History & Heritage

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

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....

12 Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

From the city's roots as a vibrant community for African Americans to the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC is rich with African American history and culture. Check out the numerous ways to honor the vast and complicated history and...

Free Things to Do: African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

African American history and culture is an essential part of experiencing Washington, DC. The city that hosted the March on Washington and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech features a memorial dedicated to King, as well as numerous other free-to-experience sites that help you to...

8 Must-See Monuments & Memorials on the National Mall

According to the American Institute of Architects, half of Americans’ top 12 favorite architectural gems line the National Mall . There’s no denying the significance of the Mall for its symbols to American history and for its uniquely designed monuments. Check them all out here, then it's time to...

Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

What and where is the Library of Congress? The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE,...

Visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the Korean War Veterans Memorial and where is it? The Korean War Veterans Memorial resides on the National Mall , southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool. All of its components, including its walls, stainless steel statues and Pool of Remembrance, are...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC

Where and what is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History? The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall . The four-level museum opened on Sept. 24, 2016, becoming the...

3 Days Following President Lincoln's Footsteps in Washington, DC

Morning Start your day at the Lincoln Memorial . Lincoln’s statue gazes out across Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery , which was home to Robert E. Lee’s former estate. Hop into a cab to visit President Lincoln’s Cottage . Lincoln spent his summers here in 1862, 1863 and 1864, a...

Ways to Commemorate the Women's Suffrage Centennial in Washington, DC

A major moment in the women’s suffrage movement occurred right here in Washington, DC when the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Procession took place on Pennsylvania Avenue. Thousands joined in protest to march for the right to vote, including speakers like Helen Keller, as well as both male and female...

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...