2-Day Women in DC Tour
Day 1 You'll See:
Cherry blossoms frame the Washington monument in Washington DC during Cherry Blossom Festival as the tidal basin reflects the blooms
- Surratt House Tour
- Museum of Women in the Arts
- Historic Homes Tour
Day 2 You'll See:
- Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
- International Spy Museum
- Mary McLeod House
Day 1 -
Surratt House Tour - While in D.C you should definitely check out some Mary Surratt history, the woman being an infamous legend around this area for her part in the John Wilkes Booth death and conspiracy. While in the city of D.C itself you can visit the historic townhouse and museum that was used in 1864 as a conspirator hang out and John Wilkes Booth hideaway/nightly stay, or you can choose to take a 12-hour bus tour around the (mostly) 45-mile radius jam-packed with Booth and Surratt history hotspots. After the death of Lincoln, Mary Surratt was tried and hanged for her ‘participation’ in the events, becoming the first women executed by the United States federal government. It goes without saying, you and your group will learn a lot about an essential, interesting, and unique point in America’s history with either the tour or the home visit.
Museum of Women in the Arts -Welcome to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the only major museum in the world that is solely dedicated to women’s achievements in visual, literary, and performing arts. Located along New York Avenue Northwest in Washington D.C, this gorgeous federal building hosts regular special exhibits, lectures, and community/gallery events, not to mention the renowned permanent collection and onsite cafe. It takes groups on average 2 full hours to see the 3,000 plus masterpieces within, so be sure to save plenty of time and wear some comfortable walking shoes! While exploring this astounding art museum you will see such artists as Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt, and such works as Frida’s Self Portrait, Cassatt’s The Bath, Elisabetta Sirani Virgin and Child, and even Rosalba’s America. Take part in the Daily Gallery Experience, a daily 30-minute conversation piece spotlighting 2 different gallery works, usually taking place at or closely around 2 pm.
Historic Homes Tour - While in D.C you and your group should definitely save a little extra time to see any of the many historic homes dotting the city, several of them providing additional cultural, ecological, or architectural knowledge as well. There are so many throughout, it may be hard to choose just a few or know where to start, which is why we suggest either a guided Historic Home Off the Beaten Path Tour or the following 3 specifically listed historic homes around Georgetown.
- Hillwood Estate - Marjorie Post, a previous owner of General Foods and once one of the richest women in the United States, bought this gorgeous Georgian style mansion and estate in 1955, then known as one of the most beautiful homes in the area.
Dumbarton Oaks - Another great historic home your group should check out is the Byzantine artifact-filled, Harvard owned, 1920 estate known as Dumbarton Oaks.
Tudor Place - Last but most certainly not least we have Tudor Place, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband’s family built the home, the acreage bought with her step-grandfather, George Washington’s, family money after his death in 1799.
Day 2 -
Capitol Hill Building at dusk with lake reflection and blue sky, Washington DC.
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum - The Daughters of the American Revolution have been an integral part of American history, and history keeping, since 1890. Today this women’s service organization is dedicated to historical preservation, education, patriotism, and honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War, a list of values that can also be seen at the DAR Museum in D.C. This museum is a ‘place for the collection of historical relics... .portraits, pictures, etc…’ from pre-industrial America. This museum aims to preserve, collect, and exhibit various artifacts from this time period and displays them for further education on the culture and social history of America during those times. Within the museum, you and your group will find over 30,000 objects, from decorative arts exhibits to costumes, quilts, and needlework. Seeing all these historical furnishings, cultural and regional differences, and impact of industrial America, in general, is a very important learning experience your group can have, not to mention how unique and genuinely entertaining it is!
International Spy Museum - Adopt a cover identity and struggle to keep it under pressure, test your code breaking skills, and even meet Bond villains up-close in this unique look into the world’s secret intelligence agencies. The International Spy Museum explores the role of espionage in history and today's modern world, focusing on learning the craft, practice, tools, and missions of the world’s spies, both real and fictional. The museum was developed by and continues to receive advice from experts in the field including the former directors of the FBI, Central Intelligence Agency, and the former director general of the British Secret Service, MI-5. Exhibits include collections of over 200 authentic spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, and more. Test your burgeoning spy skills at interactive displays, learn about the role of intelligence in the Civil War and the ancient practice of trading secrets!
Mary McLeod Statue - Mary Mcleod Bethune was one of the country’s finest and most accomplished citizens, working in her time as an educator, presidential advisor, Civil Rights activist, politician, and a leader of men. A statue in her honor was erected in July of 1974 in Lincoln Park, the largest park on Capitol Hill, making it the first monument dedicated to an African-American woman in a public park. The memorial statue designed by artist Robert Berks depicts Mary Mcleod Bethune supported on a cane gifted to her by President Roosevelt handing off her legacy in the form of a scroll to two young children. Bethune’s philosophy can be summarized by the last lines of the statue’s inscription: “I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow men. I leave you finally, with a responsibility to our young people.” Both the memorial and Lincoln Park are open for visitors 24 hours a day.
