The Lone Ranger and Tonto are here, too. This is a mask Clayton Moore wore as the Lone Ranger, 1949-1957, found at Entertainment Nation, National Museum of American History/Photo by Patricia Leslie
All those area stranded Southwest Airlines customers waiting at National Airport must have found their way to the National Mall for that's where it seems like thousands converged like it was July 4th in December, but, maybe it's always like this during Christmas week.
Anyway, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to the National Museum of American History, one of my stopping places during Christmas break.
At the information counter, I told the volunteer I was an area resident, searching for something new at the museum.
Did he have any recommendations?
"Well," he said, "there’s the entertainment section which is new. I was up there about 30 minutes ago, and it was like…" and he trailed off like it was the Southwest Airlines counter at everywhere.
He was right; Entertainment Nation was crazy packed, like Disney World in a museum, the place was slammed, but not crowded enough that you couldn't move pretty fast through the aisleways if you know how to manuever.
But where was my fave, Michael Jackson? Maybe I missed him amidst all the people.
Nowhere could I find Michael but there was Prince and his yellow guitar, and Cyndi Lauper's dress and Diana Ross's dress and lots more. Even, Mr. Rogers's sweater!
It's Howdy Doody Time!
But, no Michael.
The reading room at the Richard Avedon photo show at the National Museum of American History/Photo by Patricia Leslie
The subjects are not identified with their pictures. No, across the aisle are labels with names and you only have to walk back and forth across the aisle to see who is pictured "left" and who is "far left" and who is "right" and who is "far right" and "center," and upstairs and downstairs, and there will be a test at the end to see if you can still walk straight.
A wheel chair would be useful at this presentation and the museum has a few to loan out!
The best part of the Richard Avedon show is the reading room where visitors may sit (or sleep, depending upon energy level) in comfortable chairs and leaf through actual copies of old (like 50 years old!) Life magazines, Highlights for Children, and more.
The magazines' advertisements are the best parts ("Do not let baby sleep on pillows!" admonishes one with a drawing of a mother tucking her baby on top of a pillow), and include many "motion picture" ads and a feature on It's A Wonderful Life!
Thank you, Richard Avedon's estate, for donating (I am guessing) these photos to the Smithsonian, but this exhibition could stand for reorganization, if you will.
I think I've figured out Michael Jackson's omission: his estate has not donated anything. Is that right? It is unfathomable that the Smithsonian with all its possessions would omit Michael Jackson from this inaugural exhibit so...
Please, Michael Jackson Estate if you are reading this, donate something, anything (THE glove? A show costume? P l e a s e) to the Smithsonian Institution so we all can enjoy it and not have his likeness and belongings omitted from this grand exhibition! Thank you for consideration.
And, thank you, contributors, for your gifts to the nation so we may see them up close and personal.
Applause to the Smithsonian for including all labels in Spanish, too!
And, if hungry, take your big wallet to NMAH. The fixuns' at the Museum's cafeteria ain't cheap. No charge for mustard!
What: Entertainment Nation "will feature a powerful, ever-changing selection of objects and interactive experiences" embracing theater, television, film, music and sports.
When: Now through "ongoing." The Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. but hours on New Year's Day and January 2, 2023 hours may vary. Call to find out: 202-633-1000.
Where: National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20560. Museum entrances are located on Constitution Avenue on the first floor and Madison Drive (National Mall) on the second floor. There may be a short wait to enter the building.For more information: 202- 633-1000
Tickets: Always free admission at NMAH!
Metro stations: The Smithsonian and the Federal Triangle stations.
patricialesli@gmail.com
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