Museums and Historic Sites
106 South St.
Easton, Md,, 21601
410-822-2787 Fax: 410-822-5997
Email: info@art-academy.org + academy@goeaston.net
Web site: www.art-academy.org
The museum houses a permanent collection of art centering on 19th- and 20th-century works on paper by James McNeill Whistler, Robert Rauschenberg and others; a second-floor gallery highlights regional artists. Concerts are performed in the museum's atrium. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Va., 22211
703-235-1530
Web site: www.nps.gov/arho
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The Robert E. Lee Museum at Arlington House is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Arlington House grounds are open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from Oct. 1 to March 31. Arlington House grounds and museum are closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Contact address: Arlington House, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run Park, McLean 22101.
Memorial Drive
Southern end of Memorial Bridge
Arlington, Va., 22211
703-607-8000
Web site: www.arlingtoncemetery.org
Major attractions include the Tomb of the Unknowns, where a formal changing of the guard ceremony is held every half-hour in the summer and on the hour the rest of the year. The tomb contains the remains of unknown U.S. soldiers from World Wars I and II and the Korean War. Each of the soldiers was presented with the Medal of Honor at the time of interment, and the medals, as well as the flags that covered their caskets, are on display inside the Memorial Amphitheater, to the rear of the tomb. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the Army's Old Guard. The Women's Memorial, dedicated in 1997, pays tribute to all servicewomen in the U.S. armed forces. It is at the Ceremonial Entrance to the cemetery. Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily April 1-Sept. 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. the rest of the year.
201 18th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20006
202-458-6016 Fax: 202-458-6021
Email: gsvitil@oas.org
Web site: www.museum.oas.org
The museum spotlights the art and cultural traditions of the 34 member countries of the Organization of American States, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Free.
400 Michigan Ave. NE
Washington, D.C., 20017
202-526-8300
Web site: www.nationalshrine.com
The basilica is the pre-eminent Marian shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. The shrine was proposed in the early 1900s, but construction of the main church was not completed until 1959. The church has several chapels. Hours: Open year-round.
400 Michigan Ave. NE
Washington, D.C., 20017
202-526-8300
Web site: www.nationalshrine.com
The basilica is the pre-eminent Marian shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. The shrine was proposed in the early 1900s, but construction of the main church was not completed until 1959. The church has several chapels. Hours: Open year-round.
14th and C streets SW
Washington, DC, 20228
Tour office: 202-874-2330 866-874-2330
Web site: www.moneyfactory.gov
The public may tour the printing facility, which produces millions of dollars' worth of paper money every day. Hours: 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free tickets are distributed at the ticket booth on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of eight tickets per person. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
14200 Solomons Island Rd.
PO Box 97
Solomons, Md., 20688
410-326-2042
Email: information@calvertmarinemuseum.com
Web site: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com
This public, nonprofit museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, research and interpretation of the culture and natural history of Southern Maryland. Its mission is to interpret three maritime themes: regional Miocene paleontology, estuarine life on the tidal Patuxent River and adjacent Chesapeake Bay and the maritime histories of these waters. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Adults, $7; seniors, $6; ages 5-12, $2; 4 and younger, free; members, free.
10509 Wakeman Dr.
Manassas, Va., 20110
703-368-1873
Web site: www.manassasmuseum.org
This is one of two remaining Civil War earthwork fortifications in Manassas. Historians believe they were built by Union troops in 1863 and 1864 as part of a series of forts meant to defend supply lines along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad line. Cannon Branch Fort is under renovation and is expected to reopen in July.
13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd.
Thurmont, Md., 21788
301-271-4922 301-271-3180
Web site: www.cwpzoo.com
This private, family-owned and professionally operated zoo houses more than 400 animals, including lions, lemurs, bears, cobras, monkeys and macaws. The zoo offers special events, educational programs and volunteer opportunities. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in April, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in May, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in September, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends, weather permitting, in November. Admission: $12.95 for ages 13 and older, $11.95 for members of the military and seniors 60 and older, $8.95 for children 2-12.
9419 Battle St.
Manassas, Va., 20110
703-330-ARTS (2787)
Email: info@center-for-the-arts.com
Web site: www.center-for-the-arts.com
The 1908 Hopkins Candy Factory was restored in 2001 and 2002 and is now the home of Manassas's Center for the Arts.
500 17th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20006
202-639-1700
Web site: www.corcoran.org
This is one of the District's oldest art museums. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays. Open some Monday holidays. Admission: $8; seniors, $6; student ID, $4; parents with children 17 and younger, $12; 11 and younger, free. No admission fee after 5 p.m. Thursdays.
Hospital Hill
Warrenton, Va., 20186
A U.S. flag on a 70-foot pole honors 158 Fauquier County residents who died in military service during the 20th century. The memorial, designed by sculptor Frederick Hart, features a bronze railing depicting marching soldiers.
201 E. Capitol St. SE
Washington, D.C., 20003
202-544-4600 Fax: 202-544-4623
Email: webmaster@folger.edu
Web site: www.folger.edu
The library is dedicated to the life and works of William Shakespeare. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, except federal holidays. Exhibition and building tours begin at 11 a.m. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. Garden tours begin at 10 and 11 a.m. every third Saturday, April-October. Free. Call 202-675-0395 for group tours.
511 10th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20004
202-426-6924 Fax: 202-426-1845
Web site: www.nps.gov/foth
The site is dedicated to the life and times of, and the assassination of, Abraham Lincoln. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free.
13551 Fort Washington Rd.
Fort Washington, Md., 20744
301-763-4600
Web site: www.nps.gov/fowa
This is one of the few seacoast forts in its original form. The 341-acre national park has hiking and biking trails and overlooks the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April-Oct. 18; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 19-April 2007. Park grounds are open 8:30 a.m.-dark. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. $3 per individual, $5 per vehicle.
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, Md., 20812
301-634-2222 Fax: 301-634-2260
Email: info@glenechopark.org
Web site: www.glenechopark.org+www.nps.gov/glec
The site features a historic carousel and ballroom. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays.
10709 Gunston Rd.
Mason Neck, Va, 22079
703-550-9220 Fax: 703-550-9480
Web site: www.gunstonhall.org
Gunston Hall was the plantation home of George Mason, a framer of the U.S. government. The home, built about 1755, is on 550 acres and is open for tours. Many special events are held here throughout the year. Hours: 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue
at Seventh Street SW
Washington, DC, 20560
202-633-4674 202-357-2700
Web site: hirshhorn.si.edu
The museum has primarily focused its collection and exhibitions on the post-World War II period, with particular emphasis on art created during the last 30 years. Key artists of the 20th century, including Picasso, Giacometti, de Kooning and Warhol, are represented in the collection. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Plaza: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sculpture garden: 7:30 a.m.-dusk. Free.
18751 Hogaboom Lane,
off Rosecroft Rd.
St. Mary's City, Md.,
240-895-4990 800-762-1634
Email: hsmc@smcm.edu
Web site: www.stmaryscity.org
This outdoor living history museum and archaeological park documents the life of Maryland's first permanent colony and the state's first capital (1634-1695), Godiah Spray Plantation, Woodland Indian Hamlet, 1676 State House, historic town center and the Dove, a replica of one of the two vessels that brought the original colonists. Exhibits are open from mid-March through November, with special events on weekends through December.
800 F St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20004
202-393-7798 TTY: 202-654-2840
Web site: www.spymuseum.org
This is a museum about espionage and its impact on current and historic events, focusing on the role spies have played throughout history. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in the spring and summer. Admittance to permanent exhibits ends at 6 p.m. Admission: $15; ages 65 and older, active military, intelligence community, $14; ages 5-11, $12; ages 4 and younger, free.
800 F St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20004
202-393-7798 TTY: 202-654-2840
Web site: www.spymuseum.org
This is a museum about espionage and its impact on current and historic events, focusing on the role spies have played throughout history. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in the spring and summer. Admittance to permanent exhibits ends at 6 p.m. Admission: $15; ages 65 and older, active military, intelligence community, $14; ages 5-11, $12; ages 4 and younger, free.
2551 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20008
202-332-8343 Fax: 202-234-5035
Web site: www.theislamiccenter.com
Washington's first mosque opened in 1957. Women are asked to wear long sleeves, below-the-knee hemlines and long scarves over their hair. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Group tours by appointment: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Library and bookstore hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays.
for the Performing Arts
2700 F St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20566
202-467-4600
Web site: www.kennedy-center.org
The Kennedy Center presents more than 3,000 performances a year, including music, dance and theater. Free guided tours are given in English 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Printed guides are available in English, Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Tours depart from the parking plaza on Level A and feature the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the center's theaters and dozens of paintings, sculptures and other artwork given to the center by other countries.
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, D.C., 20540
202-707-5000 Visitor information: 202-707-8000
Web site: www.loc.gov
This is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 130 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps and 58 million manuscripts. Public tours are offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Saturday public tours are offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. All Library of Congress buildings are closed to the public on Sundays and federal holidays.
9900 Stoneybrook Dr.
Kensington, Md., 20895
301-587-0144 301-588-0650
Web site: www.lds.org/placestovisit
The world's third-largest Mormon temple sits on 57 acres near the Capital Beltway. Visitor center hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, Va., 22121
703-780-2000
Web site: www.mountvernon.org
The estate of George Washington is open seven days a week year-round. April-August, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; March, September and October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and November-February, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Explorer Road, off Soil Conservation Road.
Greenbelt, Md., 20771
301-286-9041 Fax: 301-286-1781
Email: alwillia@pop100.gsfc.nasa.gov
Web site: www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/visitor/home/index.html
The hub of all NASA tracking activities, Goddard is also responsible for the development of unmanned sounding rockets and research in space and Earth sciences, including NASA's Mission to Planet Earth. Collections include space flight artifacts and photographs. Visitor center hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New YearGÇÖs Day. Free.
Department of Commerce
14th Street between Constitution and Pennsylvania avenues NW
14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.,
202-482-2825 Fax: 202-482-4946
Email: info@nationalaquarium.com
Web site: www.nationalaquarium.com
Animal keeper talks and animal feedings take place daily. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admittance ends at 4:30 p.m. Admission: $5; ages 2-10, $2; seniors and military personnel, $4; children younger than 2, free.
Department of Commerce
14th Street between Constitution and Pennsylvania avenues NW
14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.,
202-482-2825 Fax: 202-482-4946
Email: info@nationalaquarium.com
Web site: www.nationalaquarium.com
Animal keeper talks and animal feedings take place daily. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admittance ends at 4:30 p.m. Admission: $5; ages 2-10, $2; seniors and military personnel, $4; children younger than 2, free.
700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20408
866-272-6272 TDD: 202-501-5404
Web site: www.archives.gov
The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are among the historic documents displayed here. The visitors' entrance is on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets. Reservations are required for groups of 20 or more. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20408
866-272-6272 TDD: 202-501-5404
Web site: www.archives.gov
The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are among the historic documents displayed here. The visitors' entrance is on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets. Reservations are required for groups of 20 or more. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
401 F St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20001
202-272-2448
Web site: www.nbm.org
The museum showcases architecture and building design. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free; a donation of $5 per person is suggested.
600 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20565
202-737-4215 TDD: 202-842-6176
Web site: www.nga.gov
The gallery's east and west wings house more than 100,000 works of art dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. Free.
at Explorers Hall
1145 17th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20036
202-857-7588
Web site: www.nationalgeographic.com/explorer
Changing exhibitions and permanent displays reflect the world's diversity. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed on Christmas. Free.
in the Arts
1250 New York Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20005
202-783-5000 800-222-7270
Web site: www.nmwa.org
The museum describes itself as "the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contributions of women artists." Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New YearGÇÖs Day. Adults, $8; ages 60 and older and students, $6; ages 18 and younger, free.
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20008
202-633-4800 TTY: 202-673-7800
Email: nationalzoo@nzp.si.edu
Web site: natzoo.si.edu
The zoo is home to giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian and their first offspring, Tai Shan, plus about 2,400 other animals. Hours: grounds, 6 a.m.-8 p.m., and buildings, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily April 2-Oct. 28; grounds, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and buildings, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily Oct. 30-April 1, 2006. Closed Christmas. Free.
1600 21st St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20009
202-387-2151 Fax: 202-387-2436
Web site: www.phillipscollection.org
This private museum was the nation's first museum of modern art and contains masterpieces in a mansion setting. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, noon-7 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays. Weekday admission for the permanent collection is by donation. Admission to special exhibits and weekend admission to the permanent collection for adults, students and seniors varies by exhibition. Children under 18 are free.
11175 Point Lookout Rd.
Route 5
Scotland, Md., 20687
301-872-5688 Fax: 301-872-5084
Web site: www.dnr.maryland.gov
The Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay join here. The area served as a watch post to warn of British ships during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. During the Civil War, it was a Union military district in which the federal government established a hospital and prisoner-of-war camp. Hours: sunrise-sunset year-round. The park is open to night fishers with valid licenses.
600 I St. NW
Washington, DC, 20001
202-408-3100 Fax: 202-408-5124
Web site: www.sixthandi.org
Originally dedicated as a synagogue in 1908, the building served as the home of Turner Memorial Baptist AME Church from 1951 to 2002. In 2004 it was rededicated as the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. Tours in English are offered noon-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and noon-3 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. Tours in Hebrew, French, German, Polish, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are offered by appointment. A $3 donation is suggested.
600 I St. NW
Washington, DC, 20001
202-408-3100 Fax: 202-408-5124
Web site: www.sixthandi.org
Originally dedicated as a synagogue in 1908, the building served as the home of Turner Memorial Baptist AME Church from 1951 to 2002. In 2004 it was rededicated as the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. Tours in English are offered noon-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and noon-3 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. Tours in Hebrew, French, German, Polish, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are offered by appointment. A $3 donation is suggested.
17th Street and
Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000
Email: info@saam.si.edu
Web site: www.americanart.si.edu/renwick
The gallery collects, exhibits, studies and preserves American crafts and decorative arts from the 19th to 21st centuries. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas. Free.
1050 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C., 20657
202-633-4880 Fax: 202-357-4911
Email: asiainfo@asia.si.edu
Web site: www.asia.si.edu
These are museums of Asian art. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Free. The Sackler Gallery is at 1050 Independence Ave. SW. The Freer Gallery is on Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW. The two are connected by an underground exhibition space.
1050 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C., 20657
202-633-4880 Fax: 202-357-4911
Email: asiainfo@asia.si.edu
Web site: www.asia.si.edu
These are museums of Asian art. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Free. The Sackler Gallery is at 1050 Independence Ave. SW. The Freer Gallery is on Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW. The two are connected by an underground exhibition space.
Air and Space Museum
Independence Avenue
at Fourth Street SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000
Web site: www.nasm.si.edu
The museum maintains the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
Air and Space Museum
Independence Avenue
at Fourth Street SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000
Web site: www.nasm.si.edu
The museum maintains the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
950 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-4600 Fax: 202-357-4879
Web site: www.nmafa.si.edu
The cultural diversity of Africa is reflected in this collection, which includes objects and works of art from ancient times to the present. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
950 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-4600 Fax: 202-357-4879
Web site: www.nmafa.si.edu
The cultural diversity of Africa is reflected in this collection, which includes objects and works of art from ancient times to the present. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000 TTY: 202-357-1729
Web site: americanhistory.si.edu
Millions of American artifacts are preserved here. Permanent and changing exhibitions explore major themes in American history and culture. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free. The museum will close Sept. 5 for renovations and is expected to reopen in summer 2008.
14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000 TTY: 202-357-1729
Web site: americanhistory.si.edu
Millions of American artifacts are preserved here. Permanent and changing exhibitions explore major themes in American history and culture. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free. The museum will close Sept. 5 for renovations and is expected to reopen in summer 2008.
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-357-2700 TTY: 202-357-1729
Web site: www.mnh.si.edu
The museum is dedicated to the study of natural and cultural history. Its collections include more than 125 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human artifacts. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Additional hours: open until 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until May 26, and open until 7:30 p.m. daily May 26-Sept. 3. Free.
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-357-2700 TTY: 202-357-1729
Web site: www.mnh.si.edu
The museum is dedicated to the study of natural and cultural history. Its collections include more than 125 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human artifacts. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Additional hours: open until 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until May 26, and open until 7:30 p.m. daily May 26-Sept. 3. Free.
Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000
Web site: www.nmai.si.edu
On the national Mall between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol, this newest part of the Smithsonian features nearly a million Native American artifacts. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Free.
Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-633-1000
Web site: www.nmai.si.edu
On the national Mall between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol, this newest part of the Smithsonian features nearly a million Native American artifacts. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Free.
Eighth and F streets NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-275-1738 Fax: 202-275-1887
Web site: www.npg.si.edu
The National Portrait Gallery is closed for renovations; it is scheduled to reopen July 1.
Mailing address:
National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian Institution
PO Box 37012
Victor Building, Suite 8300 MRC 973
Washington 20013
Eighth and F streets NW
Washington, D.C., 20560
202-275-1738 Fax: 202-275-1887
Web site: www.npg.si.edu
The National Portrait Gallery is closed for renovations; it is scheduled to reopen July 1.
Mailing address:
National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian Institution
PO Box 37012
Victor Building, Suite 8300 MRC 973
Washington 20013
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Washington, D.C., 20002
202-633-5555 TTY: 202-633-9849
Web site: www.postalmuseum.si.edu
Located on the lower level of the historic City Post Office Building, which served as the District post office from 1914 to 1986. In addition to one of the world's largest collections of stamps and philatelic materials, the museum has postal history material that predates stamps, vehicles used to transport the mail, mailboxes and mailbags, postal uniforms and equipment. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas. Free.
6655 Rose Hill Rd.
Port Tobacco, Md., 20677
301-392-1776
Web site: www.nps.gov/thst
This is the site of Haberdeventure, the family home of Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Stone and his wife, Margaret Brown, built the home in the early 1770s, and it remained the Stone family home until 1936. The National Park Service, which finished restoring the site in 1997, offers hiking and birding trails, as well as guided tours of the house. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Labor Day-Memorial Day. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free.
6655 Rose Hill Rd.
Port Tobacco, Md., 20677
301-392-1776
Web site: www.nps.gov/thst
This is the site of Haberdeventure, the family home of Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Stone and his wife, Margaret Brown, built the home in the early 1770s, and it remained the Stone family home until 1936. The National Park Service, which finished restoring the site in 1997, offers hiking and birding trails, as well as guided tours of the house. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Labor Day-Memorial Day. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free.
100 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, D.C., 20024
202-225-8333
Web site: www.usbg.gov
Hours: Bartholdi Park is open from dawn to dusk daily; the conservatory is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, including holidays. Free.
East Capitol and First streets NW
Washington, D.C.,
202-225-6827
Web site: www.aoc.gov/cc/visit
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, including all federal holidays except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guided tours, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free, timed tickets distributed at 9 a.m. The line forms at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds at Independence Avenue and First Street SW. One free ticket per person.
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Reston, Va., 20192
703-648-4748
Web site: www.usgs.gov/visitors/building.html
A visitors center at the federal agency offers an introduction to such topics as volcanoes, earthquakes, disaster preparedness and flooding. Hours for self-guided tours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; guided tours are available by calling 703-648-4748.
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW
Washington, D.C., 20024
202-488-0400 TTY: 202-488-0406
Web site: www.ushmm.org
The museum studies, documents and interprets Holocaust history. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except for Yom Kippur and Christmas. Free. Passes are required to visit the museum's permanent exhibition.
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW
Washington, D.C., 20024
202-488-0400 TTY: 202-488-0406
Web site: www.ushmm.org
The museum studies, documents and interprets Holocaust history. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except for Yom Kippur and Christmas. Free. Passes are required to visit the museum's permanent exhibition.
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Seventh and Ninth streets
Washington, DC,
202-737-2300
Web site: www.lonesailor.org
The memorial features a granite map of the world, 100 feet in diameter, surrounded by relief sculptures showing events in naval history. The Naval Heritage Center, next to the memorial, has a theater and an electronic log with the names of Navy veterans, as well as other displays. The memorial is open 24 hours daily. Naval Heritage Center hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Free.
600 Dulany St.
Suite 0100
Alexandria, Va., 22313
571-272-0095
Web site: www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrpa/opa/museum
Free admission. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Closed all federal holidays.
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20016
202-537-6200 Recorded information: 202-364-6616
Email: webcomments@cathedral.org
Web site: www.cathedral.org/cathedral
Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily in fall, winter and spring; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends from May 1 to Labor Day. Suggested donation: adults, $3; children, $1. Guided tours are available. Call for schedules.
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20016
202-537-6200 Recorded information: 202-364-6616
Email: webcomments@cathedral.org
Web site: www.cathedral.org/cathedral
Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily in fall, winter and spring; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends from May 1 to Labor Day. Suggested donation: adults, $3; children, $1. Guided tours are available. Call for schedules.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20500
202-456-1414 Comments: 202-456-1111
Email: president@whitehouse.gov+vice.president@whitehouse.gov
Web site: www.whitehouse.gov
Tours of the White House can be arranged only through the office of a member of Congress.
1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20500
202-208-1631
Web site: www.nps.gov/whho/WHVC
The center provides tours of the White House to groups of 10 or more. To obtain tickets, contact your member of Congress. Tickets are not available at the Visitor Center. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
24801 White's Ferry Rd.
Dickerson, Md., 20842
301-349-5200
Web site: www.mcmullans.org/canal/whites_ferry.htm
This is the only regularly operating ferry on the Potomac River. Hours: operates 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
43 Pinkney St.
Annapolis, Md., 21401
410-267-7619
Web site: www.annapolis.org/tour-properties.html
Similar to the residences used to house troops during the Revolutionary War, the building includes two main rooms on the first floor and two rooms on the second floor. Hours: by appointment only as well as during Maryland Day celebrations in March. It is maintained by the Historic Annapolis Foundation, 18 Pinkney St., Annapolis, Md. 21401.
107 Duke of Gloucester St.
Annapolis, Md., 21401
410-269-1737
Web site: www.charlescarrollhouse.com
Three generations of Carrolls -- including Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence -- lived here. The house is closed for stabilization work but is scheduled to reopen by mid-May 2006. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, May-October. Group and school tours by appointment.
22 Maryland Ave.
Annapolis, Md., 21401
410-263-2723
Built by Samuel Chase, an 18th-century lawyer and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, this Georgian-style townhouse is known for its interior detail. Hours: 2-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 2-4 p.m. most Saturdays (call first) March-December. Admission: $2.
and Gardens
839 Londontown Rd.
Edgewater, Md., 21037
410-222-1919
Email: londontown@historiclondontown.org
Web site: www.historiclondontown.org
This 23-acre park incorporates part of the Colonial-era town of London. It is home to the historic William Brown House, an 18th-century Georgian mansion overlooking the South River. The park has an eight-acre woodland garden, sponsors archaeological digs for Anne Arundel County and hosts children's programs. Hours, April-December: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4:30 p.m. Sundays. January-March: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. William Brown House is closed for tours January through March; gardens are open year-round, weather permitting. House tours are given hourly, with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Gates close at 4:30 p.m. Admission: guided house and self-guided garden tour, $7; seniors, $5; children 7-12, $3. House tour only or self-guided garden tour only, $4; children 7-12, $3; children 6 and younger, free. Reservations required for group tours. Free to members of the London Town Foundation.
State Circle
Annapolis, Md., 21401
Visitors center: 410-974-3400
Email: spitkin@mdwelcome.org
Web site: www.mdarchives.state.md.us
This is the country's oldest historic statehouse building still in continuous use. Guided tours are given at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily except for Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Guided and private tours can be arranged by appointment by calling 410-974-3400. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. No tours on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day. Admission is free.
7485 Crain Hwy.
PO Box 2250
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-843-0371
Web site: www.www.aahscc.org
The museum depicts the life and history of African Americans in Charles County and their contributions to Southern Maryland since 1658. April-October, noon-4 p.m.; other times by appointment only. Donations are accepted.
16816 Country Lane
Waldorf, Md., 20601
301-782-2224
Email: info@piscatawayindians.org
Web site: www.piscatawayindians.org/index.html
The center depicts the life of Maryland's Native Americans before contact with Europeans. It features a full-scale replica longhouse, tools, weapons and art.
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays or by appointment. Tours arranged for student groups.
8685 Ironsides Rd.
Nanjemoy, Md., 20662
301-743-7099
Chartered by the Colonial Assembly in 1692. Current brick church built in 1732.
112 E. Charles St.
PO Box 760
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-392-1051
Email: ccptp@verizon.net
Web site: www.christchurchmd.org
The parish built its first church at Port Tobacco, then the county seat, in 1683. The current stone church was built on the Port Tobacco Square in 1884. In 1904 the church was dismantled and its stones numbered, and it was moved to its current site in La Plata, where it was reconstructed next to the courthouse in the new county seat.
13050 Rock Point Rd. (Route 257)
Newburg, Md., 20664
301-259-4327
Email: christchwayside@aol.com
Web site: christchurchwayside.edow.org/ChristChurch.htm
Originally known as Piccowaxon Parish, it was one of the first 30 parishes chartered in 1692.
3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Rd.
Off Dr. Samuel Mudd Road
Waldorf, Md., 20601
301-274-9358 Museum office: 301-645-6870
Web site: www.somd.lib.md.us/MUSEUMS/Mudd.htm
Home of the doctor who set the broken leg of presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth in 1865. Costumed docents provide tours. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, April through November. Adults, $4; ages 6-16, $1.
101 Kent Ave.
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-934-0025
Recalls the railroad's impact on Charles County during the boom of the second half of the 1800s. Operated by the Charles County Historical Society. Consists of a two-room La Plata station and an authentic red caboose. Free. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May-October. Other times by appointment.
5678 Mount Carmel Rd.
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-934-1654
Email: carmel-of-port-tobacco@erols.com
Web site: www.carmelofporttobacco.com
The site of the first Carmelite monastery in the United States.
3030 Baptist Church Rd.
Nanjemoy, Md., 20662
301-246-4926
Established in 1793.
Luke's Lane
Hughesville, Md., 20637
301-855-7048
Web site: www.patuxentfriends.org
Established in 1871, it is Southern Maryland's only known Quaker cemetery.
Chapel Point Road
Port Tobacco, Md., 20677
301-934-4313
Web site: www.visitcharlescounty.com/sites.htm#top
Costumed docents tell the story of Port Tobacco, settled in 1634, in this reconstructed version of the third Charles County courthouse. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, April-October. Other times by appointment. Adults, $2; children, $1.
7215 Chapel Point Rd.
Port Tobacco, Md., 20677
301-932-6064 301-934-8836
Web site: www.ccboe.com/ccrta/school.htm
The school is the original structure, which was built in 1876 and used until 1953. It was restored by the Charles County Retired Teachers Association. Site includes a gift shop. Donations are accepted. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April-October; noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, June-August.
Smallwood State Park
Marbury, Md., 20658
301-743-7613
Web site: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/house.html
Built in 1760, the home of Maj. Gen. William Smallwood, Revolutionary War commander and later governor of Maryland, was reconstructed and opened to the public in 1958. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sundays or by appointment, April to mid-October. $3 per person on weekends and holidays; $3 per vehicle at all other times for admission to Smallwood State Park.
8855 Chapel Point Rd.
8855 Chapel Point Rd.
Port Tobacco, Md., 20677
Parish office: 301-934-8245 Fax: 301-934-0944
Email: frsalsj@chapelpoint.org
Web site: www.chapelpoint.org
St. Ignatius is the nation's oldest Catholic Jesuit parish with a continual pastorate. It was founded in 1641 by the Rev. Andrew White, who had accompanied the first settlers to Maryland in 1634. The manor house has been a residence for priests for more than 300 years.
4590 St. Joseph Way (Route 227)
Pomfret, Md., 20675
301-609-4670 301-870-3041
Email: stjoeoffice@comcast.net
Web site: www.stjoepomfret.org
Founded in 1763. The church's cemetery contains graves of men who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and both world wars.
11555 St. Mary's Church Rd.
Charlotte Hall, Md., 20622
301-934-8825
Web site: www.parishes.org/marynewport.html
The first Franciscan Catholic church in the colonies.
3320 St. Peter's Dr.
Waldorf, Md., 20601
301-843-8916
Web site: www.stpetersadw.org
Established in 1700.
9560 Trinity Church Rd.
15837 Prince Frederick Rd.
Hughesville, Md., 20637
301-934-1424 301-274-3796
Web site: trinitynewport.edow.org/history.html
Trinity Episcopal Parish was created by the Maryland Assembly in 1744. In 1751, a new church was built. In 1765, the vestry petitioned the lower house of the Maryland Assembly to levy 50,000 pounds of tobacco upon the taxable inhabitants of Trinity Parish for the purpose of building a Chapel of Ease in Benedict Hundred, near Hughesville. It became a regular house of worship in 1769 for parishioners who lived in Hughesville, Bryantown and Benedict. The chapel came to be known as Oldfields Chapel.
Historic churches
Christ Church, Durham Parish
8685 Ironsides Rd.
Nanjemoy, Md., 20662
301-743-7099
Chartered by the Colonial Assembly in 1692. Current brick church built in 1732.
112 E. Charles St.
PO Box 760
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-392-1051
Email: ccptp@verizon.net
Web site: www.christchurchmd.org
The parish built its first church at Port Tobacco, then the county seat, in 1683. The current stone church was built on the Port Tobacco Square in 1884. In 1904 the church was dismantled and its stones numbered, and it was moved to its current site in La Plata, where it was reconstructed next to the courthouse in the new county seat.
13050 Rock Point Rd. (Route 257)
Newburg, Md., 20664
301-259-4327
Email: christchwayside@aol.com
Web site: christchurchwayside.edow.org/ChristChurch.htm
Originally known as Piccowaxon Parish, it was one of the first 30 parishes chartered in 1692.
5678 Mount Carmel Rd.
La Plata, Md., 20646
301-934-1654
Email: carmel-of-port-tobacco@erols.com
Web site: www.carmelofporttobacco.com
The site of the first Carmelite monastery in the United States.
3030 Baptist Church Rd.
Nanjemoy, Md., 20662
301-246-4926
Established in 1793.
4590 St. Joseph Way (Route 227)
Pomfret, Md., 20675
301-609-4670 301-870-3041
Email: stjoeoffice@comcast.net
Web site: www.stjoepomfret.org
Founded in 1763. The church's cemetery contains graves of men who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and both world wars.
11555 St. Mary's Church Rd.
Charlotte Hall, Md., 20622
301-934-8825
Web site: www.parishes.org/marynewport.html
The first Franciscan Catholic church in the colonies.
3320 St. Peter's Dr.
Waldorf, Md., 20601
301-843-8916
Web site: www.stpetersadw.org
Established in 1700.
9560 Trinity Church Rd.
15837 Prince Frederick Rd.
Hughesville, Md., 20637
301-934-1424 301-274-3796
Web site: trinitynewport.edow.org/history.html
Trinity Episcopal Parish was created by the Maryland Assembly in 1744. In 1751, a new church was built. In 1765, the vestry petitioned the lower house of the Maryland Assembly to levy 50,000 pounds of tobacco upon the taxable inhabitants of Trinity Parish for the purpose of building a Chapel of Ease in Benedict Hundred, near Hughesville. It became a regular house of worship in 1769 for parishioners who lived in Hughesville, Bryantown and Benedict. The chapel came to be known as Oldfields Chapel.
Museums and Historic Sites
Academy Art Museum
106 South St.
Easton, Md,, 21601
410-822-2787 Fax: 410-822-5997
Email: info@art-academy.org + academy@goeaston.net
Web site: www.art-academy.org
The museum houses a permanent collection of art centering on 19th- and 20th-century works on paper by James McNeill Whistler, Robert Rauschenberg and others; a second-floor gallery highlights regional artists. Concerts are performed in the museum's atrium. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.