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WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Washington, DC has so many attractions tempting tourists that it’s difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re on a limited time schedule. The Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of American History makes a terrific jumping off point. Its collection is as eclectic as the personalities that shaped our nation, so in addition to housing historic artifacts that will enhance your overall D.C. experience, each and every member of the family is sure to find something to awe, inspire and/or delight them.
Objects ranging from solemn and serious to pop culture and whimsy – and everything in between wait to be discovered around every corner and in every nook and cranny. Only 5 to 10% of the museum’s collection of over 3 million objects is on display at any one time, and yet you could easily spend hours or even days here and not see it all.
Of course exhibits change regularly, but some perennial favorites that draw over 4 million annual visitors to the museum include Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers (photo top right) worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker’s chair from the All in the Family television show, the Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog puppet, and Julia Child’s kitchen (pictured left), lovingly recreated piece by piece just as it was in her Massachusetts home.
The kids will especially the museum’s many interactive exhibits, including a hands on science lab ready for creating experiments.
Another big favorite with museum goers is the gallery of First Ladies’ gowns, a compelling visual representation of formal fashion throughout our nation’s history.
Of all the Museum of American History’s treasures, one stands out above all, the Star Spangled Banner (pictured top of this post). Gazing at the original flag that flew over Fort McHenry on Sept 14, 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem makes the song resonate in a new and powerful way.
The flag is dramatically displayed. Visitors go in small controlled groups, the lights come up the opening notes of the song. Before and after the viewing are exhibits telling the story of this flag, the important battle it survived (including an original bomb fragment that once burst in mid air), and the man behind the song.
In order to help preserve this important fragile relic, no photography is allowed, and the room that houses the Star Spangled Banner contains no water or electricity, the atmosphere controlled at a low oxygen level making it impossible for fire to ignite.
A pilgrimage to gaze this important national relic can stir patriotism in even the most hardened of political cynics. What better way to start an exploration of the nation’s capital city?
Avoid the Crowds
The museum does get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Your best bet is to go early, as soon as the museum opens, in order to get avoid the masses and possible wait times for popular exhibits.
Insider Tip -- Take the Train to DC!
When I visited the museum, I was actually staying in historic Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia. The railroad was important to this area 150 years ago and it still is today. Hop on board The Virginia Railway Express at Manassas station just like hundreds of DC commuters do every day, and relax, watch the scenery roll by, read the paper, or tune into the whirlwind of diverse conversations surrounding you. In about an hour you’ll be at Washington, DC’s historic Union Station where you can walk to the National Mall and take in the most important tourism sights. By taking the train you’ll circumvent the hassle of crowded city driving, traffic clogged expressways, and the exorbitant expense of hard to find parking spaces in the nation’s capital. You’ll also find far more economical lodging in Prince William County than in the heart of D.C. Get more information on the Virginia Railway Express by clicking to www.vre.org or by calling 703-684-1001. For more information about visiting Prince WIlliam County, contact the Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitPWC.com or call toll free 800-432-1792.
South USA
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WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Washington, DC has so many attractions tempting tourists that it’s difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re on a limited time schedule. The Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of American History makes a terrific jumping off point. Its collection is as eclectic as the personalities that shaped our nation, so in addition to housing historic artifacts that will enhance your overall D.C. experience, each and every member of the family is sure to find something to awe, inspire and/or delight them.
Objects ranging from solemn and serious to pop culture and whimsy – and everything in between wait to be discovered around every corner and in every nook and cranny. Only 5 to 10% of the museum’s collection of over 3 million objects is on display at any one time, and yet you could easily spend hours or even days here and not see it all.
Of course exhibits change regularly, but some perennial favorites that draw over 4 million annual visitors to the museum include Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers (photo top right) worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker’s chair from the All in the Family television show, the Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog puppet, and Julia Child’s kitchen (pictured left), lovingly recreated piece by piece just as it was in her Massachusetts home. The kids will especially the museum’s many interactive exhibits, including a hands on science lab ready for creating experiments.
Another big favorite with museum goers is the gallery of First Ladies’ gowns, a compelling visual representation of formal fashion throughout our nation’s history.
Of all the Museum of American History’s treasures, one stands out above all, the Star Spangled Banner (pictured top of this post). Gazing at the original flag that flew over Fort McHenry on Sept 14, 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem makes the song resonate in a new and powerful way.
The flag is dramatically displayed. Visitors go in small controlled groups, the lights come up the opening notes of the song. Before and after the viewing are exhibits telling the story of this flag, the important battle it survived (including an original bomb fragment that once burst in mid air), and the man behind the song.
In order to help preserve this important fragile relic, no photography is allowed, and the room that houses the Star Spangled Banner contains no water or electricity, the atmosphere controlled at a low oxygen level making it impossible for fire to ignite.
A pilgrimage to gaze this important national relic can stir patriotism in even the most hardened of political cynics. What better way to start an exploration of the nation’s capital city?
Practicalities
The Museum of American History is located at
onthe National Mall in Washington, DC. Phone 202-633-3129 or visit their website at www.AmericanHistory.si.edu.Avoid the Crowds
The museum does get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Your best bet is to go early, as soon as the museum opens, in order to get avoid the masses and possible wait times for popular exhibits.
Insider Tip -- Take the Train to DC!
When I visited the museum, I was actually staying in historic Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia. The railroad was important to this area 150 years ago and it still is today. Hop on board The Virginia Railway Express at Manassas station just like hundreds of DC commuters do every day, and relax, watch the scenery roll by, read the paper, or tune into the whirlwind of diverse conversations surrounding you. In about an hour you’ll be at Washington, DC’s historic Union Station where you can walk to the National Mall and take in the most important tourism sights. By taking the train you’ll circumvent the hassle of crowded city driving, traffic clogged expressways, and the exorbitant expense of hard to find parking spaces in the nation’s capital. You’ll also find far more economical lodging in Prince William County than in the heart of D.C. Get more information on the Virginia Railway Express by clicking to www.vre.org or by calling 703-684-1001. For more information about visiting Prince WIlliam County, contact the Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitPWC.com or call toll free 800-432-1792.
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