Smithsonian to Display Original 'Ice Bucket Challenge' Bucket at New Exhibit

WASHINGTON, DC — Remember the "Ice Bucket Challenge"? Even if you don't, the Smithsonian is aiming to make sure everyone remembers for a very long time: it's acquired the original Ice Bucket Challenge bucket and will feature it in an upcoming exhibit.

The Ice Bucket Challenge swept the nation back in the summer of 2014. People would challenge their friends, family and colleagues to donate money to ALS research, or endure a bucket of ice being dumped over their heads instead to raise awareness of the disease. It was a viral hit, and even celebrities like Bill Gates joined in. Overall, the challenge raised more than $115 million for ALS research, and reportedly helped scientists discover a gene that may be linked to ALS.

The Smithsonian acquired the original ice bucket used by Jeanette Senerchia back on July 16, 2014, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will feature the bucket in an upcoming exhibit, "Giving in America," which will open Nov. 29.

It all started when Florida pro golfer Chris Kennedy took the ice bucket shower in July 2014 and then challenged Senerchia, his wife's cousin, to do the same. Senerchia decided to use the opportunity to raise awareness for her husband Anthony, who was diagnosed with the disease 13 years ago, and the challenge went viral after that.

Anthony Senerchia will be in attendance at the exhibit's opening ceremony, health permitting, according to a DCist report.

ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is often called Lou Gehrig's Disease after its most famous victim.

Image via Smithsonian