american history Archives - What To See In Washington DC

“Fortress Under Fire”: Learn the Story Behind This Air and Space Mural

ExhibitAugust 14, 2026839Views 0Likes 0Comments

It'll always be 11:45 am on August 15th, 1944, in this gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. This giant mural, "Fortress Under Fire", captures a moment of the gigantic air battle fought just weeks after D-Day, when the Eighth Air Force launched 932 heavy bombers and 443 fighters against…

“Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work”- A Can’t-Miss Exhibit at American Art

ExhibitMay 29, 20262KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The show "Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work" is open now through July 12th at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It's a spectacular retrospective that you and your family should add to your DC summer bucket list. Through seven galleries, you experience the sweep of her art career, which only began after her 70th birthday.…

Remembering Marian Anderson’s Historic Easter Sunday Concert

HolidaysApril 3, 2026819Views 0Likes 0Comments

On April 9th, 1939, Marian Anderson mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to perform an Easter concert for a crowd of 75,000 people. The interesting part? She wasn't originally going to perform there. Marian Anderson was a world-renowned opera singer known for her beautiful contralto voice. Howard University invited her to sing in Washington,…

Rare Chance to See the Entire Constitution on Display at the National Archives

ExhibitSeptember 19, 2025630Views 0Likes 0Comments

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are the two most important documents on display at the National Archives. And now, for the first time ever, you can see the entire Constitution and its Amendments in one spot. This historic display is in honor of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. It includes the rare…

5 Civil War Battlefields for Boys (near Washington DC)

Other DC LocationsSeptember 5, 20253KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Taking your boys to visit battlefields helps bring history to life. They can see the real places these victories (or losses) happened, and maybe even reenact them. The DMV is filled with battlefields from America's early days. Here are five of the best to visit within two hours of DC. 1) Gettysburg, PA Location of…

Discovering Mount Vernon: A Free President’s Day Familiy Adventure

EventsFebruary 14, 20253KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Step back in time with George and Martha Washington Mount Vernon is more than a historical site; it's where George and Martha Washington practiced the art of hospitality. Unlike a visit to a general's tent or president's office, coming here feels personal. This Presidents Day, February 17th, entry is free, offering you and your children…

3 Unusual Places to Find Fashion in the Smithsonian

MuseumsFebruary 7, 20253KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Smithsonian isn't exactly known for its fashion. The biggest exhibits that come to mind are the First Ladies' Dresses or Entertainment Nation. But here are a few unexpected exhibits you can find fashion in the Smithsonian. 1) America By Air- Air and Space Museum This exhibit covers the history of commercial aviation in the…

A Family Guide to Visiting the American History Museum: Everything You Need to Know

MuseumsDecember 31, 20244KViews 0Likes 0Comments

“We’ve been here two hours and only seen half the first floor.” An awed father said this to his son as they walked past us during our recent visit to American History. His comment is so relatable because many people struggle with this museum’s size. It’s a wonderful way to explore American history hands-on with…

Mount Vernon’s Head Gardener is Retiring

MuseumsAugust 24, 2024330Views 0Likes 0Comments

He's gardened at Mount Vernon longer than George Washington ever did. Washington lived here for 45 years. Dean Norton, the current head gardener, has worked at the estate for 55 years. And now, Mount Vernon's longest-serving garden is retiring. This renowned gardener and garden historian has helped care for the estate since 1969. His career…

Imago Dei: Gordon Parks at NGA

ExhibitJuly 27, 2024344Views 0Likes 0Comments

This newly opened exhibition at the National Gallery of Art reveals the image of God reflected in the faces of men. Gordon Parks combined documentary photography and studio portrait styles to create a unique blend of authenticity and story. He showed all his subjects the same, whether they were a legendary boxer or simple suburban…