history Archives - What To See In Washington DC

Visiting Chaplain William Richard Arnold at Arlington Cemetery

OutdoorsMay 22, 2026966Views 0Likes 0Comments

Buried on Chaplain's Hill at Arlington National Cemetery is Army Chaplain William Richard Arnold. We stopped by his grave this week to pay our respects ahead of Memorial Day. Arnold served in WWII as Chief of Chaplains and was the first Chaplain to reach the rank of Major General. But the average front-line troops never…

Remembering Marian Anderson’s Historic Easter Sunday Concert

HolidaysApril 3, 2026818Views 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,…

The Smithsonian Needs Another Peter Parker

MuseumsAugust 22, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

When facing the task of rebuilding a Smithsonian symbolizing inspiration and American greatness, President Trump should find the next Peter Parker to serve as Smithsonian Regent. This photo, from 1880, depicts the Building Committee for the Smithsonian National Museum. Peter is the man in the long black coat and tall black top hat standing with…

Celebrating National Aviation Day at the Air and Space Museum

ExhibitAugust 15, 2025521Views 0Likes 0Comments

The Wright Brothers exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the most significant display in the museum. Without Wilbur and Orville Wright, no other airplanes would exist. The “Wright Brothers” and “Early Aviation” exhibits tell the Wright family story, including their lesser-known sister, Katharine Wright. Preacher's kids. Mid-westerners. Siblings. Celebrities. Orville Wright…

Wilbur Wright and… Washington DC?

MuseumsApril 13, 2024509Views 0Likes 0Comments

When you think of Wilbur Wright, you probably think of Dayton, OH, or Kitty Hawk, NC. But here are three surprising connections between Wilbur, the Smithsonian, and Washington DC. 1) Wilbur wrote a letter to the Smithsonian on May 30th, 1899. The Smithsonian was still a young institution, barely over fifty years old. Yet it…

An Unexpected Gift to You: How One Man’s Gift Blessed the Nation

MuseumsMarch 16, 2024742Views 0Likes 0Comments

On Christmas Day, 1937, an unexpected letter dropped on President Franklin Roosevelt's desk. A written offer to give the country an immense art collection. But not just that… it also offered to build the huge gallery needed to display it. And the plans to accomplish it. Less than 5 years later, the National Gallery of…

Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers: A Curious Tale of Magic, Mystery, and Mishap

MuseumsDecember 8, 2023931Views 0Likes 0Comments

One of the most beloved artifacts in the Smithsonian is Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz (1939). Thousands of visitors approach the glass case each year to stare in awe at the bejeweled pumps as they sparkle under the lights. But did you know the shoes aren't a matching pair? Or that other…

Fun Family Visit to Fort Washington

OutdoorsJuly 28, 2023446Views 0Likes 0Comments

Stand on the point of land poking into the Potomac River. A stone and brick fort looms above you. You instantly see what a map or written description of this abandoned fort could only try to explain. Fort Washington's location and design made it a key point of defense along the Potomac for years. It…

Millions of Letters Boosting Morale: Remembering V-Mail 81 Years Later

MuseumsJune 17, 2023438Views 0Likes 0Comments

V-Mail launched 81 years ago this week. When William H. VanZee wrote these two letters to his wife, Laura, the Victory Mail system was a well-oiled machine. It allowed millions of families around the world to stay in touch in spite of their separation. William's letters to his wife, Laura What is V-Mail? V-Mail was a…

Commemorate D-Day at This Military History Event

EventsJune 10, 2023450Views 0Likes 0Comments

This Saturday, the artifacts come out to play. WWII tanks, classic jeeps, and the M29 Weasel make a wonderful hands-on display for you and your kids. Come commemorate D-Day with the American Military Heritage Museum, a short drive west of Washington DC. Enthusiastic volunteers and veterans showcase weapons and gear all day. You're able to…