The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects / Kurin, Richard

"A literary exhibition of 101 objects from across the Smithsonian's museums that together offer a new perspective on the history of the United States. Ranging from the earliest years of the pre-Columbian continent to the digital age, and from the American Revolution to Vietnam, each entry pairs the history surrounding each object with the story of its creation or discovery and the place it has come to occupy in our national memory"--Publisher's description.

A history of the U.S. as reflected by artifacts shares insights into such objects as Abraham Lincoln's hat and Dorothy's ruby slippers to survey their roles in national identity and the controversies surrounding their exhibitions.