American History/Smithsonian to close for two years

bbunge · **Posted:** Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:31 am

If you are in the Washington, DC area, last chance to visit the collection at American History until 2008 as the museum closes for major renovations:

http://washtimes.com/metro/20060822-102253-2865r.htm

Collection info:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/subject_detail.cfm?key=32&colkey=31

Includes the John Bull and SR 1401.

Closes 6:30pm Labor day.

Bob

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

I thought that they just did a renovation of that area not too long ago? I seem to recall seeing photos of how the displays near #1401 had been changed around?

Speaking of the Smithsonian, back in the 1970's, they had a display in a building that I think was built for the Centennial, not far from the "Castle". It had some wonderful items, including a beatiful 3 foot gauge loco and some stationary steam. I seem to recall that at one time, probably 1976, they would even run some of the stationary steam engines on air during certain times. (these were stationary steam engines, not locomotives) I think it may have been once a day or something? Anyone know details?

It's my understanding that the display has since been closed. Anyone know what happened to all of the items on display? Were the placed in other areas of the museum or are they back in storage?

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

After poking around on the Smithsonian website, I'm pretty sure it was the Arts and Industries building I'm thinking of.

http://www.si.edu/ai/

It states it's closed for renovations (apparently a common theme at the moment) but that still brings up my question of the displays. Anyone know any more info? Obviously they're still around, but not sure where.

Erik Ledbetter · **Posted:** Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:59 pm

Bobharbison wrote:

I thought that they just did a renovation of that area not too long ago? I seem to recall seeing photos of how the displays near #1401 had been changed around?

The National Museum of American History did just recently completely overhaul the transportation exhibit, but this current closure is not of a single exhibit but of the whole museum. Basically, they need to gut all the lobbys, stairs, and hallways on all three floors to completely overhaul the visitor flow through the building.

The new America on the Move exhibit (and the newer Military exhibit for that matter) will be mothballed and will still be there when the place reopens.

Bobharbison wrote:

Speaking of the Smithsonian, back in the 1970's, they had a display in a building that I think was built for the Centennial, not far from the "Castle". It had some wonderful items, including a beatiful 3 foot gauge loco and some stationary steam. I seem to recall that at one time, probably 1976, they would even run some of the stationary steam engines on air during certain times. (these were stationary steam engines, not locomotives) I think it may have been once a day or something? Anyone know details?

Yes, this was a recreation of the Philidelphia Centennial Fair and it was indeed located in the Arts and Industries building. The exhibit was broken down many years ago now. The the 3-foot gauge Jupiter engine was moved to American History and is now in the new transportation exhibit.

Most of the other artifacts are in storage in Silver Hill MD or on loan to other museums. A number I think may be intended to go to the Industrial Heritage Museum in Bethelhem if that project gets off the ground.