U.S. history museum opens after overhaul

— -- Home to such iconic memorabilia as Judy Garland's Wizard of Oz slippers and Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reopens in Washington, D.C., today after a two-year, $85 million face lift.

The centerpiece of the refurbished museum is a five-story, skylit atrium that will host programs, performances and a new gallery showcasing the tattered, nearly 200-year-old Star-Spangled Banner.

On tap for this weekend's three-day "welcome back" bash: the firing of an authentic War of 1812 cannon, a reading of the Gettysburg Address by former Secretary of State Colin Powell (the last-known draft of Lincoln's speech will be on display until Jan. 4), live music and living history demonstrations.

Information: 202-633-1000 or americanhistory.si.edu