Bummer News: Fave Family Travel Spot to Close For Two Years.

This just in from Gadling — the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. will close for renovations starting in early September 2006, and won’t reopen for about two years.

A terrific choice for anyone but particularly for families, it houses Americana of every description, including the ruby slippers from the “Wizard of Oz,” the original Star-Spangled Banner, Cesar Chavez’s union jacket, Richard Petty’s 200th victory car, gowns worn by First Ladies at inaugurations, early personal computers, a jar of leeches (in the Medical section,) a pencil drawing of “Steamboat Willie” (later Mickey Mouse)….just a wonderful collection.

There will probably be mini-exhibits around the Mall while restoration is ongoing, but it can’t match the bulging contents of the original Museum.

See it while it’s open if you can.