History & Heritage

The country’s history starts with our own history and heritage.

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and...

Explorer-In-Chief: Marvel at DC with These Presidential Experiences

As you know, the President of the United States lives in Washington, DC. Now that the obvious has been stated, you should also know that the nation’s capital has many ways to engage with presidential history. Of course, you can always tour the White House , but we’ve detailed other attractions to...

Holidays in the White House: First Family Traditions

Holidays at the White House are a family affair…with thousands of guests. Each December, the president and their family deck the White House’s halls and opens the doors for dozens of parties and public tours. It’s a big job to prepare the country’s most famous residence for a month of celebrations...

3 Days Exploring Civil War to Civil Rights in Washington, DC

Morning Begin your day with breakfast at the Willard InterContinental , where Abraham Lincoln stayed prior to his inauguration and where Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech. Freedom Plaza, located opposite the hotel, honor’s King’s legacy. After breakfast, walk down....

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall . The four-level museum opened on Sept. 24, 2016, becoming the only national museum solely dedicated to the documentation of African American life,...

12 Things to See & Do in Anacostia

The historic riverside neighborhood of Anacostia is truly a gem. Some people think all Smithsonian Institution museums live on the National Mall , but Anacostia has its own completely dedicated to the concept of community. Perhaps the most famous member of the Anacostia community, Frederick...

3 Days Experiencing Former President Obama's Washington, DC

Morning Start your day where any Presidential tour should: at the White House. Pose for a photo op, stop by the White House Visitor Center and then grab breakfast at the nearby White House FRESHFARM Market (Thursdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. from April to November; 810 Vermont Ave. NW). With healthy fruits...

Visiting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

A visit to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is to be transported to a trying time in American history, an era rife with economic depression and international conflict. The memorial, which honors the 32nd president of the United States, is composed of four “rooms” which represent each of...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Since its opening in 1993 in the historic City Post Office Building, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum has served to honor and celebrate America’s proud postal history. Located next to Union Station in DC’s NoMa neighborhood , the museum houses a vast collection of stamps, postal artifacts and...

Experiencing Your First Presidential Motorcade in Washington, DC

Hey, what’s that blocking the street? In Washington, DC, if you spot a bunch of police shutting down a major road, keeping pedestrians from crossing the street and helicopters circling overhead, chances are you’re about to encounter an official government motorcade, not spot Beyoncé. High-ranking...