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The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and interpreting the heritage of the United States. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum houses over 1.7 million artifacts and 22,000 linear feet of archival documents. Its collections include significant items like Abraham Lincoln’s hat and Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from *The Wizard of Oz*, reflecting the diverse aspects of American history.

The museum offers a variety of services, including permanent and rotating exhibitions that explore themes such as invention and national identity. It provides educational programs, workshops, and online resources to engage audiences in American history. The museum also supports historical research through its collections and the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology. With free admission, it welcomes millions of visitors each year, aiming to be an accessible and inclusive institution that fosters civic understanding through knowledge of history.