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.
18400 Muncaster Rd.
Derwood, Md., 20855
301-924-4141
Web site: www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/facilities/ag_farm.shtm
Open throughout the year for special events only.
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.
103 W. Montgomery Ave.
Rockville, Md., 20850
301-762-1492
Web site: www.montgomeryhistory.org
Federal-style mansion built in 1815. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays year-round. Closed on major holidays.
9400 Rockville Pike
9400 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Md., 20814
301-907-4608
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
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.
5801 Oxford Rd.
Glen Echo, Md., 20812
301-492-6245
Web site: www.nps.gov/clba
Home of the founder of the American Red Cross. Open daily at 10 a.m. with regularly scheduled tours on the hour. Last tour begins at 4 p.m. Free.
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.
10001 Old Georgetown Rd.
Bethesda, Md., 20814
301-897-1518
Web site: www.ratnermuseum.com
Changing exhibits of contemporary art, a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures focusing on Biblical images and a separate building for children highlighting famous figures from children's literature. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays and by appointment. Free.
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.
9 S. Summit Ave.
Gaithersburg, Md., 20877
301-258-6160
Web site: www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=1075&TOC=1;1075;
Community museum in the old Baltimore & Ohio train station. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Tours by request.
10000 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, Md., 20903
301-431-5451 Fax: 301-431-5455
Web site: www.georgemeany.org/archives/home.html
The archives, on the campus of the National Labor College, hold the historical records of the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations. It also features a permanent exhibit on the life and times of George Meany. Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
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.
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.
14920 Hyattstown Mill Rd.
Clarksburg, Md., 20871
301-874-2452
Email: hmap4art@aol.com
Web site: www.hyattstownmill.org
Originally built in the mid-18th century, and rebuilt in 1918 after a fire, this former grist mill serves as a nonprofit arts and humanities facility.
26020 Frederick Rd.
Hyattstown, Md., 20871
301-831-1232
Web site: members.aol.com/hyattstown
Offers exhibitions on Hyattstown. Under renovation. Tours by appointment. Open during the Montgomery County Heritage Days in June. Call for hours.
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.
and Stock Arboretum
19923 Fisher Ave.
Poolesville, Md., 20837
301-972-8588
Part of house built in 1793 by John Poole as a general store. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays and by appointment.
South Germantown Recreational Park
18028 Central Park Cir.
18028 Central Park Circle
Boyds, Md., 20841
301-528-6530
Email: dairymooseum@aol.com
This dairy barn has been turned into a museum to educate residents about the importance of the dairy industry to Montgomery County in the early 20th century.
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.
Routes 28 and 109, off West Hunter Road
Off West Hunter Road
Beallsville, Md., 20839
301-977-0087 301-831-9078
Established around 1747 as an Anglican chapel, it was destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War but was rebuilt in 1915. Fallen Confederate soldiers lie buried in its cemetery. The chapel is closed except for special occasions. Contact: Bob Brewer, before 8 p.m. daily.
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.
1313 Bonifant Rd.
Colesville, Md., 20905
301-384-6088
Web site: www.dctrolley.org
A collection of streetcars from Washington and other cities. Open weekends year-round; call, or refer to Web site for schedule of Thursday, Friday and holiday hours of operation. Trolley rides available.
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.
National Institutes of Health (Building 38)
8600 Rockville Pike
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Md., 20894
888-346-3656
Web site: www.nlm.nih.gov
The U.S. National Library of Medicine, the world's largest medical library, is open to the public. Tours of the library are available at 1:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Main reading room hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.
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.
Seminary Historic District
Linden Lane and Woodstock Avenue
c/o Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen
PO Box 8274
Silver Spring, Md., 20907
301-589-1715
Email: info@saveourseminary.org
Web site: www.saveourseminary.org
The district includes two dozen Victorian-era buildings, including a windmill, a castle and a Japanese pagoda. Portions of the site may be closed due to ongoing rehabilitation of historic buildings. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Seminary Historic District
Linden Lane and Woodstock Avenue
c/o Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen
PO Box 8274
Silver Spring, Md., 20907
301-589-1715
Email: info@saveourseminary.org
Web site: www.saveourseminary.org
The district includes two dozen Victorian-era buildings, including a windmill, a castle and a Japanese pagoda. Portions of the site may be closed due to ongoing rehabilitation of historic buildings. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
3610 Brookeville Rd.
Brookeville, Md., 20833
301-258-4044 Office: 301-563-3400
Web site: www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/facilities/oakley_cabin.shtm
A refurbished slave cabin. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Saturdays, April 22 to Nov. 4.
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.
29 Courthouse Sq., Room 110
Room 110
Rockville, Md., 20850
301-762-0096
Email: info@peerlessrockville.org
Web site: www.peerlessrockville.org
Constructed in 1891, the building houses a visitors center, a restored, active courtroom (access restricted), and the library and collections of Peerless Rockville, a historic preservation organization. Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and by appointment.
17901 Bentley Rd.
Sandy Spring, Md., 20860
301-774-0022
Web site: www.sandyspringmuseum.org
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and noon-4 p.m. weekends.
and African Art Gallery
18524 Brooke Rd.
Sandy Spring, Md., 20860
301-774-4066
Email: slavemuseum@yahoo.com
Web site: www.sandyspringslavemuseum.org
The museum's goal is to educate and enlighten visitors about the worldwide African-American experience, including both struggles and accomplishments. Tours by appointment only.
Seneca Creek State Park
16800 River Rd.
16800 River Rd.
Poolesville, Md., 20837
301-972-8588
An 1860s sandstone one-room schoolhouse. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Sundays, April 15-Nov. 15, and by appointment.
Railroad Station
8100 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, Md., 20910
301-495-4915
Web site: www.montgomerypreservation.org, www.homestead.com/silverspringhistory/
Built in 1945 and restored in 2002. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. first Saturday of each month, April-December.
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.
Church and Carroll Chapel
9700 Rosensteel Ave.
Forest Glen, Md., 20910
301-681-7663
Web site: www.sjeparish.org
The chapel is a replica of the Carroll Chapel built about 1774. The old St. John the Evangelist Church was built in 1893 from the same type of sandstone used to construct the Smithsonian Castle in Washington.
14730 Sugarland Lane
Poolesville, Md., 20837
301-330-3937
The frame church was built about 1893 by W. Scott Beall and stands at the heart of the Sugarland community. Tours by appointment. Open house: noon-4 p.m. on the last Saturday in June.
Acorn Park
Newell Street and East West Highway
Silver Spring, Md., 20910
301-537-1253
Email: sshistory@yahoo.com
Web site: www.sshistory.org
A marker indicates where Francis Preston Blair came upon a mica-flecked stream in 1840. He would later build his home, which he called Silver Spring, on a 250-acre homestead at the site. Open during daylight hours.
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.
22625 White's Ferry Rd.
In Martinsburg between Poolesville and White's Ferry
Dickerson, Md., 20842
301-972-7263
The site includes the Warren Methodist Episcopal Church, (formerly the Warren AME Church, built in 1866, destroyed by fire in 1901, and rebuilt in 1903), a one-room schoolhouse built in 1866; and Loving Charity Hall, built in 1914.
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.
12535 Milestone Manor Lane
Germantown, Md., 20876
301-515-2887
Web site: www.montgomeryhistory.org
This farmhouse was built in the 1790s, then was transformed in the late 19th century with Victorian Italianate additions. It now serves as an exhibition space, library and museum shop about Montgomery County history. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays or by appointment. Admission is free, but there are fees for some events and programs.
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.
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.
16501 Norwood Rd.
Sandy Spring, Md., 20860
301-299-5026
Woodlawn Manor's origins are closely linked to Sandy Spring's Quaker community. The manor house was constructed about 1800 by the Thomas family, which also built the nearby Friends Meeting House. Open to the public Thursdays only, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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.
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.