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Today in Smithsonian History: February 9, 1996

“Kermit the Frog” is placed in his display case as part of the “America’s Smithsonian” exhibition at the Los Angeles Convention Center that opened Feb. 9, 1996. (Photo by Hugh Talman)

February 9, 1996 The exhibition “America’s Smithsonian,” featuring iconic objects from across the Institution, opens at the Los Angeles Convention Center on the first stop of a national tour celebrating the Smithsonian Institution’s 150th anniversary.

From left, Smithsonian Secretary I. Michael Heyman, Provost Dennis O’Connor and curator Marc Pachter ride a carousel set up at the Los Angles Convention Center, first stop of the “America’s Smithsonian” national tour celebrating the Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary. The exhibition opened in Los Angeles Feb. 9, 1996. (Photographer unknown, via Smithsonian Institution Archives)

The “Freedom 7” Mercury spacecraft being moved into position at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Convention Center was the first stop of the “America’s Smithsonian” exhibition national tour celebrating the Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary. The exhibition opened in Los Angeles on February 9, 1996.

The inaugural gown worn by Patricia Ryan Nixon in 1969 is being unpacked from its shipping crate at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Convention Center was the first stop of the “America’s Smithsonian” exhibition national tour celebrating the Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary. The exhibition opened in Los Angeles on February 9, 1996. (Photo by Jeff Tinsley)