Sports have power. They unite people, teach values, and inspire hope and pride. In the United States, sports have powered efforts to bring citizens together, shape them, and project a vision of what it means to be American. But sports convey power to athletes too— power to break social barriers and protest injustice.

All American explores the power of sports to embody our national ideals and the power of athletes to challenge us to live up to them. 

The exhibit will open at the National Archives in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery in Washington, DC on Friday, September 16, 2022, and be on display through Sunday, January 7, 2024.

In the meantime, discover our collection of fun and educational sports merchandise.