Forensic Science on Trial: Must-See Smithsonian Exhibition in Washington, DC

Explore the fascinating and complex world of forensic science at the National Museum of American History’s captivating exhibition, Forensic Science on Trial, running from June 28, 2024, through June 2025 in Washington, DC. Located in the Albert H. Small Documents Gallery at 1300 Constitution Ave., NW, this exhibition delves into the human stories, historic cases, and evolving techniques that have shaped forensic science in the pursuit of justice. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and science lovers, this free exhibit is a must-visit in the nation’s capital. Here’s everything you need to know about this thought-provoking display.

What Is Forensic Science on Trial?

The Smithsonian’s Forensic Science on Trial exhibition examines how forensic science has been developed, presented, and interpreted in courtrooms over the past 150 years. Curated by Kristen Frederick-Frost, the exhibit highlights the human element behind forensic techniques, exploring how personal beliefs, societal influences, and scientific advancements shape the pursuit of justice. Divided into three sections—Of People, By People, and For People—the exhibit showcases historic artifacts and archival documents, offering a critical look at the reliability and challenges of forensic evidence.

• Dates: June 28, 2024 – June 2025
• Location: National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004 (2nd Floor, East Wing, Albert H. Small Documents Gallery)
• Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed December 25)
• Admission: Free; no tickets required
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; check si.edu/visit for additional accommodations

Highlights of the Exhibition

Spanning over a century of forensic history, the exhibition features artifacts from landmark cases and a dozen forensic techniques, including:

• Arsenic Poisoning Tests (1872): Artifacts from the trial of Lydia Sherman, suspected of poisoning three husbands and eight children, showcasing early chemical analysis used in court.
• First Polygraph (1921): One of the earliest lie detectors, developed by John A. Larson, highlighting the controversial history of lie detection in criminal justice.
• Early Sexual-Assault Examination Kit: Co-developed by Martha Goddard and Louis Vitullo, this kit represents advancements in forensic evidence collection for victim support.
• Trials of the Century: Artifacts from high-profile cases, including:
  • A bullet and pistol from the 1921 Sacco and Vanzetti trial, where two Italian immigrants were convicted of murder amid debates over forensic evidence.
  • Handwriting analysis from the 1935 Bruno Richard Hauptmann trial, linked to the Lindbergh baby kidnapping.
  • DNA autoradiographs from the 1994–95 O.J. Simpson trial, illustrating the rise of DNA evidence in modern forensics.
• Modern Forensic Tools: Includes a bitemark testing apparatus for cadavers and FBI-loaned materials on fingerprinting and DNA identification.

The exhibit also addresses the limitations of forensic science, such as past errors in microscopic hair comparison, as noted in a 2015 FBI review where 90% of trial transcripts contained erroneous statements.

Why Visit Forensic Science on Trial?

1. Engaging for All Audiences: Whether you’re a fan of true crime podcasts, a legal professional, or a curious visitor, the exhibit offers a compelling mix of history, science, and storytelling. As curator Kristen Frederick-Frost notes, it’s designed for “scientists, crime show fans, legal experts, or potential jurors” to see their role in shaping forensic science.
2. Historic Artifacts: From 19th-century arsenic tests to modern DNA analysis, the exhibit’s artifacts, loaned from institutions like the FBI, Harvard Law Library, and the Innocence Project, provide a rare glimpse into forensic evolution.
3. Critical Perspective: The display explores how human biases and societal pressures can influence forensic outcomes, encouraging visitors to question the reliability of evidence in court.
4. Free and Accessible: Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the exhibit is free to visit, making it an ideal stop during a trip to the National Mall.

Plan Your Visit to the National Museum of American History

• Getting There: The museum is a short walk from the Smithsonian Metro station (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) or Federal Triangle station. Paid parking is available nearby; visit si.edu/visit for details.
• Exhibit Duration: Plan for 30–45 minutes to explore the 1,000-square-foot gallery. Join a group visit, like the Meetup event on June 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, which includes a post-exhibit discussion in the museum cafeteria.
• Combine Your Visit: Pair the exhibit with other museum highlights, such as The Star-Spangled Banner or The First Ladies, for a full day of exploration.
• Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use. Check with staff for specific restrictions.

Why Forensic Science Matters in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, has a complex history with forensic science, particularly through its Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), which has faced scrutiny for errors in ballistics, DNA, and evidence handling. A 2021 audit revealed mistakes in firearms analysis, leading to a loss of accreditation and a halt in in-house testing until 2023. Recent efforts, including reaccreditation of DFS’s forensic biology and chemistry units in 2023, reflect ongoing improvements, but challenges like falsified crime scene arrival times in 2023–2024 highlight the need for transparency and reliability in forensics. This exhibition complements these local narratives by examining how forensic science has evolved nationally and its impact on justice.

The exhibit also resonates with DC’s academic community, with programs like George Washington University’s Department of Forensic Sciences offering advanced study in forensic chemistry, molecular biology, and crime scene investigation. For those inspired by the exhibit, DC offers career paths in forensics, with 154+ job opportunities listed on platforms like Indeed, ranging from crime scene technicians to forensic analysts.

Don’t Miss This Thought-Provoking Exhibition

Forensic Science on Trial offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science, justice, and human influence. Running through June 2025, this free exhibition at the National Museum of American History is a must-visit for anyone interested in true crime, forensic history, or the pursuit of justice. As Smithsonian director Anthea M. Hartig notes, the exhibit taps into the public’s fascination with true crime while revealing the complexities of forensic evidence.

Plan your visit today and dive into the captivating history of forensic science. For more details, check si.edu/exhibitions/forensic-science-trial or follow the National Museum of American History on social media for updates. Whether you’re a local or visiting DC, this exhibition will leave you questioning how science shapes justice.

Note: The museum is free, but donations are appreciated to support exhibitions. Always check the official website for any last-minute changes to hours or access.