Catch up with the latest programs and happenings at the Interior Museum.

What's New
 
The  online exhibition, Stories in Miniature is the Interior Museum's newest offering presented on Google Arts and Culture. Launched as part of the Interior Museum's year-long 80th anniversary celebration, this online exhibition provides a fascinating exploration of 13 iconic dioramas: highly detailed three-dimensional scenes produced in small scale. These displays were created between 1935 and 1945 to showcase aspects of the Department of the Interior's mission and history. Valued for their historical details and fine craftsmanship, they represent a disappearing art form from the 1920-1950s heyday of dioramas in American museums.


Upcoming Events


Moving the Lock Keeper's House and the

Constitution Garden Improvement Phase I
Wednesday, September 5
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Rachel Carson Room

The Lock Keeper's House is the first building in the National Mall. After 6 months preparation, the Lock Keeper's House was moved 50 feet southwest from its second location on October 13, 2017. Learn about the Constitution Garden improvement project and how it has transformed the abandoned building into a state-of-the-art educational tool. Senior Landscape Architect, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Professional Services Yue Li will share the process of moving the Lock Keeper 's House and its future use.

Developing a National Offshore Sand Inventory  
Wednesday, October 3
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Rachel Carson Room

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Marine Minerals Program oversees requests for sand from Federal waters for beach  nourishment and coastal restoration projects. As stewards of these finite public resources, BOEM has undertaken development of a National Offshore Sand Inventory in order to responsibly manage their use as demand increases. 
BOEM Chief, Marine Minerals Division, Dr. Jeffrey Reidenauerwill describe the steps BOEM is taking to develop the inventory and publicly share its results in order to improve the resilience of coastal communities and habitat.


Art of an Agency: Intimating Change
Wednesday, November 7
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Rachel Carson Room

American Indians and Alaska Natives made direct and lasting contributions to the appearance of the Department of the Interior's headquarters building. Tracy Baetz, Chief Curator of the Interior Museum, explores the roles of six Native American artists and how the Interior's New Deal-era murals and décor reflected evolving federal policy toward Native Americans.


Special Assistance - 
For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired) or inquiries regarding the accessible entrance, please notify museum staff at (202) 208-4743 in advance of the program. Special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

Building Access - All adults must present a valid photo ID to enter the building. All visitors will be subject to security screenings, including bag and parcel checks.

Location - The Rachel Carson Room is located next to the basement cafeteria of the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240. The Sidney R Yates Auditorium is located inside the C Street Lobby. 

  Check out the Events Calendar
Collections Spotlight
 
Official Seal, Bureau of Mines
Paint on plaster
U.S. Department of the Interior Museum, INTR 04291

With its recognizable mining hammer and pick, this is the official seal for what was once the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Mines. The Bureau was established in May 1910 in response to more than 80 mine disasters in the previous five years. The Bureau's initial role in conducting inspections and ensuring mine safety quickly expanded to include scientific research and promoting the efficient use of minerals. After 85 years of service, Congress voted to close the bureau, and the Bureau of Mines ceased operations in February 1996. Its responsibilities in health and safety research transferred to the Department of Energy, and its information and analysis activities were absorbed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Land Management.


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