This was one of my most anticipated destinations. I didn't get to spend hardly any time here last time we visited, and I was really looking forward to it. I made a plan to visit all of the areas of the museum and spent a whole afternoon there. As it turned out, I didn't go to every single exhibit--there were a couple of special exhibits that just really didn't interest me at all. For the most part, though, I went through the whole thing and saw some really interesting things. Also on that level is Julia Child's kitchen, with an exhibit about her cooking and contributions to cuisine.
The bottom floor of the museum is dedicated to American developments in science and transportation. The science exhibit takes you from the beginnings of laboratory science, through the nuclear and chemical developments of the past century, and into the present. The transportation section was similar, taking you on a journey from rail to early cars, through the present.
On the main floor of the museum you can see the newly restored Star Spangled Banner. It is a huge flag, and has its very own room with low UV light and all sorts of historical displays around it. It's heavily guarded and there's no photography allowed, but I did get a picture of the outside of the exhibit. There are quite a few holes in the flag were keepsakes portions were cut out during the 19th century. When it was first acquired by the Smithsonian, they hung it outside the castle for the public to view. Now it's all locked up and completely transparent in parts, but will probably last a while in that condition.
Also on the main floor was the famous First Ladies exhibit, with a long line to get in. Almost all of the first ladies have donated a dress and other items to the museum to commemorate the time they spent in the White House. Only selected items are on display, but it is very interesting to see the changing fashions and special personal items though our country's history. My pictures of that section didn't turn out very well, either, due to the crowds. It has been one of the museum's most popular exhibits since it opened many years ago.
I thought the third floor was the most interesting section of the museum. It held the pop culture items, just a small exhibit of the many, many items in the collection. I saw my beloved Kermie, as well as the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Other highlights for me included Oscar the Grouch right next to Seinfeld's puffy shirt, and Stephen Colbert's portrait (yes, it's already in there!).
There was also a very interesting exhibit on Lincoln's life in honor of his 200th birthday this year. I saw his tall top hat, his suit and one of Mary's dresses, and many other items.
Finally, there was a large section dedicated to the many wars in our country's history. There were artifacts from all of the wars beginning with the Revolution, with items like George Washington's uniform, a Redcoat uniform, the desk used at Appomattox Courthouse, and more. Very interesting.
After this visit, Adam met me and we headed over to the National Archives to round out the day in American history. We had to wait in a very long, but at least moving, line. I happened to see my principal, Tracey, as we were waiting in line. Small world! We went through security and then made our way to the rotunda where the original founding documents of our country are safely housed. There were crowds of people around and we didn't' get much more than a quick glance, but I tried to get a few photos. These documents definitely look their ages! They are faded and difficult to read, but it was still neat to get to see them. There are also some other exhibits in the building from the archives, which house many important records and documents from our history. I especially enjoyed the display of letters to the Presidents throughout history. Some of them are really funny!
We rounded out the day with a dinner at the District Chophouse, an excellent steakhouse and brewery near Capitol Hill. It was a little pricey, but very tasty. Notice the glass...
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