If you have a love of history, or want to instill it in others, research the budget flights to Washington DC, and check out some of the vital documents of our nation’s history with a visit to the National Archives.  The National Archives is the repository for documents related to the business of running the country, which in turn are made available for public viewing.  Thee aren’t some dry and dusty pieces of paper, though, these are some of the most legally and historically significant documents of our country’s history.

The most significant documents to me are those related to the founding of the country and, in fact, they are some of the most often visited displays.  The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are proudly displayed in a Rotunda, with the original documents preserved and displayed in glass cabinets. Original murals, recently restored, surround the room and depict the Founding Fathers and signers of the documents.  It’s almost like they are looking down at you and the documents.

The Magna Carta, the only original copy on permanent display in the United States, is not currently available for viewing as it as been removed for a year in preparation for re-encasement.  On my visit I had the opportunity to see it, and as I looked at it all I could think was that this document in front of me dated back to 1297 – that’s over 700 years ago!

After studying these documents in text books for so many years, the thrill of seeing the REAL THING left me a little speechless.  This is history, right in front of me.  It’s hard to think of much to say that can compete with that.

The Archives also maintains military records, including an impressive collection of photographs from WWI and WWII, along with the Presidential Libraries, and other more routine records.  If you’re interested in research, many of these resources can be access online.

Location:  Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th & 9th Street.  The closest Metro stops are Archives-Navy Memorial (yellow and green lines).

Hours:  The Archives are open during the Spring and Summer (March 15th through Labor Day) from 10 am-7 pm; during the Fall and Winter closing is at 5:30 pm.

Admission:  FREE

Time:  An hour and a half should give you plenty of time to view the key documents, allowing for some crowd factor.

Photo credit:  Dan Smith via wikimedia commons (exterior); Rick Dikeman via wikimedia commons (interior)

Note:  This post was sponsored by JetAbroad; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

Share on Facebook

There are gardens, and then there are splendid gardens, and the latter is exactly what you’ll expect and get at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington DC.

The name Botanic Garden is somewhat misleading, as this collection is more than just a garden — it’s a museum of living plants.  The site is located on the National Mall, at the foot of the Capitol Building, and is comprised of the Conservatory, National Garden, and Bartholdi Park.

The USBG dates back to 1816, with the concept of collecting, growing, and distributing plants from around the world that might contribute to the welfare of the American people.  The idea started, and then sputtered, but eventually caught on after the Wilkes Expedition brought a collection of living plants from around the world back to Washington.

Walking through the gardens,  you’ll likely find some of your old favorites, as well as plenty of things that you’ve never seen before.  The collection is all labeled, so after scratching your head trying to guess what you’re looking at, just look down for the label and you’ll know.  There are a variety of living exhibits, and seasonal displays, making it about  4,000 plants on display.  It can seem overwhelming.  But, if you want to know more, look around for one of the docents.  They are quite knowledgeable, and can answer questions and provide further information.  For me, that meant learning the sad news that many of the plants I love will not grow here in the rainy Pacific Northwest.

My favorite displays were the orchids.  Large and small, and in a variety of shapes, from a simple white in color, to more vibrant tropical colors — they all were beautiful.  Oh how I wish I had a green thumb.

While the USBG is great on a sunny summer day, it offers year round, all weather options.  As the seasons change, so do the blooms, so don’t let the time of year or the weather put you off a visit.

Location:  The main entrance to the Conservatory is at 100 Maryland Avenue SW.  The National Garden is right next door, with entrances on Independence Avenue, Maryland Avenue and the Conservatory Terrace.  Bartholdi Park is located across from the Conservatory on Independence Avenue.

Hours:  The Conservatory is open daily, 10 am-5 pm (including weekends and holidays); the National Garden is open 10 am – 5 pm daily, with extended hours till 7 pm during the summer; Bartholdi Parks is open dawn to dusk daily.

Admission:  FREE

By Metro:  Blue or Orange line to the Federal Center SW or Capital South station.

Photo credit:  Andreas Praefcke (conservatory); USBG (orchids)

Share on Facebook

Located on a 14 acre parcel along the east bank of the Anacostia River, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only National Park that is devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants, with a history that is of great significance to the botanical study and development of water plants.

The gardens were initially a hobby for Civil War veteran W.B. Shaw.  With a few water lilies from his estate of Maine, and a single pond, he started his hobby venture.  As the the plants thrived, he dug more ponds and experimented more in developing hybrid lilies, turning a hobby into a burgeoning business.

In 1921, Helen Shaw Fowler (W.B.’s daughter) agreed to let the public in for a viewing of the lilies one day a week during the blooming season.  It’s estimated that up to 6,000 people a day lined up to see lilies growing in their natural state, including many prominent DC residents.  Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, and President and Mrs. Wilson were often visitors at the gardens.  The gardens ceased commercial operation in 1938.

Today the combined Aquatic Gardens, Kenilworth Marsh, and Kenilworth Park take up 700 acres, and are part of the National Park system.  The garden is also included in the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the landmarks of the National Capital.  The larger park site also includes ball fields and recreational facilities.

A visit during the summer when the water lilies and lotus are in bloom is a beautiful treat.  The vibrant pinks and stark white contrast dramatically against the shades of green.  It’s impossible not to be amazed at the wonder of nature.  Go early in the day to get the best view of the blooms.  As the temperatures near the 90′s, the blooms close up.  You can also be able to see some of the other garden denizens, including birds, frogs, turtles, butterflies and dragonflies.

It’s an easy walk around the grounds, but if the temperatures are soaring, you may want to bring some cold water with you.  Sunscreen and a hat would also be good to bring along.  The gardens cover approximately 12 acres of open ponds, so if you’re bringing children, be sure to keep a close eye on them so they don’t fall into the ponds.  Wear sensible walking shoes — these are gardens after all — and if there’s been a recent rainstorm, the ground will be muddy, and the edges of the pond, soft.

Late May through September is the best time for viewing the flowering aquatic plants, so you’re in prime viewing season right now. But if you’re own of season, there’s still a lot to see at the Aquatic Gardens.  In the Spring, wildflowers bloom in the surrounding Kenilworth Marsh, Fall brings in spectacular foliage, and Winter is the best time for watching wildlife and birding.

Location:  1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington DC (map)

Hours:  7 am – 4 pm daily

Viewing time:  The time needed to see the Gardens will depend on the season, time of day, and temperature.  I’d suggest allowing a couple of hours, which will give you time to enjoy the flowers and spend some time relaxing.  Be sure to bring your camera with you!  You’ll find lots of people there working on their photography skills.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Share on Facebook

With the recent retirement announcement of Justice John Paul Stevens, the Supreme Court is getting a lot of attention.  The highest court in the land, charged with ensuring equal justice under law, occupies a majestic building of classical Corinthian style, and is located across from the US Capitol Building and the Library of Congress in Washington DC.

The Supreme Court, both the building and the court itself, has always occupied a special place for me.  Perhaps it was those years in law school spent studying the decisions of the Court.  Perhaps it’s because these are supposed to be the best and brightest legal minds.  Perhaps it is because these life time appointments are steeped in legal wrangling and maneuvering the likes of which are rarely publicly seen.  Whatever the reason, the Supreme Court building always instills me with a sense of reverence.

US Supreme Court in Washington DC

On each side of the front steps are marble figures:  one male representing the Guardian or Authority of Law, and one female representing the Contemplation of Justice.  It’s sort of the ying and yang of the judicial system.

As you enter the front doors, you pass through 16 marble columns, above which is inscribed “Equal Justice Under the Law.” Passing beneath this phrase is a sobering moment for me, representing all that is fundamentally right about our system of jurisprudence and the checks and balances in our judicial system.  Of course we have some flaws, but the Supreme Court is one of those humbling institutions that make me proud to be an American.

Entering the building takes you through the grand corridor that eventually leads to the Courtroom.  Along the corridor are busts of all the former Chief Justices of the court.  Stop and take a look, and see if you can recall any of the name.

At the end of the corridor is the Court Chamber, a room 82 by 901 feet and flanked by 24 marble columns.  The focal point of the chamber is the raised Bench where the Justices are seated when Court is in session.  This is where oral arguments are heard, and despite the mighty issues that are argued here, the room itself seems quite small.

All oral arguments are open to the public, although seating is limited.  Unless you are party to the argument or a member of the Supreme Court Bar, seating for oral argument is available on a first-come, first-served, basis.  If you want to hear oral argument, there are two visiting options:  attending the entire argument or attending for a portion of the argument (three minutes).  Separate lines queue up on days that the Court is in session.

The courtroom where the Supreme Courts Justices hear oral agruments

On the lower floor of the building are portraits of the justices, some scale models of the Court, and a variety of historical exhibits.  The floors of the Court are connected by an impressive marble staircase, which can be viewed from locations on both the main and lower floors.

Security measures are in effect at the Supreme Court, and all visitors must go through a security checkpoint.  Weapons and other dangerous or illegal items are obviously not permitted.  When the Court is in session, other prohibited items include:  cameras, radios, pagers, tape players, cell phones, tape recorders, electronic equipment, hats, overcoats, magazines, books, briefcases and luggage.  Sunglasses, identification tags (other than military), display buttons, and inappropriate clothing may not be worn in the Courtroom.

Location:  The Supreme Court is located at One First Street N.E., in Washington DC (map), across from the US Capitol Building (map) and the Library of Congress (map).  It can be reached by subway (Blue and Orange Line, Capitol South stop, and Red Line, Union Station stop).

Hours:  The building is open 9 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.  You can obtain a list of the oral argument schedules at the Supreme Court’s website, or by calling the court at (202) 479-3211.  Public lectures about the Court are offered in the Courtroom on the hour and half hour, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm on days that the Court is not in session.

Photo credits:  Laura Padgett @flickr (exterior of building); runJMrun @flickr (interior)

Share on Facebook

Located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, opposite the District of Columbia and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon is adjacent to the Unites States Marine Corps War Memorial. The site is park of the National Park System.

Set among thousands of tulips in a park setting, the 127-foot high tower was a gift to the American people from the Dutch.  It was a symbol of friendship characterized by a common allegiance to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy that has weathered temporary differences.  The bell carillon was originally installed in a temporary tower in 1954, and was then moved to its current location in 1960.  It was officially dedicated on May 5th, 1960, the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis, meaning the 50th anniversary is nearly upon us.

The carillon originally contained 49 bells.  On May 5th, 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation, a 50th bell was added.  The largest bell measures nearly 7-foot in diameter and weighs 12,264 pounds.  The smallest bell is eight inches in diameter and weighs 35 pounds.  The bells are programmed to play automatically by computer, striking the hour daily between 10 am and 6 pm.  In addition, special programs and concerts are also held.

Two bronze lions guard the plaza steps of the carillon, and a staircase leads up to an observatory platform.  From the observatory platform, a small circular staircase winds up to the glass enclosed bell cabin, which is 83 feet above the ground.  You can climb up the tower.

Plan a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens surround the bell carillon.  When the tulips are in bloom it is especially pretty.  This is a family friendly space, and it’s okay to play on the grass.  In fact, this makes a perfect spot for the kids to burn off a little energy while the adults spread out for a few restful moments, or just sit and enjoy the weather and a little people watching.  The spot provides a great view of DC’s monuments, and if you linger on into dusk you can enjoy the spectacular view of the city as the lights of the monuments and city come on.

Photo credit:  wikimedia

Share on Facebook

If you find yourself with spare time while waiting for your connection at Dulles Airport, consider getting off property for a few hours at the  Steven F. Udvar- Hazy Center.  A part of The Smithsonian Institute, the Center is a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum (map), and is located near Washington Dulles International Airport (map).  The two locations have the largest aviation and space collection in the world.

Udvar-Hazy is the President and CEO of International Lease Finance Corp. (a major player in the commercial aircraft business), and the major donor to the Center.  The name honors his efforts to the funding side of the Center in addition to his career in aviation.

The facility is immense, and full of displays, large and small, famous and relatively unknown.  Among the famous are:  the Enola Gay, the SR-71 Blackbird (my favorite display), an Air France Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.  Also on view are a variety of experimental flying machines, ultra-light flyers, and military aircraft.

The Space part of the collection is represented by the Space Shuttle, and a variety of other spacecraft, rockets, and satellites, including the Gemini VII space capsule, a Redstone rocket, and the quarantine unit used for the returning crew of Apollo 11.

I recommend wandering through the exhibits and a leisurely pace, stopping when you find something that grabs you’re interest.  Allow a couple of hours for viewing in this fashion, and you’ll get through everything.  The Visitor’s center has a flight plan that maps our important displays and artifacts, so pick one up so you don’t miss any of the big displays.  If you want more guided, in depth information, opt for one of the docent-led tours.

The Center also has an IMAX theater, a flight simulator, and a 164-foot tall observation tower.  The tower provides a nice view of the surrounding areas, as well as a great location for watching take-offs and landings at Dulles.  There is also the requisite food service and museum store.

The Center is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10 am – 5:30 pm, with extended summer hours till 6:30 pm. There is no admission charge, although daily parking is $15, and free after 4 pm  A 6-visit parking pass is available at a discounted price.  There is a shuttle between the two Air and Space Museums, and between the Center and Dulles Airport.  Check for an updated schedule and fees, and pickup locations.

Photo credit: Photo by Dane Penland, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Copyright: Smithsonian Institution

Share on Facebook

It’s all about the money.  Always has been.  Apparently always will be.

At least it is at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).

The BEP prints all the Federal Reserve notes (translation:  Money) at facilities in Washington DC and Ft Worth, Texas.  Coins are produced by the US Mint.  The BEP also prints other specialty items, including engraved White House invitations, and other security documents for various governmental agencies.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Washington DC

Free tours are offered at both facilities, and provide an overview of the steps in the money making process.  I toured the Washington DC facility on a rainy mid-week afternoon.  There were no lines, and even though the tour group dawdled a bit, it still only took about an hour to watch stacks and stacks of large pieces of paper become ready-to-be-spent hundred dollar bills.  There is also a short movie which explains the process.

At the end of the tour is the requisite gift shop, where you can find treasury bills for serious collectors, as well as an assortment of novelty items.

The Washington DC facility is located at 14th & C Streets, S.W.  (map) Tour times are seasonal, so check the BEP website to make your plans.

During the apring and summer season, tickets are required.  They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket booth on Raoul Wallenberg Place on the same day only.  The ticket booth opens at 8 am, and closes when all tickets have been distributed.  This is a popular tour, so plan to get to the line early as tickets go fast.

The Fort Worth facility is located at 9000 Blue Mound Road (map).  Check for tour availability.

Photo credit:  Daquella manera @flickr

Share on Facebook