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Washington, DC: Our Nation’s Capital

Earlier this month, Tour Director Gene Gray and Driver Mike Smith led 48 Starr travelers through our nation’s capital over a 3-day weekend. On each of our trips, the Starr Tour Director is responsible for submitting a summary of the tour in day-by-day fashion. Gene takes this responsibility to the next level and provides a beautifully written report that makes you feel like you were actually on the tour! We invite you to read Gene’s report below:

Tour Name:  Washington DC: Our Nation’s Capital

Date:     October 4 – 6, 2019

Driver:  Michael Smith


Day 1: Friday, October 4, 2019

Michael and I welcomed our 48 tour guests onto our comfortable bus as we traveled south and made sure everyone (along with their luggage) was safely aboard. On this Friday morning, traffic flowed freely into DC and we made good time. While on the bus, I reviewed the Starr Welcome Letter and showed the Safety Video. I then reviewed the pages of the information packet I made for our tour guests.  The packet included maps, dinner suggestions, and a detailed itinerary for each day of our vacation.

We have a fascinating group of tour guests for this trip to our nation’s capital. We have several people in their upper 80s, one who was 95 years young, and one teenager who is currently a freshman in high school. For the first time in my four year Starr tenure, we had tour guests representing each of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Using my music library and the bus’ sound system, I enthusiastically played the “Armed Forces Medley” honoring our Veterans which resulted in resounding applause upon completion. One tour guest, Ed, spent 14 months in Vietnam in 1968-69 and was wounded. This was his first visit ever to Washington, DC and he was looking forward to finally seeing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Our tour bus pulled up to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts a little after noon. Upon entering the building at the Foyer Level, you are struck with a long corridor with a 30 foot high arched ceiling containing flags from countries around the world as far as the eyes can see. The area is so vast and spacious, you hear echoes all around you. We took the elevator up to the 15th floor called “The Terrace” for lunch at KC Café. The cafeteria had just opened and we were the only customers buying lunch. The Café was stocked with fruit, soup, sandwiches, and had a grill with people preparing burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs, along with a variety of drinks. Everyone enjoyed their lunch. I had a chance to touch base with all of my tour guests and answer their questions.

After lunch, many people went outside on the terrace for magnificent 360° views of Washington DC. The skies were clear with patchy cumulus clouds and you could see the 555 foot Washington Monument towering to the left as well as the Lincoln Memorial to the right. The terrace provided magnificent photo opportunities to say the least.

We took the elevator to Level A, one level below the Foyer, to the Gift Shop and the Tour Desk. We were to meet our tour guide at the desk at 2:00 PM for our Guided Tour of the Kennedy Center. Since we were all ready to begin our tour by 1:15, the guides were more than willing to begin immediately and divided us into two groups of 25. Each group went off in different directions to begin their tour.

The Kennedy Center has four large theaters including the largest, the Opera Theater, seating more than 3000 people, from which they hold the “Kennedy Center Honors” awards show each year. We were shown the President’s Box that includes a bathroom, concessions, and very comfortable chairs. The Box seats eight people and is heavily guarded by secret service whenever the President is in attendance. We were shown magnificent artwork hanging on the massive walls, beautiful one ton chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and a 3000 pound bronze bust of John F. Kennedy. Since the Arts Center was the original idea of President Eisenhower, our 34th President has a theater named in his honor. The Eisenhower Theater is the second largest theater in the Kennedy Center and has a seating capacity of just under 3000. It is adorned with a bust and photograph of Eisenhower at the theater’s entrance. Our tour concluded at the colorful and delicate chandelier created by artist Dale Chihuly.

Mike delivered our luggage to the Hyatt Centric Hotel in Arlington while we were inside the Kennedy Center and when we arrived at the hotel, the manager was ready with our keys. We now had three hours of “down time” to relax and enjoy a good dinner before our Twilight Riding Tour of DC beginning at 7:00 PM.

Mike and I planned a 90-minute tour for our guests. Although this was supposed to be a riding tour, we made stops at the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial as well as the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials. The tour guests disembarked and walked to see the great statues lit up at night. We then did a drive by of the WWII Memorial and the White House before returning to the hotel for the night.

It was a long and fruitful first day of our Washington, DC adventure.


Day 2: Saturday, October 5, 2019

The Hyatt Centric Hotel was extremely accommodating with very comfortable rooms and our guests gave me positive feedback about the staff and the location. Breakfast was a full buffet with choices of cereal, eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit, juices, and coffees. The person in charge was constantly replenishing the buffet and everyone enjoyed it.

I met our Washington DC “Step-On” Guide, Michelle Heller, at the hotel and we reviewed her plans for our 4-hour tour. (Local guides that come on to our bus for local touring are aptly called “Step on Guides.”) Michele gave us a thorough tour of DC’s seven memorials plus she showed the future location of the Persian Gulf Memorial for which funds are currently being raised. She was a most remarkable and knowledgeable guide of our nation’s capital.

We did a drive-by of the Jefferson Memorial since it is a longer walk from where the bus has to park to reach the steps and statue. Franklin D. Roosevelt led the way for the building of the Jefferson Memorial and purposely placed the memorial in a straight line from the White House so he could always view Jefferson from his White House window.

We disembarked at the FDR Memorial and Michelle brilliantly spoke about its every aspect. While facing a statue of FDR in a wheelchair at the entrance, Michelle explained this was the newest addition to the memorial to honor people who are disabled. Roosevelt created his own wheelchair out of his most comfortable kitchen chair by having wheels put on it. He always worked to hide his handicap to the public due to public perception concerns. The FDR Memorial is divided into four distinct sections, one for each of his four terms in office. Of course, since he passed away only 80 days into his fourth term, the final section is a touching memorial to this great President. Eleanor Roosevelt is also featured in this fourth section; she is the only First Lady to have a statue in her honor in Washington, DC.

The Martin Luther King Memorial was just as enlightening. Michelle continued to feed us the most fascinating facts. Symbolism abounds all over Washington. The powerful MLK Memorial depicts the face and chest of MLK within a a marble structure that symbolizes a mountain. Since MLK never made it to the mountaintop, his body is purposely left unfinished. His face points in the direction of the Jefferson Memorial since Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “All Men are Created Equal,” and his eyes are staring directly at the statue of Eleanor Roosevelt who strongly led the charge that “Racism Destroys Democracy.” Brilliant words from Dr. King are printed on surrounding walls, but his famous “I Have A Dream Speech” is nowhere to be found because the creators wanted people to learn lesser known speeches at this memorial. Dr. King had a formula for each of his speeches and would include four topics in each; Justice, Democracy, Hope, and Love. This memorial is powerful, emotional, and a must see.

The Korean Memorial is all about the number 38. The 38th parallel divided Korea into North and South. Since Korea was divided in half, the creators erected 19 bronze statues (half of 38) all within a heavily vegetated area to symbolize the difficult terrain of Korea. The flagpole sits at the circular Pool of Remembrance exactly at the 38° angle of the circle. The words “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” are printed on a wall decorated with flowers.

Michelle continued the tour with great facts about the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. She gave us free time to walk up the 87 (four score and seven) steps to the Lincoln Memorial and time to examine the Vietnam Memorial in detail. I accompanied our Starr tour guest who was the 14 year Veteran of the Vietnam War,  and his wife to the Vietnam Memorial. I was surprised and emotional at his first reaction to the memorial when he cried out, “This war was a disgrace. We never should have been involved in it in the first place. The reason for the war was for economic gains of the wealthy in both countries.” He continued, “None of these names should have needed to be inscribed here.” He was emotional, angry, and visibly upset. Both his wife and I felt his anguish and became quite emotional as well.

Michelle gave us a tour to remember for a lifetime. She brought Washington, DC to life for all of us and provided a perspective of the city that everyone should experience.

At 12:15 PM, our bus dropped us off at the Smithsonian Castle for four hours of exploration on our own in our choice of museum(s) within the Smithsonian Institution. Many  visited the Air and Space Museum and others walked across to the Mall to the National Museum of American History. A few spent much time in the American Museum of Natural History. Two walked to the National Museum of African American History & Culture and were able to get in without tickets. Although they waited in long lines, they were pleased with what they saw. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Smithsonian.

After returning to our hotel to freshen up a bit, 32 of our 48 tour guests chose to travel into Old Town Alexandria for dinner, shopping, and sightseeing. From the bus drop off spot at 301 King Street to the Potomac River three blocks away down a small decline, the tour guests had 10 restaurants to choose from and a plethora of shops to step into. Restaurants included seafood, Italian, Thai, Mexican, American, and Japanese. Everyone enjoyed their dinner and time in Old Town Alexandria.

Today was a day filled with nationalism, learning, and fun; the perfect combination to feed the soul.


Day 3: Sunday, October 6, 2019

Breakfast today was as good as yesterday. Per my instruction, every tour guest had their luggage outside their door for pickup by 7:00 AM. Most were down to breakfast at 7:00 AM. We departed from the hotel promptly at 8:00 AM to maximize our time at Arlington National Cemetery.

We were the first bus to park at Arlington and I was first at the ticket booth to get our tickets and brochures. After being first through Security, we all left on the first tram of the day. GREAT TIMING!!!

Many Starr guests got off the tram at the John F. Kennedy Gravesite. Others continued on to catch the 9:00 AM Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the Kennedy Gravesite, the first thing to catch your eye as you approach the graves is the Eternal Flame rising into the cool morning air. In front of the flame lie JFK and Jackie side by side. Six feet to both sides lie their two children who passed while very young. The grave area is filled in with cobblestones rather than grass. A waist-high wall at the entrance is inscribed with famous words spoken by President Kennedy throughout his presidency. One section quotes his “Ask not what your country can do for you” speech. As you walk down the the pathway, you see the grave of Robert Kennedy that is represented by a white cross. Another white cross represents the grave of Edward (Teddy) Kennedy. Older brother Joseph Kennedy who died in WWII was moved here and lies near Edward. The entire memorial is beautifully done and a fitting tribute to this magnificent American First Family.

The next tram stop was the Amphitheater. Behind the amphitheater sits The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Sal, a Starr tour guest and Vietnam Veteran, proudly wore his Vietnam Veterans baseball cap all weekend. He and I climbed a few marble steps to take a peek inside the circular amphitheater. Once inside, we noticed about 60 teenagers seated and being lectured to by their teacher. Once the teacher saw Sal wearing his hat, he hollered, “You, sir, in the green shirt, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!” All 60 students turned and gave him rousing applause. We both broke down emotionally. The teacher proudly continued speaking to his students, “I knew we would meet a Vietnam Vet. I’m so glad he was here for you so you could see what I’ve been telling you.”

The word “Discipline” defines the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Members of Army Regiment 3 watch over the Tomb day and night, 365 days a year. You see two immaculately dressed soldiers emerge from beneath the Tomb; one higher ranking member and one Guard who will replace the Guard currently on duty. They take one slow disciplined step after another and approach the current Guard on duty. Upon hearing the piercing command, “HALT,” the Guard on duty stops immediately. The higher ranking officer then tediously examines the rifle of the newcomer, inspects his uniform, and only after he is totally satisfied with the cleanliness of his weapon and tidiness of his uniform does he continue with the ceremony. He then turns, faces us, and barks, “YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD. EVERYONE MUST REMAIN ABSOLUTELY SILENT. EVERYONE MUST STAND AT ATTENTION. THANK YOU!!!” He then proceeds with the ceremony, every aspect with strict discipline. At the conclusion, as the former Guard and high ranking official disappear beneath the Tomb, everyone wonders whether it’s alright to talk or, for that matter, breathe again. Someone in the crowd takes the lead and soon people begin to slowly leave the viewing area. Everyone must experience this magnificent ceremony firsthand at least once in their lifetime.

Both the gravesite of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in American History, and the Space Shuttle Disasters Memorial are located adjacent to the amphitheater. Many of us walked to both of these and took pictures.  Boxer Joe Lewis is also interred here next to the amphitheater. We then hopped on the next tram and continued with our guided tour around Arlington Cemetery. We passed the gravesite of Howard Taft, the only other President, besides JFK, buried in Arlington Cemetery. The tour guide also pointed out the grave of Abner Doubleday, a Civil War Veteran and probable inventor of baseball. We returned to the starting point and disembarked the tram. Many stopped into the Gift Shop prior to walking to our bus.

Many of our tour guests had enough time to see all of the Kennedy Gravesites, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, AND take the 10 minute walk to the US Marine Corp War Memorial (aka Iwo Jima Marines Memorial) that borders Arlington National Cemetery. It was fabulous to be the first to arrive and provide extra time for our tour guests to explore Arlington on their own.

We drove to the Air Force Memorial featuring three stainless steel spires soaring into the sky at heights between 210 and 270 feet. They symbolize three airplanes flying in unison with the fourth missing to symbolize those killed in action.  The tour guests enjoyed this short stop that overlooks the Pentagon and views of Washington, DC.

Our lunch stop was at the Pentagon City Mall. There are many restaurants to choose from including a full food court on the lower level. There was something for everyone. Back on the bus and heading home, I gave out the Starr Surveys, Starr Catalogs, and showed the film “To Hell and Back,” the 1949 film about the life of Audie Murphy. Audie Murphy starred in the film as well and plays himself. After a short rest stop at the newly designed Chesapeake House, all tour guests were dropped off without incident and in a timely manner.

This was a powerful weekend filled with emotional moments, strong feelings of pride towards our country, and much information and learning about our Nation’s Capital. Everyone had a wonderful experience, including me.

Post Script:  Starr offers many trips (day trips and multi-day trips) to Washington, DC. 2020 Tours are still being loaded but click here at any time to see what’s being offered.

Read some of Gene’s previous tour reports:
Starr’s 2019 Alaska Cruise Experience
Cross Country Adventures by Bus 2019 – Westbound – Part 1 of 2 
Cross Country Adventures by Bus 2019 – Eastbound – Part 2 of 2
Cross Country Adventures by Bus 2018 – Westbound – Part 1 of 2
Cross Country Adventures by Bus 2018 – Eastbound – Part 2 of 2

A Few of My Favorite Things (Actually, Favorite Places!)

After more than 25 years as a Starr Tour Director, I have noticed that the most frequently-asked question by passengers is “What is your favorite destination?” With the wide variety of options offered by Starr, it is not an easy question to answer. However, in an effort to share my experiences with you, I have narrowed down the long list of choices to my personal top three picks (not in any specific order):

 

Niagara Falls – My husband was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, and we still have relatives residing in the area.  That means I have visited Niagara Falls often and have been able to experience its beauty in all four seasons.  While they have “real winter” in that part of the country, the ice forming on the falls is absolutely spectacular and worth donning my long-johns to see!  On the Canadian side (which I believe has the best view of the falls), the gardens in springtime are ablaze with color.  Parks Canada does a magnificent job in keeping the planting beds filled with a dazzling array of plants and flowers.  While summer in Niagara Falls can be hot and humid (honest!), it is also the busiest and most crowded season and a frequent family vacation destination.  There are so many attractions, restaurants, and natural wonders to explore!  The leaves in autumn start to turn earlier in the Niagara Region than in New Jersey, so even a bus trip in September can reveal fall foliage at its best.  In short, I think Niagara Falls is a destination that can be enjoyed year round – based on your personal preferences.  No matter how often I visit, the view from Table Rock (very close to the fall’s precipice) still takes my breath away!  And for folks who do not have a passport, Starr now offers bus trips that stay on the New York side of the border!

Visit Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls & Toronto, Niagara USA, or Niagara during the holidays with Starr!

 

Nova Scotia, Canada – This is quintessential Maritime Canada at its best!  Starr offers the option of a motorcoach tour or visiting the area by cruise shipPeggy’s Cove, a small fishing village located about an hour from the provincial capital of Halifax, provides magnificent views of the rocky coast.  It is said that the best scallops in the world come from Digby, Nova Scotia – and if you like seafood, the options are endless!  While the adventuresome can try the local favorites (poutine and beaver tails), there are familiar American restaurants as well – something for everyone. The scenery alone would rank a #1 reason for this bus tour, but the people of Nova Scotia are also responsible for my many visits.  I have found the folks in this area to be kind, welcoming, and helpful to travelers.  Several years ago on one of the bus trips I escorted, we had free time for lunch in one of the local towns and two of my passengers became confused and could not find the bus.  A local woman (on her lunch hour from work) saw their distress, offered to help, and took the time to walk them back to the bus parking area.  She could have ignored them or just given verbal directions, but she took the time to be of true assistance to these travelers.  Last, but not least, is the Titanic connection to Halifax; there is an excellent exhibit on the ship as well as the Halifax Explosion.  Don’t let different currency or the metric system scare you!  Your Starr Tour Director will have you well-versed in all the details you need to know before your bus arrives in Nova Scotia.

Travel to Nova Scotia with Starr, see the Nova Scotia International Tattoo Festival, or cruise there on Carnival Sunrise.

 

Civil War Trails (or almost any history tour!) – On the eve of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2010), Starr began offering bus tours with an historical theme and we called the series “Civil War Trails.”  Over the years, these itineraries have included Gettysburg, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Washington, DC and much more.  I have had the pleasure to serve as Tour Director on these bus trips and it has been an exciting, enjoyable and educational experience for my passengers and me.  These tours have much more than battlefields and always include a component relative to the people who were not fighting, but trying to survive a tumultuous time in our country’s history.  In addition, I highlight something about the women of the period—often overlooked in folks’ zeal to learn about the politicians and Generals.  Join me this year as we explore the Civil War History of Fredericksburg, VA!

If the Civil War is not your favorite period in our history, you still have lots of options!  Starr regularly offers tours to Salem, Massachusetts, Williamsburg, Virginia and other historical areas.  There are even itineraries regarding specific historical figures (Franklin Roosevelt, Harriett Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, etc.).

Personally, I did not enjoy learning history while in school.  However, actually walking in the footsteps of the people who helped to shape our country has always been an exciting and illuminating experience for me – and I try to share that enthusiasm and curiosity with my passengers.

 

I hope that this information will be helpful as you look through the myriad of choices Starr is offering this year and select the destination of your next journey.  My favorite quote from Saint Augustine, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

 

So… Keep traveling!  And I hope to see you on a bus trip soon!

Jane Peters Estes, Tour Director

Give the Gift of Travel – Vacation Gift Guide

Why worry about the perfect color, fit, or style this year? Give something that will always be in season, never goes out of style, and keeps on giving for years to come – give the gift of travel! We’ve already covered how travel experiences enrich life, here are a few suggestions for the perfect vacation, no matter your price range.

For Day Trips by bus under $100:

Atlantic City Air Show – for just under $55 you can send your loved one on a comfortable bus to the Jersey shore for the high-flying excitement of the Atlantic City Air Show and even a little casino fun! They’ll be treated to a casino package with $25 Slot Play and a $10 Food Voucher, along with the intense thrill of the famed military and civilian pilots flying acrobatic maneuvers above their heads!

Coney Island
Credit Daniel Fleming

Coney Island Express – Brooklyn’s famed boardwalk destination is less than $55. Imagine giving them a day at the beach with all of the history and unique flair of Coney Island. They can try one of Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, explore the New York Aquarium, ride the Wonder Wheel, catch a thrill on the Cyclone, relax on the beach, and more! It’s a perfect day away from the daily grind.

National Zoo, Washington, DC – for just under $70, your loved one can enjoy a day at one of the oldest zoos in the nation! Over 2000 animals call this 163-acre park home including Giant Pandas from China, exotic birds, reptiles, rain forest creatures, and more.

Cars, Collectibles, and Yuengling – new for 2018 is a tour just under $100 that offers an afternoon of history and nostalgia as they visit America’s first brewery and revisit the ’50s! At Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum, they will take a journey back in time to the 1950s and leave with an unforgettable experience.

 

For Broadway Show Packages by bus under $200:

The Lion King – Disney’s classic movie takes center stage in an amazing production of artful puppetry and incredible music.

Carousel – “One of the most hallowed works of the American stage” (The New York Times) returns to Broadway for the first time in more than two decades. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless musical Carousel comes to life in a new production. Elevated to an epic scale with a sweeping musical score and incandescent ballet sequences, this story of passion, loss and redemption introduced Broadway to a new manner of musical drama – one that “set the standard for the 20th century musical” (Time Magazine) and would captivate theatergoers for generations to come.

The Phantom of the Opera – this timeless tale of seduction and despair is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterwork and has been running on Broadway for 30 years. The unforgettable score, heart wrenching story, and captivating set make this a must-see show.

Hello, Dolly! – Bernadette Peters takes center stage in one of the most cherished musicals in theater history. Featuring music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, “Hello, Dolly!” tells the story of an outspoken matchmaker and her attempts to marry “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder.

 

Multi-Day Vacations by bus under $500:

Boston, Massachusetts – The famed and bustling New England city has never been so easy to visit! Your loved one will be treated to a comprehensive city tour by one of Boston’s most knowledgeable guides and enjoy plenty of free time to experience all of the wonders of “Beantown.”

Cooperstown: National Baseball Hall of Fame – perfect for the baseball fanatic in your life. This tour includes a one year membership to the National Baseball Hall of Fame including a subscription to Memories and Dreams magazine, Hall of Fame Yearbook, complimentary admission to the Hall of Fame for one year, and other perks. Combine this with the fun shopping and dining found in Cooperstown and your gift will hit a home run!

Niagara Falls, USA – No passport required! Our newest option for a Niagara vacation makes this wonder of the natural world even more accessible! They’ll enjoy a boat ride into the horseshoe of the falls on Maid of the Mist as well as a tour of the area and accommodations in Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. What a lucky gift!

Pittsburgh
Credit Derek Cashman

Pittsburgh, PA: The Golden Triangle – the intriguing “Steel City” awaits on this tour to western Pennsylvania. Truly a unique destination, Pittsburgh is home to a fascinating mix of historical landmarks, captivating architecture, compelling characters, and more! They’ll tour the Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning, be treated to an in-depth tour of the city, and more!

Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun Casinos – this tour is every casino lovers dream! Featuring two of Connecticut’s greatest casinos this tour includes a casino package at each and ample time to try their luck at a plethora of table games, slot machines, Poker rooms, and more! They’ll be saying “Jackpot!” when they open this present!

 

One size rarely fits all and with Starr, you don’t have to settle for the generic! In addition to our immense lineup of incredible bus tours, we also offer gift cards. Our gift cards come in any denomination, and never expire! Whether you purchase a gift card so they can choose their own adventure or surprise them with a vacation you know they’ll love, you can rest assured that when you give the gift of travel, you’re giving a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come!

 

Coming Soon: DC’s Newest Museum!

DC_AfricanAmericanHistory-rendering_web-icontactGround-breaking history is soon to happen in Washington, DC as the new National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) opens its doors to the public on September 24th. It will be the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The NMAAHC captures the roots of African American history where you can explore the story of America through the lens of the African American experience. Like the Smithsonian museums in DC, cost to the NMAAHC is free to all, which makes this a great stop on any trip to the city.

The NMAAHC will exhibit showcases and stories of African Americans who paved the way as trailblazers, innovators, visionaries and history makers. The primary focus is on history, culture, and community. More than 33,000 artifacts have been collected and will be on display throughout the museum. Currently, “Through the African American Lens” is the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s eighth exhibition and is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History until the NMAAHC opens its doors on September 24th.

The artifacts on display at the museum have been graciously donated by individuals across the nation. They cover a multitude of topics like education, military service, popular culture, religion, sports, and visual arts. These are wonderful and historic examples of the African American struggle, determination, and pride that has built our nation.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is sure to be an educational and enlightening experience on any trip to the nation’s capital. Let us take you there!