The Reliquary of America: A Nation's Identity in Objects The Smithsonian Institution's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a sprawling endeavor that seeks to encapsulate the essence of America through a curated selection of artifacts.
"30 Objects" – a show featuring thirty carefully chosen relics from the Smithsonian's vast collection – has been making waves with its inclusive approach and thoughtful curation.
At first glance, distilling America's identity into 30 objects may seem reductionist. Other nations have long and storied histories that predate our own by millennia.