USA TODAY 10Best
Learn about the past at the 10 best history museums in the US
Best History Museum (2024)
Whether you’re interested in American history or millennia of human history, you can learn a lot about the past with a visit to one of these 10 incredible history museums, chosen by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the United States. Some have broad, encyclopedic collections, while others are specific to a certain historical moment.
- National Air and Space Museum - Washington, D.C.
- Africatown Heritage House - Mobile, Alabama
- National Museum of the Pacific War - Fredericksburg, Texas
- Museum of the American Revolution - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Computer History Museum - Mountain View, California
- Mill City Museum - Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum - Jackson, Mississippi
- Cincinnati History Museum - Cincinnati, Ohio
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
- Heinz History Center - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
No. 10:
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. showcases an extensive and historically significant collection of aviation and space artifacts. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, flight simulators, and hands-on displays, visitors of all ages are inspired to wonder about human innovation, scientific discovery, and the possibilities of space exploration.
Photo courtesy of Visit Mobile
No. 9:
The Africatown Heritage House in Mobile, Alabama, holds a significant place in American history due to its connection with the Clotilda, the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States in 1860, despite the ban on the international slave trade. Exhibits, events, lectures, and community programs engage visitors and foster dialogue about African American history, social justice, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Photo courtesy of Steve Rawls for the National Museum of the Pacific War
No. 8:
Located in the hometown of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II, is the National Museum of the Pacific War. Through immersive and interactive exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the Pacific theater during World War II and pays tribute to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women from various nations.
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution
No. 7:
Any visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia isn't complete without a stop at the Museum of the American Revolution, located steps away. The museum offers immersive galleries, a vast collection of period objects, and programs to help visitors gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the forming of this nation and its ongoing commitment to liberty and equality.
Photo courtesy of Computer History Museum
No. 6:
Showcasing the evolution of computing technology and the innovations that have shaped the modern world, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, preserves the history of computing for future generations. With a wealth of historical artifacts and a commitment to education and engagement, this premier museum highlights the transformative impact of technology on society. Visitors can enjoy viewing items like the largest computer chip in the world, or they can make an attempt at coding.
Photo courtesy of John Cross / Minnesota Historical Society
No. 5:
The Mill City Museum on the Mississippi riverfront was built within what's left of Washburn A Mill, a National Historic Landmark. It was once the largest and most advanced flour mill on the planet, turning Minneapolis into the flour milling capital of the world from 1880 to 1930. Now, visitors can learn all about that period of history through tours and hands-on exhibits.
Photo courtesy of Rory Doyle
No. 4:
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, located in Jackson, provides an interactive and engaging presentation of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Through exhibits and programs, the museum seeks to educate and encourage reflection on the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of Civil Rights activists, acknowledging their pivotal role in challenging systemic racism and striving for equality.
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center
No. 3:
From early settlers to present day, explore the story of Cincinnati at the Cincinnati History Museum. Visitors can step back in time to the 1850s with a recreation of a riverside street and market, as well as learn about traditions found only in Cincinnati, such as Cincinnati chili.
Photo courtesy of National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
No. 2:
Located on the banks of the Ohio River near downtown Cincinnati, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center reveals the moving stories of the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s march from Selma, and the millions of people still enslaved in the world today.
Photo courtesy of Heinz History Center
No. 1:
The Heinz History Center preserves the history of Western Pennsylvanians and helps educate visitors with interactive exhibits spread across six floors. A highlight is the "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" exhibit, which houses artifacts from the popular children's show that was filmed in Pittsburgh. You'll get to see the welcoming living room set, The Great Oak Tree, King Friday XIII’s Castle, and plenty of other notable items.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is... Read More
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jessica James
Jessica James is an award-winning novelist and... Read More
Jessica James is an award-winning novelist and freelance writer who shares her passion for history and travel by writing about historical destinations and off-the-beaten path sites across the United States. Her blog Past Lane Travels has been named the #1 history and travel blog in the USA, and features many regional destinations that are often overlooked. You can find out more about her books at www.jessicajamesbooks.com.
Jessica James
Jessica James is an award-winning novelist and freelance writer who shares her passion for history and travel by writing about historical destinations and off-the-beaten path sites across the United States. Her blog Past Lane Travels has been named the #1 history and travel blog in the USA, and features many regional destinations that are often overlooked. You can find out more about her books at www.jessicajamesbooks.com.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about... Read More
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Karen Dawkins
An avid traveler with an eye on getting the best... Read More
An avid traveler with an eye on getting the best bang for the buck, Karen Dawkins shares destination guides, activity reviews and travel tips at Family Travels on a Budget and in many other publications. Writing since 2012, her family travel blog has evolved in recent years to include popular articles on travel with teens and adults only getaways in the United States and beyond.
Karen Dawkins
An avid traveler with an eye on getting the best bang for the buck, Karen Dawkins shares destination guides, activity reviews and travel tips at Family Travels on a Budget and in many other publications. Writing since 2012, her family travel blog has evolved in recent years to include popular articles on travel with teens and adults only getaways in the United States and beyond.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
