


Join the Smithsonian and the National Endowment for the Humanities for this special presentation of “BackStory with the American History Guys.” Exploring scenes from past presidential inaugurations, historians-cum-radio-personalities Brian Balogh, Ed Ayers and Peter Onuf will examine what these moments reveal about the social and political forces at work around them, beginning with America’s first inauguration. The American History Guys will also reflect on the ways that 20th-century media technologies have shaped inaugurations and consider the transitional rituals that take place behind the scenes – in the ballrooms and cubicles of the capital city.

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.