With the 4th of July right around the corner, the Smithsonian museums and National Archives will see tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. These museums, funded in part by taxpayers, are popular among tourists because of their fascinating exhibits and free admission.
But another source of revenue comes from the expansive gift shops in each museum. Back in 2011, the Smithsonian came under scrunity for selling patriotic trinkets and bits of Americana stamped with a Made in China label. None other than Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote a strongly worded letter demanding that the Smithsonian sell more items labeled Made in USA.
Did things get any better? AAM’s Isabel Hayes, Joseph Swindal, Libba McCraw, Luke Ferguson, and Noah Musto checked out the various products for sale in the gift shops at the Archives and most popular Smithsonian museums to see if they support American manufacturing. The team focused on items that seemed particularly patriotic, discovered that there are positive and negative takeaways, and then broke it down into the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
The National Portrait Gallery for the win! The museum has a special section that showcases goods that are handmade in the nation’s capital.
Shop Made In DC has established itself as a well-respected local business with a mission to support the D.C. community by selling a variety of locally-made products.
The retailer — which also has locations in Dupont Circle and The Wharf — sells an eclectic mix of products, including pottery, art, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and home décor. One thing they all have in common is their local manufacturing roots. You can’t go wrong purchasing any of these D.C.-made goods.
With a hat that screams America, you would hope it was made in the good old U.S. of A. In fact, this souvenir item in the National Museum of American History is Made in America.
History lovers can rest easy knowing that this bust of President and Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, was produced right here in the United States! This bust is for sale in the National Archives.
Found in the National Museum of American History, this souvenir tee is Made in the United States! We were happy to see this patriotic Smithsonian shirt had a Made in U.S.A label.
Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning? You can now enjoy it a little more knowing this American Flag designed mug from the National Museum of American History was made right here in the States.
The Bad
Although this book of postcards at the National Museum of American History is patriotic as can be, it was printed overseas in China. Even Smithsonian paper products are subject to foreign competition in manufacturing.
This Smithsonian snow globe, found at the National Museum of Natural History, features many of the best sites around D.C., including the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Swirling red, white, and blue stars, the snow globe screams patriotism and national pride. Except… it was made in China.
The Smithsonian system is funded in part by your taxpayer dollars. Why is a cap that advertises the Smithsonian manufactured outside of the United States (in Bangladesh)? We found this one at the National Museum of Natural History.
Nothing shouts USA more than our national animal! The Bald Eagle is one of the most well-known birds In America for this reason. Selling stuffed animals that were made in Indonesia isn’t the best way to honor such a beloved American animal. This one was found at the National Museum of American History.
Spotted at the American Art Museum, this T-shirt proudly displays part of the name of our capital city. With blue stars and red letters, it screams America in many ways but one — the shirt was manufactured in Guatemala.
The Ugly
This Vietnam Veteran hat on sale at the National Archives was not Made in America. The 100 percent cotton hat was produced in the People’s Republic of China.
These post cards decked out with the name and face of President Trump may be subject to a tariff. This Trump postcard, for sale in the National Museum of Natural History, was printed in China.
An entire family display of American flag onesies at the very front of the National Archives gift shop entrance was made in India. Not a good look.
This award-winning puzzle, spotted at the National Gallery of Art, is a great way to learn about U.S geography. Ironically, these pieces were made in China.
Overall Verdict
It seems like Smithsonian and National Archives officials have taken steps to offer more American-made items for sale in their gift shops since the 2011 story. We were particularly happy to see local makers spotlighted at one of the museums!
But it is also clear there is more work left to do. We encourage officials to source more of their gift shop items in the United States, especially those with a patriotic bent.