Smithsonian Channel Revisits the Year That Transformed a Nation in 'Smithsonian Time Capsule: 1968'

Few years in American history have been as pivotal and transformative as 1968. Fifty years later, Smithsonian Channel delves deep into the Smithsonian Institution's vaults to relive a year that saw breathtaking change, violent tragedy and heroic sacrifice in SMITHSONIAN TIME CAPSULE: 1968. What are some of the significant objects that the Smithsonian decided were worth saving to capture the essence of those turbulent times? Personal stories and curator insights bear witness to a remarkable year that shaped the country, highlighting more than a dozen key objects from across the Smithsonian Institution's collections. SMITHSONIAN TIME CAPSULE: 1968 premieres Monday, May 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel.

From a veteran of the Tet Offensive sharing the story of the uniform he wore and recounting surviving a deadly ambush, to an interview with astronaut Jim Lovell remembering Apollo 8, these interviews bring to life the pivotal events of the year. Acting as a portal to the past, each interview and object takes viewers back to a specific time in '68 and identifies a story that has impacted history.

The film remembers the civil rights struggle with objects including the remains of a 1968 banner - hung in the National Museum of American History - made to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin LUTHER King, Jr. following his shocking assassination earlier that year. Later lit aflame by a museum visitor, the charred remnants serve as a reminder of the struggle that the nation continues to fight 50 years later.

Some objects echo current headlines. After Robert Kennedy's assassination, Roy Lichtenstein painted a stunning visual commentary on guns for Time Magazine, and Olympian Tommie Smith recalls the build-up to - and aftermath of - his iconic 1968 protest, a controversial act that reverberates today.

From national events to other iconic objects, including Pringles "newfangled" potato chips, early mobile phones and the popularization of the Peace Sign, SMITHSONIAN TIME CAPSULE: 1968 not only tells us what happened, but what it was like to live through it.

To commemorate this unforgettable year, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery opens the exhibition "One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey" on June 29.

SMITHSONIAN TIME CAPSULE: 1968 is produced by Molly Hermann and Rob Lyall for The Biscuit Factory. Linda Goldman and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

About Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Smithsonian Networks(TM), a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where CURIOSITY lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME(R) with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, America in Color, First Ladies Revealed, Polar Bear Town, The Lost Tapes, Amazing Monkeys, America's Secret Space Heroes, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Titanic's Fatal Fire, The Obama Years: The Power of Words, Nightmare on Everest, Diana and the Paparazzi, Diana: The Day We Said Goodbye and Flying High with Phil Keoghan. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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