History & Heritage

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

7 Ways to Experience the Obamas’ Washington, DC

In addition to being the former First Family of the United States, the Obamas are also big fans (not to mention current residents) of Washington, DC, regularly getting out into the neighborhoods and on the National Mall . Local blogs and newspapers often report on unexpected date nights at a hot...

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...

Visiting the National Archives Building & Museum in Washington, DC

What and where is the National Archives Building & Museum? The National Archives & Records Administration Building and Museum is located on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, just north of the National Mall . The building houses both a museum and the National Archives and...

Guide to Visiting Arlington National Cemetery

What is Arlington National Cemetery? The Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, DC

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, historic artifacts...

Turning Back the Clock with Virginia Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl

You might have heard that Washington, DC has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, as new restaurants, retail and attractions flock to the city. Few people have witnessed as much change in the District as Virginia Ali, who, along with her husband Ben, opened up the DC institution...

Guide to Visiting the Washington Monument

Please note: The Washington Monument is currently closed until August 2019 for repairs that will modernize the elevator and increase long-term reliability and safety. Check the National Park Service's website for updates before you plan your visit. Built to honor George Washington, the commander-in...

3 Days of African American History & Heritage in Washington, DC

Morning Start your day at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial . Opened in summer 2011, the memorial was designed as a lasting tribute to Dr. King's legacy and will forever serve as a monument to the freedom, opportunity and justice for which he stood. It is the first federal memorial to honor a....

Visiting the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC

Where and what is the Jefferson Memorial? The location and architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial make it stand out among DC’s amazing array of monuments and memorials . Designed by John Russell Pope in 1925, the memorial resembles the Pantheon in Rome, an adaptation of Neoclassical...

8 Ghost Tours Sure to Spook You in Washington, DC

This Halloween season , consider a fright-inducing walking ghost tour through Washington, DC. The following tours, many of which are year-round, will have you delightfully spooked as you attempt to walk from haunt to haunt in some of DC's oldest neighborhoods.