Disappointments and Pleasant Surprises at the Renovated American History Museum

Add a Comment

December 1, 8:27 AM

by Jada Bradley, D.C. Cultural Events Examiner

 

Greensboro Lunch Counter

So I took my own advice and went to the National Museum of American History on the day after Thanksgiving. And there were A LOT of people there, so it was a good thing that I included an disclaimer in my previous blog about a post-Turkey Day workout.

I'll be quite honest: I was disappointed with the renovation of the museum. I expected to see a lot more changes. Of course, I was told that the new Star-Spangled Banner exhibit was the thing to see. But my companions and I didn't make it there because the lines were long and we knew we could see it another time.

We did, however, check out the Gettysburg Address, (which is only on display until early January)  and marveled at Lincoln's handwriting.

We also got a chance to check out a live show. I was moved and that was unexpected. I am usually not a fan of the historical re-enactments at musuems and amusement parks because they often seem hokey, but this one was really well done.

We just happened to be standing near the Greensboro lunch counter display when the program started. The ruse was that a performer acted the part of an 1960s African-American college student who was tasked with training new recruits (the audience) to take part in sit-ins. He dressed the part, stayed in character and even got the audience to join him in song.

Afterwards, the actor and another employee guided the audience in a thoughtful discussion about civil disobedience and civil rights.

   Subscribe   Feed

Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use