Exhibits

Using hundreds of original artifacts and graphics, the permanent Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History surveys the history of America’s military from the colonial era to present, exploring ways that wars have been defining episodes in American History. It tells how Americans fought to establish the nation’s independence, determine its borders, shape its values of freedom and opportunity and define its role in world affairs.     

To understand American history, understanding the American Dream is key - the values, ideals and traditions that are woven through the story of America. Freedom, peace and security are fundamental parts of the American Dream and, in many respects, our military history reflects our commitment to these ideals as well as the beliefs of the men and women who have made enormous personal sacrifices to achieve them. 

Click images to enlarge              

The 18,000 square foot exhibition culminates with an area dedicated to the Medal of Honor that includes priceless artifacts, videos of Medal recipient stories told by recipients and an interactive Medal of Honor database and educational quiz. The Price of Freedom exhibition opened to the public November 2004. The renovated American History Museum reopened to the public November 2008.      


The above image on the left includes a copy of the original Act of Congress signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in December 1861. It also includes original sketches of the first medals approved for the Navy and the Army and several original medals from the Civil War era. The above case on the right contains invaluable artifacts from several Medal of Honor recients.             

Capitol Visitor Center Medal of Honor Exhibit

The Foundation worked with the Capitol Visitor Center project staff to incorporate a Medal of Honor exhibit into the new Capitol Visitor Center when it opened in December of 2008. As of May 2009 more than one million visitors had been welcomed to the U.S. Capitol through this new center, more than double the previous year before the Visitor Center was open.                      

The Medal of Honor was established by an Act of Congress in 1861 and is awarded in its name. Until several years ago, the very first Medal of Honor, awarded to Private Jacob Parrot during the Civil War, was on display in the Capitol Building. There are 21 Medal of Honor recipients who have served in Congress and one, Senator Daniel Inouye, serves today.                      

 

 

America’s Heroes Exhibit at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Ronald Reagan made a point of honoring American Heroes. His State of the Union Addresses began a tradition of extending the nation’s gratitude to ordinary citizens who met extraordinary challenges. This gallery tells the stories of these heroes from yesterday and today.

President Reagan presented the Medal of Honor to Roy Benevidez (pictured left) and to William Crawford (pictured right) during his presidency.