The Smithsonian Institution and the National Comedy Center hold unparalleled collections of objects that illustrate the vitality and importance of comedy in American life, from nineteenth-century vaudeville, minstrel, and puppet shows to stand-up comedians, television satire, and internet memes. Now, for the first time, these incredible collections will be shown in vibrant photographs and illuminating essays that tell the story of how comedy shaped American history.
 
This accessible, comprehensive history—written by historians from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Comedy Center—transports readers behind the scenes to see beloved and rarely exhibited artifacts while learning the stories of famous, infamous, and unknown comics and their influence on the nation’s culture. Perfect for comedy fans, pop culture aficionados, history lovers, and anyone who has ever laughed at a viral video, this dynamic work offers a new perspective on American history and who we are as a nation through the lens of comedy.