Completed in 1800, The White House is the oldest public building in Washington, DC and has been the home of every president except George Washington.
The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored.
The Washington Monument was formally dedicated on February 22, 1885, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest building in the world; it remains the tallest stone structure in the world.
LOVE the "open" conservation labs and storage! An interesting side to museums that you rarely see. Don't leave without seeing this part of the museum on the third floor mezzanine and fourth floor.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and help bring his vision to life: “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” Read more.
If you visit Washington DC, you have to pay respect to the soldiers and American's that paved the way for us. Very moving.
The Zoo is a great way to spend a nice day. Take the metro to Cleveland or Woodley Park stations for less stress. Best part? It's free!
The national arboretum of the United States, is a major element of the city's park system. It is the noted work of landscape Federick Law Olmstead, Jr.
The museum opened on July 19, 2002 and is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events.
Ever want to shake hands with the President, how about all of the Presidents? You can find wax figures of almost every important American political figure here!
Completed in 1908, the station was the largest train station in the world at the time it was built. In fact, if put on its side, the Washington Monument could lay within the confines of the station.
A must-see museum in the District. Prepare to be emotional throughout the exhibits. If you have a military/govt ID, you get an immediate pass. Tip: read everything & take in as much as you can.
The museum first opened in 1964, and among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
Originally called the National Air Museum when it was formed on August 12, 1946 by an act of Congress, some pieces in the National Air and Space Museum collection date back to 1876.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
Walk to all the museums via the Mall or just stroll from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial - its the quintessential walk in DC (WH,Cap,Smithsonian,Wash Mem,Lincoln Mem,WW2 Mem,Vietnam Mem,Korea Mem,etc)
Visit the NASA sponsored exhibit "Moving Beyond Earth" which through interactive displays and artifacts will highlight our moving into space, living and working there, and then envisioning our future. Read more.
Construction began in 1914, and the memorial was opened to the public in 1922. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech to a crowd by the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 .
President Roosevelt asked the Commission of Fine Arts about the possibility of erecting a memorial to Thomas Jefferson. Construction went from 1938-43, & Roosevelt laid the first cornerstone himself.
19 Statues: 14 Army, 2 Marines, 1 Navy, 1 Air Force. Each weighs~1,000 lbs. Reflected on the wall it creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th Parallel & 38 months of the war. Read more.
The memorial currently consists of three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial & the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, where over 58,000 names are engraved.
Dedicated in April 1979, coinciding with Einstein's 100th birthday, the statue is 12 feet tall and weighs about 4 tons. Watch this 90 second C-SPAN YouTube video about the memorial. Read more.
The Kennedy Center, which first opened in 1971, has 9 stages, 2 of which are Millennium Stages located in the Great Foyer that house free performances every day of the year. Watch video for more info. Read more.
@cspanhistory visited the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery to learn about Delphine Hirasuna's book & exhibit "The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946." Read more.
What is your favorite indoor activity in Washington D.C.? The Fairmont Washington, D.C.: "The museums – newly renovated National Portrait Gallery." Read more.
After the federal government was established in Washington, the court was housed in a basement room in the US Capitol until 1929, when Chief Justice Taft argued successfully for their own building.
Tuesday nights in summer the Navy band(s) give concerts. Incredibly cool. Starts at 8p.
This is a beautiful place. Whether on a date or just a place to sit and talk. Lovely!
All American, 24-7; This is one of the few official sites where the American Flag is required to be flown at all times.
President Harry Truman's 1949 inaugural ball occurred here. It was the first inaugural ball to welcome African Americans guests.
That's a big rock! Did you know Harry Winston mailed this to the Smithsonian? That post office is now the Postal Museum! Check it out!
Make sure to take time to read the letters and watch the video in the "Letters From Home" military section.
Best in early spring when the trees are in bloom.
In 1998, DC's National Airport was renamed to honor the 40th President of the United States. The original idea came from Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform and the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project
On the second floor of the Theater, you can see the boxseat where Abe Lincoln was sitting when he was killed. On the lower level the museum displays exhibits about Lincoln’s life and his tragic death.
Beautiful historic theatre! The architecture makes it impossible to have a bad seat! :)
Judiciary Square was originally designated as the site for the Supreme Court, in accordance with L’Enfant’s Plan to place the three branches of government in a geographical relationship.
Created for the preservation of endangered animals indigenous to the U.S. This spacious and picturesque location was a significant innovation in zoo design by landscape Frederick Law Olmstead.
