Evening star., 1944-06-10
Letters to The Star
Museum of American History
Visualized by Architect


ly has remembered, a movement was
started to build new Museum of Amer
lean History in the Nations Capital.
When this museum was first proposed
I was deeply interested In the idea and
felt that 1t presented an unusual OPP
portunity for developing something en-
tirely new and different from what had
been done before. At that time gave
the problem great deal of study and
visited many museums, Now I am con-
vinced that II a Museum of American
History could be built in Washington, 1t
would be an outstanding cultural con-
tribution to the world.
My study has led me to certain def
mite conclusions and I visualize a new
type of museum which would be differ
ent from any of which know.
To begin with, the proposed museum
should set forth great pageant of
American history in such dramatic
terms that it could not fail to impress
the visitor with the stirring times which
the country has passed through. We
have had many interesting and exciting
events in our national experience and
it would be valuable to reproduce these
incidents In such way as. to recapture
their very essence.
Imagine capacious central hall which
would serve as an introduction to the
history of our country since the arrival
OF the first settlers. Before going I'M
mediately into the historical displays it
would be we'll to depict in graphic terms
by means of charts and murals such
things as the duration of American his
tory as related to world history or charts
showing the growth of our population,
wealth. ETC., as related to time.
From here we would pass through the
four centuries or episodes of our history
In chronological order. First, the period
of discovery down through the 18th CEN
tury. Beginning with the Indians, we
would get picture of this continent as
it was in their day. Here again could
be shown charts giving the geographical
distribution of the tribes or murals de-
picting scenes of Indian life. In con-
trast with these, there might be ex-
hibited material showing life in Europe
at the same period; maps of the known
world; the Renaissance: world move
n1ents and discoveries; trade routes to
the Orient.
This would lead to episodes in the
period Of discovery which would be the
first OF series of the Pageant of
America" In order to make these dra-
matte, they could be portrayed as scenes
on the stage with lay figures of full
size in actual costumes with complete
scenery and properties. which also would
be original material or accurate repro
ductions These scenes would be like
Dwight FTanklin's models at the Mu-
scum Of the City of New York, but on
actual human scale or like the habitat
groups" In the American Museum OF
Natural History in New York. But they
would show scenes from American his
tory rather than natural history.
This Pageant of America" might be
extended throughout the entire museum,
but In this section 1t would be confined
to scenes from the period of discovery.
Each Of these would give a complete
picture, showing some of the expeditions
to this continent and comparing the
characteristics Of each nationality in
volved--the Norsemen under Lief Eric
son; the Spaniards under Columbus, ETC.
From here we might pass to the next
section showing the 18th century in
America or the period of settlement. At
this point, we would find various ex-
hibits characteristic of the times. These
might include foods, costumes, imple-
ments, arms, ships, coins, jewelry. Each
Of these should be exhibited In logical
relation to the entire period and dis
played in the most appropriate and
dramatic fashion possible.
This might lead into the next episode
in the Pageant of America" Here we
would find another series of scenes il
lustrating the settlement of various Sec
tions Of our country by different groups
such as the Spaniards in Florida, the
Dutch in New York the English in New
England, etc.
From here we might 60 into an out
door or covered court with trees, plants
and flowers which would form an ap-
propriate background for the exhibits
themselves. The exhibit In this case
would perhaps be 18th century house
such as the Massachusetts settlers built
with loaded glass windows and the
framed overhang. This would be erected
complete in every detail, furnished &C
cording to the period, and kept open to
visitors, upstairs and down.
Next we would come to the colonial
period with maps and charts showing
the various claims made by the European
powers of the day and a study of the
colonies of the 18th century. This would
show the characteristics of the colonies
of each nation with special attention
to the thirteen English colonies Each
Of these would be portrayed in detail
with respect to its social life, material
culture, religion, etc.
Another open court might include q
complete 18th century house from one
of southern colonies. This again would
be completely furnished and equipped.
Thie would lead us to the 10th century
or period of the Republic. 1t would
center our attention on the United
States after the Revolution Here the
Pageant of America" would show the
development of the country and the
progress of invention and scientific dis
covery, and the growth of the industrial
period and its encroachment on the
Western frontier.
From here we would pass to another
court displaying 18th century house
of the mid-Victorian era with it's
ManSard roof and artificial sllrrn1lnd-