With another 8th grade grandson, I am returning to Washington, D.C. with his class for some sightseeing and education. I do love these trips and am excited for all that the next few days will bring. Come along with me and I'll share the fun info I've managed to pick up. We have a flight that is bright and early and arrive in D.C. just after 11 and it's a wee bit chilly here. In fact, it is snowing. Not much, but perhaps a telling factor for the next few days. Into the bus and we are off towards the National Mall.
Lunch on the go --- pre-ordered and ready for us on the bus.
Arriving at the National Mall, the museums look all around but we pass them by as our first stop is nearby.
Love this sculpture of an old typewriter eraser --- found in the park across the street from the National Archives.
Yep, THIS is our first stop. No pictures allowed inside, but it's always fun to see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. There are also some great exhibits to see and experience.
Cherry trees across the street -- thinking about budding out, but freezing instead.
Kids will always find something to do --- no matter how cold out it is.
My grandson and his friend.
I snuck ONE photo inside the gift shop --- how could this hurt anything? This sign made me smile.
A few pics as I take a group of boys back to the bus after finishing inside.
Everyone is loaded back up and we are onto our next destination, passing the National Mall on the way and getting our first glimpse of the Washington Monument.
Scenes as we drive --- through the windows.
The National Gallery of Art as we pass by.
Our first destination - The National Museum of American History.
Another view of the Washington Monument.
Poor flowers --- it's dang cold out here.
George Washington - "In 1832 the U.S. Congress commissioned sculptor Horatio Greenough to create a statue of George Washington on the occasion of the centennial of the first president's birthday. Installed in the Capitol Rotunda after its completion, Greenough envisioned the statue to be a symbolic representation of Washington as a great exemplar of liberty. The completed 12-ton marble statue atop a granite pedestal and base depicted the first president wearing a chest-baring toga. While many viewers appreciated the artist's attempt to create a timeless masterpiece, others saw only an inappropriately dressed Washington. A friend of the artist noted: 'This magnificent production of genius doe not seem to be appreciated at its full value in this metropolis.' Greenough's sculpture is enriched with symbols: Washington's figure is modeled on the classic statuary of ancient Greece, seat of the world's first democracy. Carvings on the sides depict the Greek god Apollo and an infant Hercules. Small flanking figure of an American Indian and Christopher Columbus represent the New and Old Worlds. The most important symbol, however, is the sword in Washington's outstretched hand: this celebrates the fact that after he led the country to victory in the American Revolution, he selflessly relinquished his power to the people. The statue was on display in the Capitol Rotunda from 1841 to 1843 when it was relocated to the east lawn. In 1908 Congress transferred the statue to the Smithsonian Institution where it was exhibited in the Smithsonian Castle until its relocation to the new National Museum of American History in 1964. It has resided on the second floor of the Museum ever since."
Jen and I find these fun historic bicycles to try out.
At this point, we are right near some windows that give us a view of the outside courtyard and beyond.
This dollhouse really pulled me in. In fact, I hunted it down. I do love miniatures and wish I had worked with over the course of my life. Check this one out. The sign says, "Children of all ages (even the grownup ones) love miniatures and doll houses. Faith Bradford loved them so much that she offered to make one for the Smithsonian Institution to display in its museum. Faith used imagination and creativity to make a home and a story for Peter and Rose Doll and their ten children, five servants, twenty pets and two grandparents who have come to visit. She filled the Doll's house with the furniture, appliances, and decorations that a busy family might need in the early 20th century. Some were homemade and some were store bought. All were chosen with care."
A close-up shot - Mother, Rose Doll, in her room - Father, Pete Doll, in his study - not sure about third room
One exhibit shows all of the First Lady inauguration dresses. Here's just one to share. It belonged to Caroline Harrison. Burgundy velvet and gray satin evening gown embroidered in a floral design with gray pearls and steel beads. The dress was later altered by a family member. Caroline Harrison was praised for her modest wardrobe. The Philadelphia Times called the incoming first lady "a sensible exemplar for American Women." Following the president's America First economic policy, her inaugural gown and the rest of her wardrobe were made in the United States. As we exit the museum, another view of the monument is ours.
From here we are walking next door off to the National Museum of Natural History. Inside, they are preparing for an event this evening and I'm fascinated with the way the glasses are stacked in the meantime.
Into the Ocean section we go ---- ahhhh, my heart. Check out this Leatherback Turtle.
Followed up by a blue whale.
There is a wonderful aquarium with night lighting and live coral and fish. I am in love.
Check out the tiny starfish here -
So amazing. I simply love coral.
We roam the entire wing and find ourselves back in the rotunda right as it nears the time to depart. Apparently, my fascination with the Washington Monument continues.
The bus is now en route to the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. Out the window along the way.
As we leave the bus, the crazy, freezing cold, wind chill of who knows how low hits us like a slap in the face. Weathering it, we are off to the memorial.
Jen and I grab one frozen moment along the water's edge.
Now - to check out the feature. This is my first time to this particular memorial. This memorial goes through all four terms of his presidency in order.
The cool part about this particular area is that the wall engravings are mirrored in the columns. Look close and see just what I mean.
There is even a section with Eleanor Roosevelt. She is the only first lady involved in a memorial. The reason is that she was the first United States delegate to the United Nations.
At this point, a rebellion takes place and even though we are supposed to move on to another memorial, everyone races to the busses for warmth. We are done. It's time to head off to dinner anyway and I spot the Jefferson Memorial along the way.
Dinner and check in at the hotel happens next and I could not be happier. This girl is beat. Dinner is yummy, though and I would love a TON of these wings. Back tomorrow with more fun.
With another 8th grade grandson, I am returning to Washington, D.C. with his class for some sightseeing and education. I do love these trips and am excited for all that the next few days will bring. Come along with me and I'll share the fun info I've managed to pick up. We have a flight that is bright and early and arrive in D.C. just after 11 and it's a wee bit chilly here. In fact, it is snowing. Not much, but perhaps a telling factor for the next few days. Into the bus and we are off towards the National Mall.
One exhibit shows all of the First Lady inauguration dresses. Here's just one to share. It belonged to Caroline Harrison. Burgundy velvet and gray satin evening gown embroidered in a floral design with gray pearls and steel beads. The dress was later altered by a family member. Caroline Harrison was praised for her modest wardrobe. The Philadelphia Times called the incoming first lady "a sensible exemplar for American Women." Following the president's America First economic policy, her inaugural gown and the rest of her wardrobe were made in the United States. As we exit the museum, another view of the monument is ours. 
No comments:
Post a Comment