WASHINGTON—The Smithsonian Museum of American History has politely declined to accept the striped-blue tie worn by actor Dylan McDermott during the "Of Thee I Sing" episode in the seventh season of The Practice. "Unfortunately, the Smithsonian is not accepting unsolcited submissions at this time," read the form letter sent by the Smithsonian Institution to the residence of Mr. McDermott, along with the returned tie and autographed headshot originally sent to the museum. "While we appreciate your interest, the article of clothing in question does not meet the level of cultural significance demonstrated by the artifacts in≠cluded in our collection, such as the ruby slippers from The Wizard Of Oz and Archie Bunker's chair from All In The Family. Best of luck." When asked for† comment, Mr. McDermott said he thought the Smithsonian was making a "huge mistake," but believed another item he recently sent the museum—a sweater he wore in the 2003 film Runaway Jury—was "a sure thing."