Diosa Costello was a trailblazing performer who made history in 1939 as the first Latina to appear on Broadway.
She also recorded music, appeared in films, performed in comedy clubs and helped launch Desi Arnaz’s career.
Costello helped tackle prejudice against interracial relationships as part of the 1949 Broadway show ‘South Pacific.’
Her costume for that production is now on display at the National Museum of American History (@amhistorymuseum ).
Reporter & Producer: @estefaniammitre • Estefania Mitre/NPR
Featuring: Ashley Mayor/Smithsonian
#DiosaCostello#Boricua#broadwaymusical
If we hooked you up to this 103-year-old “lie detector,” would we be able to tell if you were telling the truth? The answer might surprise you.
This instrument, called the cardio-pneumo-psychogram, was created by John Larson in 1921 and was designed to simultaneously record a suspect’s pulse, blood pressure, and respiration while being questioned about a crime. Spikes and dips in the resulting tracings scratched in soot-covered paper were supposed to show when a question elicited an emotional response.
Did it work? Well, that depended on numerous variables. Interestingly, it worked best if you believed it worked. Scared that the instrument will reveal what you are hiding? Your breath and heart might respond accordingly.
Despite his initial excitement, Larson eventually became disenchanted with this instrument and infuriated with many of the people who pushed for subsequent designs to become popular not just with police, but government agencies and businesses.
A device that could be used as a “lie detector” ignited public fascination as well, from movies to comic books. How would you have responded to being strapped to it and questioned? When should we put our faith in something that can be influenced by personal belief?
If these questions sparked your interest, we hope you'll plan a visit to our museum to see our newest exhibition, "Forensic Science on Trial," opening today! Featuring objects and stories that span nearly 150 years of historic cases and a dozen different forensic techniques, the exhibition explores the way people influence the development, interpretation, and presentation of forensic science.
PS: Swipe to take a closer look at Larson's invention. Notice the notations on the paper?...
The iconic Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. She has long been a symbol of freedom and hope to Americans and past immigrants. But what does Lady Liberty mean to today's immigrants who aspire to become naturalized U.S. citizens?
Find out in our blog. Link in bio.
#CivicSeason
The original GMM mic & blindfolds (gifted to us by an incredible fan so many years ago!) have found a new home. We’re absolutely honored to join the ranks of so many entertainment icons in the Smithsonian’s @amhistorymuseum by having a piece of Good Mythical Morning preserved in their archives, and someday on display in their Entertainment Nation exhibit!
As you can see, the Smithsonian can’t 🧡
Important update!
Due to forecasted temperatures and for the safety of all participants, the evening festival has been relocated to the inside of the museum.
The main stage will now be in Flag Hall.
Details in bio.
#FenómenoLatino
Let’s go shred with Judi Oyama for #GoSkateboardingDay ! 🛹
American pro skateboarder Judi Oyama began skating as a teen and turned pro in the 1970s. In 2003, at the age of 43, she won the Slalom World Championships and in 2013 was ranked second in the U.S. and first in the masters division overall. In 2018, she was inducted into the Skateboard Hall of Fame.
Despite Oyama’s overwhelming contributions to skateboarding, she did not have a Wikipedia article until our 2021 edit-a-thon. This photo and others are in the @amhistorymuseum collection. Oyama is also a graphic designer and the former vice president of Board Rescue, which provides skateboards and safety equipment to organizations that work with underprivileged and/or at-risk kids. Learn more at the link in our bio.
📷: John Krisick, 1977 @amhistorymuseum
We remember dynamic baseball player Willie Mays, celebrated and respected for his skill in every facet of the sport. Known as the “Say Hey Kid” for his genial disposition, Mays was one of baseball history’s most charismatic players. In this photo from our @amhistorymuseum , he smiles with the “Queen of Jazz” Ella Fitzgerald, who was a lifelong baseball fan.
At age 17, Mays joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, the highest level of the segregated sport open to Black players in 1948.
He signed with the Giants in 1950, only three years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier integrating the sport. When he returned to the field after serving in the Army during the Korean War, Mays helped the Giants clinch the 1954 World Series with an incredible over-the-shoulder catch and powerful throw to second. Known simply as “the Catch,” the play became one of baseball’s most memorable moments.
“Willie Mays was one of the greatest baseball players ever to play the game,” said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. “Not only was he exceptionally skilled as a well-rounded athlete, but he exuded joy that was infectious. In a sport known as America’s pastime, Mays’ grace on and off the field, his ability to delight and entertain, and his exuberant love of the sport made a powerful impression on generations of casual observers and die-hard fans. We remember Mays as one of the greats.”
#DYK that the United States had a winning cricket team before the Civil War?
This colored print shows the 1856 eleven-man United States cricket team, who played against Canada in Hoboken, New Jersey, September 11-12, 1856. The cricket match was attended by over 5,000 spectators and the U.S. won with 9 wickets to spare. The success of the team and North American interest inspired the All-England XI six-city tour in 1859.
“Real strength has to do with helping others,” - Fred Rogers
Television presenter Fred Rogers dedicated his career to children’s programming, where he provided a space for our youngest minds to think, observe, and learn in a calm environment. Through his television show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which aired for over 30 years, he invited viewers into his own community, which included neighbors Mister McFeely and Officer Clemmons.
Civic Season is a new tradition between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July for self-discovery and civic upskilling. At TheCivicSeason.com, you can find events, resources, and activities from all over the country – from pizza parties to trivia nights to bike tours – to get connected to your community and learn something new. Civic Season is co-created by @HistoryMadeByUs , Gen Z and cultural institutions, including our @AmHistoryMuseum as well as Smithsonian Affiliates, @HistoryMiami , @HistoryCenter , and @ConnerPrairie . Get started by taking the civic superpower quiz to see if you’re a Nurturer like Fred Rogers, or a Connector, Defender or Amplifier!
This cardigan, worn by Fred Rogers is in the collection of our National Museum of American History.
20 years ago, an all-Latino high school soccer team made history. ⚽️
After dealing with rampant xenophobia and fighting to form a team, Los Jets became the first predominantly Latino sports team to win a statewide championship in North Carolina.
Their trophy now lives in the collection of the National Museum of American History (@amhistorymuseum ).
Reporter & Producer: @pablovaldivia • Pablo Valdivia/NPR
Featuring: Steve Velasquez/Smithsonian
Happy Flag Day!
We have several flags in our collection, but perhaps the most recognizable is the Star-Spangled Banner.
The flag flew over Fort McHenry the morning after the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem, which would later become the national anthem of the United States.
So how does the museum care for such a precious piece of U.S. history? Follow the link in our bio to read about the monumental task.
#FlagDay#USHistory
Professional skateboarder Leo Baker risked his career by coming out. Under intense media spotlight, the award-winning athlete withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to publicly share his transgender and non-binary identity.
Though skateboarding has often been associated with underground counterculture and individualism, the sport hasn’t always been inclusive of LGBTQ+ athletes.
Baker continues to foster inclusivity for people of all backgrounds and identities in skateboarding. In recent years, he formed a community for LGBTQ+ people and women skaters and cofounded an inclusive skateboard brand. Baker shared: “To be unapologetic about my image and who I am, I can’t even describe how that feels. To bring together girls who skate, queers who skate...and let those worlds collide. I’m lucky to be here.”
Baker’s skateboards, t-shirts, shoes and more skate-related objects are in our @amhistorymuseum .
#SmithsonianPride
