Smithsonian Museum of American History

This museum reminds Americans why there is much to be proud of even through the tumultuous and grimmer parts of the country's history. The most prized although perhaps not the most beautiful object here is the original Star Spangled Banner which inspired Francis Scott Key to write his poem that has survived since the War of 1812. And since Hollywood is such a large part of America's recent history there is a whole gallery dedicated to the films that have disseminated our culture to the other continents including "Star Wars," "The Wizard of Oz," and the costume from the 1950s version of "Superman."