Historic Smithsonian Castle reopens for America's 250

[00:00:03]The historic Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C. has now temporarily reopened to everyone for America 250 with a very special exhibit inside.

[00:00:12]>> CBS News' Natalie Brand takes us on a tour and speaks with the Secretary of the Smithsonian about the inspiring collection.

[00:00:19]>> Completed in 1855, the Smithsonian Castle was the institution's first building and is still considered its heart.

[00:00:29]Closed for extensive renovations, the doors are open temporarily for America 250, giving visitors a look inside its Great Hall and showcasing a one-of-a-kind exhibit.

[00:00:39]>> We wanted to do was then to do something intimate here that would allow the public to understand that America is both a place and an aspiration.

[00:00:49]>> Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch showed us objects he selected to tell that story, starting with the desk Thomas Jefferson used to write the Declaration of Independence.

[00:00:59]>> What's so powerful is it's a it's a small little desk.

[00:01:02]>> But from it, Bunch says Jefferson wrote words that continue to shape a nation.

[00:01:07]>> The goal here is to make the argument that America is a work in progress.

[00:01:12]>> Items in this room showcase that progress, including this early model of the Statue of Liberty gifted to Congress in 1884.

[00:01:19]>> As a symbol of friendship, but also as a symbol of America abolishing slavery.

[00:01:25]>> Also on display, a microphone from FDR's fireside chat, Thomas Edison's light bulb, and Amelia Earhart's flight suit paired with Sally Ride's space suit.

[00:01:35]>> I love the fact that basically she is standing on the shoulders of Amelia Earhart. Um and that in essence, the strength of America is that people like that can break those ceilings.

[00:01:46]>> Mementos of the country's history that visitors can see up close.

[00:01:50]>> Especially in this day and age when everything is so focused on technology and getting information in an instant, it really is just our time to go back to our roots.

[00:02:00]>> An inspiring reflection on how it all started 250 years ago. Natalie Brand, CBS News, Washington.