Light, flight and rights: 250 years of US history showcased in Smithsonian exhibition
The Smithsonian Institution is set to showcase an exhibition titled 'American Aspirations' that highlights 250 years of US history. Opening on June 2, the exhibition features 30 carefully selected artefacts, including Thomas Jefferson's desk and items representing civil rights and scientific progress. Curators aimed to encapsulate the journey towards the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence without political interference.
- ▪The exhibition will run for two months in Washington, starting June 2.
- ▪Curators selected 30 artefacts from over 150 million objects in the Smithsonian's collection.
- ▪Notable items include Thomas Jefferson's desk and a light bulb by Thomas Edison.
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| Original publisher | Straits Times — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/light-flight-and-rights-250-years-of-us-history-showcased-in-smithsonian-exhibition |
| Publication time | Fri, 29 May 2026 13:45:00 +0800 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-29T05:46:58.780Z |
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Light, flight and rights: 250 years of US history showcased in Smithsonian exhibitionSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe exhibition, American Aspirations, will go on show for two months in Washington on June 2 ahead of the semiquincentennial.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 29, 2026, 01:45 PMUpdated May 29, 2026, 01:45 PMWASHINGTON – How do you choose just 30 artefacts from millions to encapsulate 250 years of American history?That’s the question the US government-funded Smithsonian Institution posed itself as the United States gears up for the anniversary of the nation’s July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence.Among the answers: A small ink-stained mahogany desk, an antique light bulb, a brown leather flight suit and a baseball jersey.These exhibits and others that…
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