Level 3: Working for the Common Good

When President Obama took office in January 2009, America was in crisis. The country was fighting several conflicts abroad and navigating an economic downturn domestically. Working for the Common Good examines the achievements of the Obama administration across two presidential terms. Explore landmark international deals, such as the Paris Agreement, and learn about the passage of life-changing laws, such as the Affordable Care Act.
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President Obama sits at a desk signing the Affordable Care Act, surrounded by a group of politicians, then Vice President Joe Biden, and a young boy.

Highlights

Protecting and Defending

Dive into President Obama’s role as wartime Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. military. Take a look at several of the administration’s carefully weighed decisions in the fight against terrorism and the preservation of national security. See artifacts about the raid on Osama bin Laden and President Obama’s repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Hear firsthand accounts of military veterans and active service members.

President Obama wears a black leather jacket as he sits around a conference room table with a soldier and two other men with light skin tones.
First Lady Michelle Obama

Celebrate the woman who redefined the role of First Lady in a lively exhibit that illustrates Mrs. Obama’s strength of purpose. Dive deep through her time in the White House and her initiatives, Let’s Move!, Joining Forces, Let Girls Learn, and Reach Higher.

President and Mrs. Obama stand and chat with students at Coral Reed Senior High School. All are a range of light to dark skin tones.

More on the Museum

Toward a more 1:1
Level 2: Toward a More Perfect Union
See what is possible when ordinary people work together to enact change.
Learn more
Peoples House 1:1
Level 4: The People’s House
Explore the presidential family’s time in the White House.
Learn more

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