'Mad Men' Donates Its Iconic Style to the Smithsonian

1960's Clothing, Props on Display as TV Series Finishes Final Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Cigarettes and hard liquor may not be what immediately springs to mind at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, but that is exactly what was unveiled today in homage to the massively popular television series "Mad Men."

Now in its final season, the serial drama's creators at AMC cable network and Lionsgate have gone on a blitz of farewell events including screenings and speeches.

And now its antihero, actor Jon Hamm’s drinking and womanizing marketing executive Don Draper, will have his suit and other artifacts on display in the nation’s capital.

Jon Hamm Opens Up About Rehab Stint

VIDEO: Tour the Sets of Mad Men with Star, Creator

It will be part of an exhibit that examines American business from the Founding Fathers up through the present day -- including the notorious marketing practices of the 1960’s that sets the backdrop for the show. The Smithsonian says "Mad Men" was specifically selected because of the series’ attention to detail from the time period -- much of the set uses actual antique items from the mid 20th century or recreates them in painstaking detail.

The items on display run from high culture to the mundane -- high-priced wristwatches and top shelf liquor stand next to toothbrushes, cartons of Lucky Strike cigarettes and a simple kitchen apron. It also revealed that the institution had been consulted by AMC in the recreation of some period items, including old telegraph printouts, although that scene was later cut.

“I have always been interested in telling a story on the human scale, and this is the archaeological site of humanity from this period. We're glad that we saved these things and recreated these things because so much of it was thrown away. It was fun to try to recreate a check stub,” he added.

ABC’s Michelle Manzione contributed to this report.