WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will add several objects to its “Entertainment Nation”/“Nación del espectáculo” exhibition as part of the museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Among the updates is the display of the recently donated comic book “Action Comics #1” dated 1938, the landmark first issue that introduced a new era of comic book heroes. Most notably, it debuted Superman, created by the writer and artist team of Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster. Although costumed vigilantes had previously existed in pulp entertainment, Superman’s debut as an alien with superhuman powers marked the beginning of the superhero genre, establishing tropes and themes that continue to define the category. Superman’s massive popularity led to what is now known as “The Golden Age of Comics,” an era that introduced many characters still popular today. Appearing in radio, television and film series, as well as on merchandise and in video games, Superman remains one of the most recognizable figures in popular culture.

Beginning Thursday, May 14, “Entertainment Nation,” together with many other exhibitions and new displays, will make up “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” a landmark exhibition that explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence across the entire museum. A number of 250th-themed exhibitions will encompass 250,000 square feet on all three levels of the museum.

Additional objects newly installed in “Entertainment Nation” connected to the broader “In Pursuit” exhibition include a massive 1923 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus poster featuring a wall of performing horses. Beloved characters Oscar the Grouch and Elmo Muppets return to the “Children’s Television” case, joined by objects on public view for the first time, including Mr. Hooper’s costume from Sesame Street and animation cels from the SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series.

“Entertainment Nation,” which opened December 2022, immerses visitors in the dramatic arc of the nation’s story as told through the power and influence of theater, television, film, music and sports. Through iconic objects from the museum’s renowned collections and compelling storytelling, the exhibition showcases how Americans have long used entertainment to both elicit delight and participate in national conversations.

Objects in the “Entertainment Nation” exhibition are rotated once or twice per year to share visitors’ longtime favorites as well as seldom-seen collections, while also allowing objects to undergo conservation so they are preserved for future generations.

With approximately 200 objects on view at any given time, the 7,200-square-foot multimedia “Entertainment Nation” exhibition in the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Hall of American Culture is the museum’s first long-term, dedicated gallery to showcase its collections in entertainment history.