Day 1 You’ll See:
- Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- White House Area walking tour and photo opportunity
- Monuments & Memorials Tour
Day 2 You’ll See:
Day 3 You’ll See:
- National Archives
- Capitol Hill Tour
- Ford’s Theatre
- DC Ghost Tour
Day 4 You’ll See:
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Iwo Jima Memorial
Washington, D.C., is a fantastic historic destination offering so much to see and do, you and your student group will have no trouble staying busy the duration of your incredible 4-day educational tour! You’ll visit more amazing museums than you ever thought possible and explore all the important D.C. landmark attractions, including Capitol Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford Theater – where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated- and President George Washington’s lavish estate. As a special treat, you’ll embark on a spooky lantern-lit ghost tour through the streets of Washington D.C. – who knew a 4-day American History lesson could be so much fun?
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Day 1
Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall: The National Mall is the pivotal point of nearly every sightseeing excursion to Washington, D.C.; the dramatic tree-lined open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues unfurls all the way from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building. Eleven Smithsonian Institution Museums are located right here, showcasing an incredible variety of exhibits with subjects ranging from fine art to space exploration. It’s the perfect place to unpack and enjoy a picnic lunch, and a popular outdoor festival venue; champions of countless causes, young movers and shakers and gritty young eco-warriors alike have staged all manner of spirited protests and rallies on its expansive lawn – as seen in Forrest Gump!
United States Holocaust Museum: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as a living memorial and educational institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and inspiring citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Located in Washington, D.C., the museum offers a comprehensive account of the Holocaust, from its origins to its aftermath, and explores the broader implications of genocide and human rights. Located in Washington, D.C., the museum offers a comprehensive account of the Holocaust, from its origins to its aftermath, and explores the broader implications of genocide and human rights.
White House Photo Opportunity: The first order of business: upon arrival in Washington, D.C., your group will enjoy an arranged White House Photo Opportunity with the most famous residence in our country in the background. What a fantastic way to kick off and commemorate your exciting 4-day historic tour!
Monuments & Memorials Tour: This walkabout gets you and your students around to all of the monuments and memorials of Washington, D.C., each truly unique and important in its own right. Your invigorating excursion begins at the White House and continues through the National Mall, along with the Reflecting Pool, around the Tidal Basin, and wraps up at the U.S. Capitol Building and Supreme Court.
Day 2
Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon is an iconic American landmark and an enduring reminder of the life and legacy of the Father of Our Country – a successful Virginia gentleman planter and entrepreneur – and ultimately the leader of a fledgling democratic nation. What was once a simple one and a half-story farmhouse evolved into a grand home and prosperous plantation; First President George Washington’s estate is now one of the nation’s most visited historic sites. You and your student group will enjoy a tour of his authentically interpreted 18th-century home set on lush gardens and grounds, explore intriguing museum galleries, (you’ll even see an actual set of the President’s dentures, made from a combination of donkey, cow, horse, and human teeth!) his tomb, his progressive four-acre Pioneer Farm, a painstakingly reproduced working grist mill and distillery and experience first-rate dining and shopping while visiting this incomparable national treasure.
International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., offers an immersive experience into the world of espionage, featuring interactive exhibits, real-life spy artifacts, and engaging stories. Visitors can adopt a spy identity, test their skills in undercover missions, and explore the history and contemporary role of intelligence. The museum, located at L’Enfant Plaza, is a fun and educational destination for all ages, with special programs for families and adults.
Day 3
National Archives: The National Archives and Records Administration stores and provides public access to the original documents that set up the American government as a democracy in 1774; additionally, the records of the nation’s civil, military and diplomatic activities are held here for present and future generations. Guests are transported on a fascinating journey through time, with an opportunity to view the United States Government’s Charters of Freedom, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. This fantastic learning experience deserves a slot on every D.C. student trip!
Capitol Hill Tour: Your students’ trip to Washington, D.C. would not be complete without a tour of our legislative and judicial branches. You’ll make a stop at the Library of Congress, see the magnificent Capitol and Supreme Court Buildings, explore the breathtaking Jefferson Building and browse the marvelous living exhibits of the U.S. Botanic Garden/Conservatory.
Ford’s Theatre: John T. Ford bought the original building – a former church – and renovated it into a theatre, which he first called Ford’s Athenaeum. It was destroyed by fire in 1862 and rebuilt the following year with seating for 2400. Five short days after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife were enjoying a performance of Our American Cousin at this infamous venue; notorious actor John Wilkes Booth, desperate to aid the dying Confederacy, stepped into the box where the presidential party was seated and shot Lincoln, who passed away the next morning at Peterson House, just across the street. Today, in tribute to President Abraham Lincoln’s love of the performing arts, Ford’s Theatre presents wonderful plays and musicals underscoring multiculturalism and highlighting the eclectic character of American life.
DC Ghost Tour: A DC Ghost Tour offers a spooky and informative exploration of Washington, D.C.’s haunted history, focusing on locations with eerie stories and paranormal activity. These tours, often walking tours, typically last 1-2 hours and visit locations like Lafayette Square, the White House, and historic buildings, sharing tales of famous figures and tragic events. Some tours, like the Dark Nights in D.C. Ghost Tour, are designed for adults and may be more intense. Others, like the Ghosts of DC Tour, are family-friendly and offer a blend of history and spooky fun.
Day 4
Arlington National Cemetery: You and your young charges will recognize Arlington National Cemetery by the sea of remarkably uniform white headstones spanning the 600+ manicured acres that mark the graves of more than 400,000 soldiers and their loved ones laid to rest here. The cemetery is one of the most popular attractions among student groups exploring Washington, D.C. – its rich history and beautiful setting make it the perfect place for remembering, for reflection, and for honoring US soldiers past and present. Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft are buried here.
Iwo Jima Memorial: The world-renowned United States Marine Corps War Memorial – better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial – depicts one of the most historic battles of World War II. The memorial, dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in battle, is sculptor Felix de Weldon’s wonderful recreation of an actual shot captured by news photographer Joe Rosenthal of 6 brave, young soldiers – five Marines and one Navy corpsman – raising the 2nd American flag planted on Mount Suribachi. Only three survived the battle.
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