American History at the Smithsonian | History Traveler Episode 16

This is the first in a series of videos in Washington DC, which is the center of the universe for any fan of US History. All kinds of cool stuff here! The uniform of George Washington, a grappling hook from the D-Day assault of Pointe du Hoc, guns of all kinds and the uniform and personal items of Audie Murphy. Way too much for one video. Always learning.
There's even more from this museum in another video that I did here: • D.C. History of EVERYT...
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[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation. If you like this or any other video on this channel, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the newest content when it comes out.

[@ja37d-34]

So, not a fan of that George Clooney Batman movie? Just kidding.. It makes me think about the nipple armour.. I wonder why that part was not around.. ;)

[@Hello-ye2bi]

The lighting is intentionally dimmed to preserve the historical items. Same reason flash is not allowed.

[@mattdresslar3670]

My Grandfather and Clark Gable were in OCS together in Florida.

[@terryhanvey9724]

In Nashville the tubb trcord shop and the wheel bar was used as morgues for battle of Nashville. Born here in 61. Have you toured these places

[@ritabarnett3960]

The reason for dark lighting in museums is to protect items that otherwise are ruined under bright lights.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Yeah, I was kind of kicking myself after I went back and looked at that footage for making myself look so dumb. I should have been more precise with my complaints. I understood the lighting to preserve the colors in the clothing. It just seemed excessively dark to me and I had assumed that the Smithsonian would have their most important artifact behind some sort of UV glass to protect the items. But yeah, I didn't do myself any favors by acting like such a knucklehead there. It was more my frustrations with trying to film in low light.

[@t18amgr]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Hardly a knucklehead Sir. Great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

t18amgr - Ha! Thanks. Appreciate that and appreciate you watching. Hope that the videos are meaningful to everyone in some way.

[@shananagans5]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I think the museum had the low lighting to hide the fact that all their displays were old stuff. They were ashamed they didn't have the budget to buy all new displays. :) I enjoy your tours, you are interested in the same things I would go out of my way to find.

[@Fixingtodraw]

The Alamo is the same way, with no flash photography

[@jenniferstoker4053]

I am from the UK and I love your insight into American and world history … thank you so much, please keep making them

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@aumarigan]

Visiting the Smithsonian remains one of my lifelong dream. Thanks for these vlogs. Your fan from the Philippines.

[@timg2088]

Wow! What an incredible video! I was in awe seeing George Washington's personal effects. Some of that stuff put a lump in my throat, thinking about how fortunate and blessed we are to be Americans. God surely has poured out His grace on our country from the very beginning.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tigers - Thanks! Yes, it’s quite the place. I’ve got several other videos on this channel from DC that you might enjoy as well.

[@Gi0114]

Well said

[@markinjames]

Awesome to see the LCC-60 flag displayed in such a big museum. I saw the flag myself when it was displayed in the national military museum in the Netherlands. And yes, it is quite impressive to see such a piece of history

[@marcuswardle3180]

As someone who works in the museum field I would say that is pretty well lit! Just enough to see and enough to not degrade the exhibit.

[@Tomatohater64]

I loved the chairs and mini table that Grant and Lee used at Appomattox.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Stephen Pruszenski - Yeah, that was kind of a neat piece. Planning on getting out to Appomattox someday. Thanks for watching!

[@suzannepatterson307]

Audie Murphy has always been a favorite of mine

[@discingaround]

Haven't been to DC since my high school Government class trip. Loved seeing the Smithsonian again!

[@pamelaoliver8442]

I remember getting to visit Audie Murphy's grave during a school trip to Washingtin DC. I get my love of history from mother...she was awed and nearly cried. I didnt really get who he was at the time. As a kid I didnt get what growing up during WWII meant, I'm trying to grasp a sense of it now. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@MikeyD22]

Thanks a lot for sharing another wonderful tour. I've been fortunate enough to have visited this museum twice. The most impressive display to me was George Washington's personal items. Almost made the hair on my arms stand up.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! I think that every American would benefit from taking a trip to DC and going through some of these museums. Lots to learn about our history and heritage there.

[@kenrowe5809]

That is one place I would love to visit, perhaps one day I might just make it. The two chairs and table used by Lee & Grant are pretty amazing. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ken Rowe - It really is worth it. The whole DC area is pretty amazing. Be sure to give yourself enough time when you do get around to going though. Tons of stuff to see.

[@mrs.g.9816]

Oh, I sooo wish I can get to the Smithsonian! I'd book two weeks at a hotel in Washington, and explore the museum for as many days as I can. Thanks so much for showing us some fascinating stuff!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nora Gyetko - My pleasure! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@brianboggess3117]

I look forward to this channel everyday after work. Keep it up. Can't get enough.

[@sassytbc7923]

Just wanted to say that I really am enjoying your channel.

[@helenritchey4337]

My dad was a flamethrower in WW II. He was disabled from shrapnel injuries to his head resulting in paralysis of his right side. He would never talk about the war… And we kids knew never to ask him…😢

[@jjs2351]

Just found your channel. I've been to the museum multiple times, but I enjoyed your commentary.. Thanks !

[@parkerc1279]

I love these videos! Ty

[@smdftb8495]

The chairs and table from Appomattox Courthouse is just incredible.

[@tomstewart3160]

Love this channel keep up the good work 👍👍

[@connie5474]

Unbelievable. For a short time I feel as though I stepped into another world.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Connie - Pretty amazing place.

[@jeanknitter6455]

@@TheHistoryUnderground WHERE are the giant skeletons documented in many newspaper articles, found in mounds across America? The discoveries are well documented and the Smithsonian was noted in these articles as receiving them & displaying them. Nowadays, nobody at the Smithsonian has ever heard of them. why? Where did they go and how come America is deprived of this knowledge of its history?

[@MrsMoni081]

@@jeanknitter6455 what?!

[@gravescout6299]

great video, keep up the good work and thank you for sharing it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@shellydehart8217]

I’m a year late in watching this but I’m so glad I found it. This has always been on my bucket list. They say it would take at least 3 days to see it all. I’m so happy you shared this n I agree seeing Audi’s inform, dog tag n his small Bible meant so much to me. He’s always been my first love n hero since I was 11 yrs. old. What awesome place. I just wonder if I’ll make it there. I’m not going to give up though. Hope I’ll be able to find the next video. ♥️♥️😊👍👍

[@Rebelmediainc]

Going here in June! Can’t wait!!! Just rewatched this one !

[@CapCarter838]

Leonard “Bud” Lomell was one of the Rangers at Pont Du Hoc. He’s from my hometown of Toms River, NJ. I’ve held artifacts that belonged to him. From what I’ve heard from other people Bud was a really nice guy. Thanks for this video. I haven’t been to DC since I was a kid. I definitely need to get back soon.

[@Deus-Too]

Thanks for the great video, I have subscribed and watched as many of them as I can!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Bradstudebaker]

One of my all time favorite museums!!!!!!

[@kayleepeggs5179]

You should check out the Marine Corps museum in Quantico, VA if you haven’t already! Very cool museum. When I went I was told each mannequin is created to look like real past Marines from those wars.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I love that museum! I went there a few years ago but it was before I started producing for this channel. My intention is to go back this summer and do a video on it. To date, it's one of the top 3 museums that I've ever visited. I didn't know about the mannequin looking like actual Marines though. Very interesting.

[@ryanflynn3861]

"so this is kinda a mark of shame" HA! Love these videos bud!

[@joshuabrande2417]

I remember going to the West Point Military Museum. It was quite a place. I think it had very damaging fire sometime in the 1970's but I can't be sure. I Remember Custer's campaign chest, and arrows from the battlefield, G. Washington's pistols, also Patton's and McArthur. Lots of Revolutionary War stuff too. Fascinating place and a great loss.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Was all of that lost in the fire?

[@joshuabrande2417]

I don't know the full story. I visited the museum for the last time in the early 1970's and there wasn't much to it. So many great military historic artifacts covering all conflicts were gone. It waw quite a place.

[@bonniewinograd2356]

The site of the museum was moved in the1980’s to its current location. There is no mention of a fire on its website. ( I remember visiting it prior to the old site closing) It is way larger than it was in the 70’s as the entire collection now is able to be housed in one building. Great place to visit

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@bonniewinograd2356 I didn't know that. Thanks!

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Awesome tour. Someday hope to go there.

[@sparky11976]

Almost like being there, which I haven’t but hope one day to go. On the bucket list, thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely a must see places. Glad that you liked it 🙂

[@belengardea2658]

I got to visit for the first time in 2019. If you like history. Go! Thanks for sharing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Completely agree. Thanks!

[@davidpage322]

They have to control the amount of light exposure to those items on display in order to prevent further deterioration and preserve them. So if you see dimly lit areas, now you know why.

[@follkiej]

I live really close to Surrender Field in Yorktown! It was really cool seeing that sword!

[@jimrutherford2773]

All of George Washington's belongings, for me are the best items at the museum and truly national treasures.

[@ja37d-34]

Lovely to hear you use a Swedish word there (smörgåsbord). ;) I am checking through your amazingly well done and great looking vids too fast. Damn, I am going to run out too soon. Ah well, i guess I have to rewatch some of the faves while waiting for more! I have always wanted to visit the US, so many things I want to see. Your vids make me realize it needs to pop well up on the list of things to do actually. Still a poor student, a few hard years left but then I´ll try to see some of the gems! People talk very positively about visiting the US and how friendly people are as you do so.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

JA_37D - Definitely a great place to visit. Hopefully the videos can hold you over until you can get over here 🙂

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

I grew up in Northern Virginia so I have poured through all the buildings of The Smithsonian many times. The American History Museum and The Natural History Museum are both fantastic but there is also a lot of history to be seen at The Air & Space Museum and The Einstein Spacearium. Another part of The Smithsonian Institution that some visitors tend to overlook is The National Zoo on Connecticut Avenue NW. The Metro (that's DC for Subway) will take you from the The Mall right to the Zoo. I will however warn you that the Zoo Stop is deep down underground and it's about a 7 minute escalator ride to street level.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for the heads up! Tons of history in that area.

[@virginiadavis2933]

I have always wanted to go there thank you

[@saralopez9965]

My father always said that Audie Murphy was his hero. My father was a Korean War Veteran.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He was a hero for a lot of us.

[@philpartin8618]

Wonderful video.

[@kellymcvey4494]

Fun fact, Arlington house held much of Washington’s private stuff because his adopted grandson, George Washington Park Curtis , had built it as a museum and memorial to him. Also, said grandson had willed the estate to his eldest grandson mr Curtis Lee. Robert E. Lee only cared for the place because his son was stationed out west and his wife was unable to do it herself for many reasons.

[@Fixingtodraw]

I liked Audie, I still have my limited edition GI Joe of him. Hasbro did a good job, it actually looks like him. It stands in all of his glory in my library.

[@HaydenMZ79]

This is awesome! My grandpa gave me an Arisaka he got off a surrendered Japanese ship. It’s an amazing piece of history.

[@kellyshields6120]

For me the crown jewel there was the star spangled banner. As my eyes adjusted and it came clear. I stood there in awe and wept. It was very surreal to be in it's presence.

[@Nubbpiraten]

It’s quite funny as a swede to hear the use of the word smorgasbord so often among english speakers when we in Sweden almost never use it 😅

[@alainamay219]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="178">2:58</a> that’s where I sprained my ankle 😂

[@yellowstonemandy90]

Enjoyed your video, from Montana

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@jeffsanders663]

I dig that everything you spotlight is this video is cool, interesting, awesome....which it is! I haven't been to the Smithsonian's since I was a teenager. I'd LOVE to go back now that I'm 54 and appreciate these things. Btw, when I last went, the Star Spangled Banner was displayed and she's a HUGE flag! Love your videos, my friend! Air Assault

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

jeff sanders - Thanks! Appreciate that. I’ve got another video on this channel (maybe episode 17???) where I go see the Star Spangled Banner and yes, it is huge. Way bigger than I thought.

[@timg2088]

I'm with you! I'm 49 and was there in 1984.

[@jimrutherford2773]

The reason why they keep the light at a low level is to reduce light damage by photon particles. That's why most museum don't allow flash photos.

[@rebeccahernandez3460]

That was really interesting, but I was disappointed that there wasn't anything about Audie Murphy from WW2. He was the most decorated soldier of that war. I thought surely they would have something about him.

[@thinghammer]

The airline has my pocket knife lol...

[@andreabutler3261]

if I remember correctly they have low lighting to help with protecting some of the older items.

[@TheNutriarat]

BAR & M60. I'm good....lol. Loved the video!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

The best! Thanks.

[@CAVERWOOD]

I didn't get a chance to visit this one (next time!) the USMC museum is amazing!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It really is!

[@zombiesmith5735]

If you think that’s dark, go to the National Archives and go into the rotunda to view the Declaration Of Independence. Of course, it’s lit that way to preserve the very delicate documents - but it was surprisingly dark

[@gojl5567]

Was there in 2017 with my parents and aunt while in town for a burial at Arlington. We started to go in here but my father decided to argue over them trying to take his pocket knife. He wasn't allowed in, then my Mom freaked out assuming they were taking my 78 yo father to jail. Aunt and I had a short trip inside before we decided to go settle the argument, lol

[@ayakotami3318]

This is one place I like to go to. Take several days to visit and look around the Museum. Even then I don't think I would see everything because it's so big. XD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely need to plan at least a half a day there.

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

the reason why it was so DARK in the Museum was due to preservation, a lot of the clothing would deteriorate of light along with some other items, so to preserve them better is to have the less light, ...LOVED that they had some items of the Famous Audie Murphy, he is one of MY all time favorites. Sad that later in life, the only thing he thought he could do, after the war was get into some movies and that was actually a step down from what his military career was...Hollow wood did not treat him very kind...

[@richremaly8418]

Your question about why some of the areas are darker than you would like them to be. Some items especially clothing are effective and will fade in light. So it's done to preserve the display.

[@steven2212]

Great 👍vid.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Steven Shiner - Thanks! Appreciate that. Hope that you enjoy the DC series that we’ve got running.

[@032319581]

When I went in late 60's...the flag that flew over Fort McHenry was in back wall in entrance, subjected to UV . Huge elephant was in the middle of room. Boy have we learned by our mistakes.

[@mariah6871]

Maybe one day I’ll be able to visit

[@pandaexpress7326]

You should visit the us marine corps museum in quantico, va. Pretty cool stuff there and I’ve been there many times

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I’ve been there! One of my favorites. Need to go back and do a video.

[@oldtanker4860]

Charley Brown's kite eating tree....

[@naomidoudera359]

The reason it's dark light fades objects geez louise

[@patriciararick3245]

You need to go to the WW 2 museum in Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s awesome.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

@@TheHistoryUnderground The Museum is located in the boyhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Sr. who I'm sure you know was Commander-in-Chief of The Pacific Fleet and all Naval Operations in The Pacific during WWII. It's not far from Austin or San Antonio either. Frederickburg was settled by Germans; there are micro breweries, wineries and distilleries nearby. Peachs and Wine Grapes are grown in this part of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Incidentally; the legendary little village of Luckenbach, TX is within the Post Office Boundaries of Fredericksburg.

[@benjaminrush4443]

First of a few Air flights after 911, was to volunteer in Mississippi after Hurricane Catrina and the Airlines denied me my Gerber top of the line multi tool & penlight with case. Gift to a State Trooper. My interest would have been the Military Hall with Guns. Thanks.

[@davidmahanna94]

I find it odd that they have Hollywood stuff in the same area as our country's military history. Great video. Love seeing Washington's sword. How cool to travel there. Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I didn't say anything about it in the video, but I actually found the museum to be a weird hodgepodge of historic items. There are some galleries that were content specific, but in other places, I found the mashup to be a bit jarring.

[@chuck571]

@J M Hollywood items are how most Americans learned about history unfortunately. They don't read enough. It has nothing do to with Liberals or Conservatives. Not everything is a Deep State plot.

[@timg2088]

I was a little shocked, and really disappointed to see comic book stuff. Comics definitely have a place, I was just surprised that was one of the first things you see.

[@Inamichan]

I read somewhere that the slave collar was used to stop slaves from escaping and from sleeping comfortably.

[@kristinevitale4630]

Planning to go here this summer, wondering if you are allowed to take still pictures.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes, but there are some places (like the Star Spangled Banner) where photography is prohibited. Have fun! There are a few other episodes from the Museum of American History on this channel as well as a bunch of others on Washington DC. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahcoleman1620]

I loved the 1989 version of Batman

[@concerned1313]

I have been trying to figure you out. You are a "gun guy". Cool! Yeah, I have been to this museum too, liked it and your video too...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

concerned1313 - Ha! That isn’t the first time that that label has been attached to me.

[@concerned1313]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Well, I was a history guy first, then I added guns, because they are history and I enjoy them. I am a revolver guy. There are guns, battles, gunfights, social perceptions and Federal, State, County and City laws concerning the possession, manufacture and use of guns. Guns are one of two political things that I write politicians and administrators on. The Boy Scouts taught me safety and accuracy regarding guns and a whole bunch of things beyond guns. And "yes", I am one of those Eagle Scouts too. In the meantime, I troll and hopefully remain anonymous as I live in (not politically correct anymore to say this) "Indian Country". I personally know an Indian who I consider a friend but he is not a friend because he is Indian. Take care and thanks and keep producing your videos, there great and keep the quality up, not the quantity.

[@jrunn93]

Politics aside, I could spend a solid week or 2 in DC

[@JYO2023]

You do an outstanding job with this history lessons love it. It makes me think about God and his plan for all of us. It’s interesting just listening and knowing God had a plan many plans I should say. Thank you to you and your wife for doing this!

[@032319581]

Korea? Great video.

[@jamesmurphy1040]

You need to go to Quantico and see the U.S. Marine museum

[@braxtoncreakbaum4582]

Was there anything regarding the Korean War in there? I never made it into the Smithsonian when I was visiting D.C.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I don't recall there being any Korean War displays when I was there but I think they switch stuff out from time to time.

[@beckyblack2333]

Bright lights can destroy certain materials. The darkness could be a protection mechanism. I noticed that when I was there a few years ago, to.

[@032319581]

My love of history started when I went to the Smithsonian and saw Lincoln's hat and bloody gloves. Thank you John Quincy Adams for using the money left to our country by Smithson! My favorite ex-president. Very misunderstood! He was a man way ahead of his time!

[@raymeador2243]

It's very sad people dont know who Audie Murphy was

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@kellymcvey4494]

I think some of the stuff is darkened to protect them light can destroy previous artifacts that can’t be replaced

[@josephsokoloski7010]

I wonder how much pawn stars would give for George Washingtons uniform and sword?

[@cameroncrane3770]

I actually built a museum for audie Murphy in his home town here in Farmersville/Merit, Tx but the museum for some crazy reason or another didn't open, it's right down the trail he walked every day to go to school or to town and to work etc etc. You could just about see his life before the military. Really bugs me for many reasons why they never opened. The whole town had some history here and there.

[@CommonSenseCriticism]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="420">7:00</a> you swept across pickets jacket and didn't mention it? :)

[@billd.iniowa2263]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="420">07:00</a> you mention how dark it was. Dont you think that's to preserve the colors of the items on display? Maybe you need to take an LED light with you next time you visit a museum? No flash allowed! lol -- And you're right, the Audie Murphy display was definitely the coolest one there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I get why it's dark, but it was REALLY dark in there. I would have thought that there would be some sort of UV glass that they could get to protect it but maybe not. They're way smarter than I am so I'll trust that they've got it right :)

[@akbutler2007]

I noticed you saw marvel and DC exhibits. Did you happen to see the one on video games?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

No, I didn't. They rotate exhibits so it may've not been out when I was there.

[@lightingbolt8148]

airline has your pocket knife? And didn’t arrest you? lol

[@jc2333]

The musket

[@darrengilbert7438]

I notice there were no Confederate items in your video. Did they not have any in the museum?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It's been awhile, so I can't recall. I think that they rotate items regularly though.

[@kellymcvey4494]

Dude you need to go to Appomattox Vagina where the serenader ceremony happened. The house is still there and there’s a museum where General Lee and his aid Colonel Marshall has their coats displayed

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I try to keep things family friendly on here. There are just some things that I can’t show 🙂

[@jc2333]

I have a USA hat also

[@nothing2seehere34]

Sad they didn't have much about WWI hopefully they will change that soon.

[@Kowboy6683]

The darkness is to reduce damage to artifacts by UV light.

[@chaseklein774]

Well the flag from fort McHenery use to be there idk what they did with it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Still there. I have a video on that too 🙂

[@chaseklein774]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Awesome! When i saw it they were getting ready to put it into storage

[@donaldbadeIII]

Can't do that anymore. Thanks to devils.

[@markbraley9361]

The History Underground I think you mean "Cornwallis". Not "O'Hara"!

[@willtallis5275]

I also still don’t know why they say June 6th 1944 as I’m sure some paratroopers dropped late on June 5th 1944 over night so technically d day started June 5th 1944

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Frank Lillyman is credited with being the first paratrooper on the ground. He touched French soil at 12:15 am, June 6, 1944.

[@willtallis5275]

@@TheHistoryUnderground oh yeah I thaught it was only just over the other day but they would have been flying before the 6th Surley lol and thanks for the reply great work mate

[@jeanknitter6455]

WHERE are the giant skeletons documented in many newspaper articles, found in mounds across America? The discoveries are well documented and the Smithsonian was noted in these articles as receiving them & displaying them. Nowadays, nobody at the Smithsonian has ever heard of them. why? Where did they go and how come America is deprived of this knowledge of its history?