Smithsonian opens exhibition of old souvenirs The National Museum of American History has opened the new display, "Souvenir Nation," at the Smithsonian Castle. Some items on view date back to times when souvenirs were taken, not purchased. It includes a brick from President George Washington's childhood home, a fragment of Plymouth Rock chiseled off by a 19th century tourist, pieces of the Berlin Wall and even locks of hair from former US presidents. There is also a napkin belonging to Napoleon. The exhibition will highlight ways souvenir collecting has changed. For example in the early 1800s, tourists visiting Plymouth Rock were encouraged to use a hammer so that they could take a piece of the rock as a souvenir. The curator of the museum, William Bird Jr, wrote the new book, "Souvenir Nation," to accompany the exhibit and showcase some of the Smithsonian's most eccentric artifacts. The history museum is currently renovating its west exhibition wing. This exhibit will be on view through August 2014.