," we re-examine the evidence …

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Smithsonian | National Museum Of American History Podcasts

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