WAMU 88.5
: News
Courtesy of Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Benjamin Franklin's three-piece silk suit worn on a diplomatic mission to France in 1778 is joining the permanent collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Franklin wore the suit during a trip to France that resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Alliance. This was a defensive alliance between the United States and France against Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The French agreed to provide the newly formed United States with supplies, guns and ammunition.
The suit had been on loan to the museum by the Massachusetts Historical Society. The society allowed the Smithsonian to purchase it to help ensure its long-term conservation. It is only rarely displayed because of its fragile condition.
Donors to the museum made the purchase possible.
NPR
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.NPR
Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.NPR
Former IRS Head To Senate: It Wasn't My Fault
The man who led the IRS during the years when agency workers targeted tax-exempt applications from conservative groups did his best to deflect accusations from unhappy senators.NPR
Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.
-
Deals For Developers
WAMU investigates city subsidies to developers and campaign contributions from the companies. more >> -
Spring Campaign
The Spring Membership Campaign is off and running! Donate today! more >> -
Have A Child With Special Needs?
The Kojo Nnamdi Show is exploring the challenges faced by parents and would like to hear from you. more >> -
Aging and Abuse
With an aging population, elder abuse is expected to increase. We look at the complexities of elder abuse in... more >> -
Half The Battle
A project, produced by journalism students at American University, about young veterans transitioning from... more >> -
Volunteer Recognition
The volunteer of the year award and special projects award are given to a WAMU 88.5 volunteer each year for... more >> -
Yesterday's Dropouts
This series examines the struggles adults face after they leave school without a diploma. more >> -
New Bible
Bill Cain isn't just an award-winning playwright; he's also a Jesuit priest. And he brings the two together... more >> -
Public Insight
Share your knowledge and insights about timely issues with journalists from WAMU 88.5 more >> -
In-Kind Donation Program
By providing an in-kind donation, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, without a cash commitment, and... more >> -
Follow Us On Twitter
To get the latest local stories from WAMU 88.5 News, follow us on Twitter. more >>
