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American Experience Foundation Field Trips
AEF field trips would not be possible without the generous support of our industry partners. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students travel to the nation’s capital to deepen their knowledge of American history, democracy, and culture. For many young people, it is their first travel experience, but for many more, this trip will never take place due to school budget cuts or lack of resources. AEF’s unique programming helps fill this gap by introducing low-income students to the joy of travel and a life-long appreciation for the unique heritage of Washington, DC. But these trips are not only about having fun! Emphasizing the importance of our industry on the heritage and culture of the city, students meet business leaders at each stop on their trip to learn more about future career possibilities in hospitality and tourism. Backyard Bound Many students in DC do not have the chance to explore the historic and cultural attractions in their own backyard. AEF provides this opportunity for local students to learn firsthand the importance of their hometown through a customized one or two-day field trip. Backyard Bound field trips generally include transportation, meals, and guided tours. Rite of Passage This trip engages students across the country that cannot access this important milestone travel experience due to lack of resources or school budget cuts. AEF’s “Rite of Passage” brings the classroom to life, providing a three to four-day customized itinerary of DC’s historical, political, and cultural icons. Rite of Passage field trips generally include transportation, lodging, meals, and guided tours.
American Experience Foundation Scholarships & Internships
By leveraging Destination DC’s reach, resources, and its members’ expertise, AEF provides students with unforgettable educational enrichment support, bringing their curricula to life and supporting career paths in hospitality through scholarships, internships, and classroom experiences. Established in 2014, Academies of Hospitality and Tourism are located within Ballou HS, Bell Multicultural HS at Columbia Heights Educational Campus, Woodrow Wilson HS, and Maya Angelou Public Charter School. Students in grades 9-12 follow the NAF program and emphasize strong college and industry partnerships, work-based learning experiences and rigorous curricula that culminate in industry-recognized certification at graduation. SCHOLARSHIPS Annually, AEF offers a $2,500 scholarship to each of Washington, DC’s four high school hospitality academies, as well as alumni currently enrolled in higher education to continue their studies. Awards are based upon demonstrated need of the applicant, solid academic background and interest in a career in hospitality. One of these recipients is recognized as the Gregory McCarthy Scholar for their exemplary leadership both in and out of the classroom. Gregory McCarthy is the Vice President of Community Engagement for the Washington Nationals and former Destination DC Board Chair. Scholarship applications are open to current academy students. Scholarships are also available to past scholarship recipients seeking continued financial support for his or her education. Students are encouraged to reapply annually as scholarships are not automatically renewed. Gregory McCarthy Leadership Scholarship Winners 2021 Tenielle Parker (CHEC) 2020: Makayla Cruz (CHEC) 2019: Zoe Roberts (George Mason University; Wilson HS) 2018: Daren Dorsey (Ballou HS) 2017: Johana Romero-Valdez (CHEC) 2016: Deranique Graydon (Ballou HS) 2015: Robsa Mideksa (Hospitality HS) 2014: Amanda Burnham (Hospitality HS) David Iselin Scholarship for Community Service 2021: Jean-Pierre Roberts (Wilson High School) 2019: Adame Temsen (University of Rochester;CHEC) 2020: Adame Temsen (University of Rochester;CHEC) AEF Scholarship Winners 2021: Jazzmen Morant (Ballou HS) 2021: Anura Sharma (CHEC) 2020: Jermaine Evans (Wilson HS) 2019: Deranique Graydon (University of the District of Columbia; Ballou HS) 2019: Diamond Hunter (Temple University; Wilson HS) 2019: Andre Jones (Maya Angelou PCHS) 2019: Jose Martinez (CHEC) 2019: Amya McKoy (Ballou HS) 2019: Britney Rivera- Martinez (Wilson HS) 2019: Loriel Taylor (Maya Angelou PCHS) 2018: Perpetua Nkem (CHEC) 2018: Sharnae Niblet (Maya Angelou PCHS) 2018: Lauren Bryana Brown (Wilson HS) 2018: Diamond Hunter (Wilson HS) 2017: Deranique Graydon (Ballou HS) 2017: Andre Jones (Maya Angelou PCHS) 2017: Zoe Michele Roberts (Wilson HS) 2016: D'andre Jones (Ballou HS) 2016: Natalie Webb (CHEC) 2016: Solijala Jones Morris (Wilson HS) 2015: Tyrell Keys (Hospitality HS) AEF Alumni Scholarship Winners 2021: Pepetua Nkem (Morgan State University) 2021: Britney Rivera (Cornell University) 2020: Deranique Graydon (University of the District of Columbia; Ballou HS) 2019: Deranique Graydon (University of the District of Columbia; Ballou HS) 2018: Deranique Graydon (University of the District of Columbia; Ballou HS) AEF Honorariums 2021: Cenaria Fells-Watson (CHEC) 2021: Yeshetuwef Mulugeta (Wilson HS) 2020: Lauren Brown, Howard University (Wilson HS) 2020: Jose Martinez, Marymount University (CHEC) 2020: Amya McKoy, Bowie State (Ballou HS) 2020: Zoe Roberts, George Mason University (Wilson HS) INTERNSHIPS AND MENTORSHIPS AEF partners and Destination DC members provide valuable work experience and exposure to career paths and professionals by hosting interns free of charge through DCPS’ Career Ready Internship program. This initiative matches highly qualified DC students with exceptional summer employment opportunities. In 2019, 75 students were placed for meaningful "career ready" summer internships. To learn more about the program, including how you can host an intern, at DCPSinternships.org. IN-CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES Destination DC members are also featured in Academy classes or host site visits to share their stories, experiences, career paths and skills with students. AEF is working with our Hospitality Academy partners to expand these programs for the 2021-2022 school year.
American Experience Foundation Updates
February 11 – Masseria Job Shadow Opportunity Michelin-starred chef Nick Stefanelli and his team at Masseria welcomed two students from Ballou High School’s Academy of Culinary Arts to a very special Job Shadow Day experience working side by side with sous chef Ryan Smith. February 10 – National Airport Tour The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority welcomed 25 students from Wilson and CHEC Academies to National Airport for a special behind the scenes look to discover the thousands of career opportunities in aviation, everything ranging from sales to security and beyond. Special thanks to Tanisha Lewis and the entire MWAA and airport teams! February 7 – National Job Shadow Day AEF and Destination DC welcomed 6 students from the Academies at Ballou, Columbia Heights, and Wilson High Schools for National Job Shadow Day! In addition to learning all about working at a destination marketing organization, students got a firsthand look at how DDC and AEF work with our partners with a tour of the Conrad Hotel and ARTECHOUSE. Across the city, AEF helped place 65 Academy students at 35 hospitality and tourism businesses for Job Shadow Day experiences. Check this out, the Ballou students were featured on the news! Professional Clothing Drive It’s getting warmer and you know what that means: Spring cleaning and summer internships! You can help your future intern by donating new or gently used and cleaned professional dress items for all shapes, sizes and genders. Items on hangers preferred, but certainly not required. These items will be distributed to Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students at our First Impressions Matter event in March. Clothing items can be dropped off at the Destination DC offices in Chinatown. If you are donating more than 20 items or your company would like to hold a drive of their own, pick up is available by filling out this form. January 30 – NAF Work-Based Learning Panel Lisa and 2019 Career Ready Intern Makayla Cruz participated in a NAF panel on building stronger workplace-based learning opportunities for students and how policy makers and leaders can support businesses in providing meaningful internships. Special thanks to Makayla for spending her morning and insight with us and big congratulations on her acceptance to North Carolina A&T! January 27-28 – Backyard Bound Field Trip Forty local AOHT students participated in a Backyard Bound Field Trip to learn about the different career paths within the tourism/hospitality industry. With the help of many DDC members the students were able to explore their own backyard. Thank you to the following AEF partners for making this field trip possible: Marriott Marquis Washington DC, Washington Auto Show, LEON, Smithsonian Enterprises, Lucky Strike, Hirshhorn, Hyatt Place National Mall and the International Spy Museum. Our field trip was also featured on the news! January 23 – Washington Auto Show Our friends at the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association welcomed 30 Academy students to their Media Day to kick off the 2020 Washington Auto Show. In addition to getting a sneak peak at this year’s show, students had the opportunity to watch press conferences and interact with representatives from the world’s biggest auto makers. End of Semester Judging Destination DC colleagues learned more about the hospitality and tourism industry from Academy students at Wilson and Maya Angelou High Schools when they served as judges for end of semester presentations. They listened to new ideas and innovative marketing techniques, as well as gave feedback and encouragement to help build the next generation of professionals! National Job Shadow Day Did you make a new year’s resolution to invest in our community? Jump start your 2020 by joining us on National Job Shadow Day on February 7, 2020 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Your business will host high school student(s) who are studying hospitality and tourism at DC’s four high school Academies of Hospitality and Tourism. You choose how students will shadow you for the day: tour your workplace, meet with different teams and clients or help complete a special project. Deadline to register is January 17, 2020. December 19 - AEF Alumni Dinner AEF and the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill welcomed AEF Alumni and Scholarship Winners to a holiday dinner to reconnect. A very special thank you goes to General Manager Gail Smith-Howard for taking time out of her busy schedule to spend time with our Alumni at dinner. Winter Clothing and Coat Drive AEF, Destination DC, and our many generous industry partners collected over 400 coats and 200 pairs of hats, gloves, and scarves as part of AEF’s annual Coat & Winter Clothing Drive, shattering last year’s record. All of these items were delivered to DC’s four Academies of Hospitality and Tourism as well as DC Parks and Recreation’s Community Coat Drive. Thank you for this outpouring of generosity and holiday spirit! December 11 - The Academies go to Enchant! 30 Academy students from Ballou and Wilson went to Enchant Christmas to meet with some of their leadership. The students learned how an event of large scale is produced and marketed, while hearing about the many career opportunities. After the meeting, the students were free to explore and experience the magic of Enchant Christmas. December 10 - AEF Member Holiday Party 12 amazing AEF facts of 2019 Shared at the December 2019 Destination DC member holiday party. 1) We’ve welcomed students from Pittsburg, Puerto Rico, Chicago and more for free field trips to the Nation’s capital – inspiring them with the wonders of travel. 2) Wilson High School’s first Academy of Hospitality and Tourism student to attend Cornell’s Hotel Management School is enrolled in her first semester now. AEF’s scholarship helped Bianca get there. She’s the first in her family to go to college. 3) Students Erica, Jonelle, and Keisha were thrilled to be passengers in the Land Rover and Jaguar test drive courses at the Washington Auto Show last year. (Their teacher, Mr. Wims, was even more excited to get to drive one of those cars!) 4) On last year’s Backyard Bound field trip for 40 DC students, Kayla and her classmates saw their first CAPS game—their first hockey game ever. 5) Thanks to an AEF program, this year a high school junior named Stephon met a chef who reinforced his desire to learn culinary arts. 6) Nathan picked out a suit from clothes donated by Destination DC members during the spring professional clothing drive. He wore it on his first day of his summer Career Ready Internship. 7) Joe earned a scholarship when he graduated from the Columbia Heights Educational Campus. His dream is to transform his weekend bus-boy job into restaurant ownership. 8) AEF All Stars Zoe and Deranique have earned scholarships 3 years in a row – helping them stay focused on college, and their future careers. In 2019 AEF Gave 9 scholarships and to date, we’ve given $63,000 in scholarship money! 9) Last year we helped place 75 high school Career Ready Interns with Destination DC members for meaningful professional experiences. Makayla, Jashawn and Nizar worked with the Destination DC team. 10) Michelle rode a bike for the first time when Bike and Roll provided a tour for her and her fellow Career Ready Interns. 11) In November, AEF took 30 DC academy of Hospitality & Tourism Students to New York City to tour hotels and learn about hospitality careers. Jackson was particularly excited to learn that hotel employees get a free shift meal in the employee cafeteria—and had 2 heaping plates at the breakfast buffet. 12) Members have donated more than 200 winter coats. They’ll be taken to the 4 DC Academies of Hospitality & Tourism before Christmas. It’s much easier to learn when you’re not cold! December 6- AEF Winter Clothing and Coat Drive The American Experience Foundation, Destination DC, and our partners collected over 400 coats and 200 pairs of hats, gloves, and scarves as part of AEF’s annual Coat & Winter Clothing Drive, shattering last year’s record. All of these items were delivered to DC’s four Academies of Hospitality and Tourism as well as DC Parks and Recreations Coat Drive. Thank you for this outpouring of generosity and holiday spirit! November 10 - 11 - AEF goes to NYC AEF's annual Times Square Tour brought 30 Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Students from DC for a behind the scenes tour of the New York Marriott Marquis and W New York - Times Square. Students were also treated to a private nighttime tour of Manhattan with Big Bus NY. Special thanks to our friends Marquis General Manager Dan Nadeau and W Hotel Director of Operations Thomas Sturniolo for their hospitality. The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. provided support for this field trip. November 1 - December 6 - Winter Clothing and Coat Drive Destination DC and AEF are working to ensure students keep warm this winter. You can donate new or gently used and clean coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, which will be distributed to Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students and their families. Items can be dropped off at the DDC Offices (901 7th Street, NW, 4th Floor) during normal business hours from November 1 – December 6, 2019. More drop off locations and events to come! October 24 - Backyard Bound Field Trip AEF is hosting a Backyard Bound field trip for members of Raising a Village’s Driven 2 Succeed program at H.D. Woodson High School. The students will go on a tour of the monuments with Old Town Trolley, visit Madame Tussauds, have lunch with Le Pain Quotidien, see a performance of Fences at Ford’s Theatre, and visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. August 22 - AEF named Outstanding Industry Partner of the Year AEF was named Outstanding Industry Partner by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education and DC Career Academy Network. Here’s what they had to say about us: “AEF has worked tirelessly to expose students to the hospitality and tourism industry.They have been involved in every part of work-based learning activities including judging projects in schools, providing career-focused field trips, recruiting host employers for Career Ready Internships, and awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships to our graduating seniors.” August 27 - Marketing Outlook Meeting Thirteen Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students attended Destination DC’s Marketing Outlook Meeting at the Kennedy Center’s The Reach. Students learned about Destination DC’s work in 2018 as well as campaigns for 2020, and heard from keynote speaker, Park Howell, about the power of storytelling. August 1 - Career Ready Intern Luncheon The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill hosted at AEF’s Third Annual Career Ready Intern Luncheon. This event brought together 95 interns and employers to thank them all for six weeks of hard work and gave interns an opportunity to experience a real professional networking event. July 9 - NAF Next 2019 Conference AEF Executive Director Claire Carlin, Wilson AOHT Director Alex Wilson and Ballou AOTH College & Career Coordinator Brittany Anderson presented at the NAF Next 2019 Conference in Detroit, MI. “Partnering with Your Local Visitors Bureau to Enhance Hospitality Work-Based Learning” gave a road map of best practices for other Academies of Hospitality and Tourism to access the resources in their own backyard. June 24 - Career Ready Internship Program This summer, thirty industry employers hosted over 75 Academy student interns as part of the Career Ready Internship program. Three students interned at AEF and Destination DC: Makayla Cruz, Columbia Heights Educational Campus Jashawn Evans, Ballou High School Nizar Ghoumari, Wilson High School These interns visited over a dozen DDC partner businesses to learn the scope and depth of the industry and helped execute AEF’s summer events. June 11 - Culture Crew Goes to Blue Duck Tavern Six Culture Crew Students, a collaboration of AEF and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, were treated to a very special dinner at Blue Duck Tavern. Their host was executive chef Adam Howard, who discussed his career path and what it’s like to run a Michelin starred restaurant. June 11 - 2019 AEF Scholarship Winners - Andre Jones & Loriel Taylor AEF Executive Director Claire Carlin was proud to present Andre Jones and Loriel Taylor of Maya Angelou Academy of Hospitality and Tourism their 2019 AEF Scholarships at their Senior Awards. Mr. Jones is a two time winner of the AEF scholarship. June 5 - 2019 AEF Scholarship Winner - Britney Rivera- Martinez AEF Executive Director Claire Carlin, Committee Member Leticia Proctor, and AEF scholarship winner and Wilson alumna Zoe Michele Roberts presented the 2019 AEF Scholarship to Britney Rivera-Martinez at Wilson High School’s Senior Awards Dinner. June 4 - Career Ready Host Employers Training AEF hosted 20 Career Ready Host Employers for a youth development training and orientation session. This training ensures employers are prepared to make the most of their intern’s six week experience. Special thanks to LeVar Jones for sharing his wisdom on how to work best with young people. May 30 - David Iselin Scholarship for Community Service Winner - Adam Temesgen Harold and Lauren Iselin presented the inaugural David Iselin Scholarship for Community Service to Adam Temesgen at Columbia Heights Educational Campus’ Senior Awards Dinner. The scholarship honors our late Destination DC colleague and is awarded to a student who demonstrates David’s strong commitment to serving his community. May 29 - Ballou Academy Achieves Distinguished Status, 2019 AEF Scholarship Winner - Amya Mckoy Friends, family, and officials from both Washington, DC and the National Academy Foundation came out to celebrate the Ballou Academy of Hospitality and Tourism achieving Distinguished Status. This makes Ballou only the 14th Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in the country to meet this high standard. AEF was awarded Outstanding Industry Partner at the event; Destination DC President and CEO, Elliott Ferguson, was on hand to present Amya Mckoy with the 2019 AEF Scholarship. May 15 - Skål International AEF was recognized at the Skål International Washington, DC Reception, Dinner and Auction at the Melrose Hotel. The event raised $4,000 for AEF’s programs for young people. April 25 - First Impressions Matter Over several weeks, AEF collected professional clothes for AOHT students to utilize during their internships. In partnership with the Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters, 20 students listened to a panel of experts on professionalism. Michael Akin of LINK Strategic Partners spoke on what employers see when they Google you, and how to maintain a professional, yet unique presence online. Tiffany Ingram offered her insight on professional dress codes. Anne DeSantis, general manager of Paul Stuart, showed students the proper way to size and tailor clothes and Erich Hosbach, general manager of the Beacon Hotel, discussed their dress code, hotel renovations and staying current. The students were then able to shop from an array of professional clothing. Professional attire was donated by Destination DC members and industry organizations including: AIA DC; Association of Meeting Professionals; District Experience, Embassy Suites; Freeman; Georgetown BID, Hargrove Inc.; Hilton Worldwide, The Mayflower Hotel; National Children’s Museum; National Concierge Association; National Mall & Memorial Parks; Newseum; Residence Inn Capitol Hill/Navy Yard; Rosewood Washington DC; Stephen Pickhardt & Free Tours by Foot; The Washington Hilton; The Wink Hotel; and the Washington Area Concierge Association April 22 - Charity off the Hook AEF, along with several other local charities, attended Charity off the Hook at Ivy City Smokehouse. The night included top-notch seafood, live entertainment, street magic, wine, beer and spirits. Cuisine was provided by DC's finest chefs including: Chris Clime, PassionFish; Danny Lee and Scott Drewno, CHIKO; and Mandu; Joanna Hellrigl, Doi Moi; Richard Hetzler, Harvest Table Culinary Group; Bobby Jones, The Point Crab House; Mike Ledesma, Perch; Anna Bran Leis, Taqueria del Barrio; and David Stein, Tony & Joe's Seafood Place April 4 – Washington Auto Show Media Day Students from the Wilson High School Academies attended Washington Auto Show’s press day, including special sneak preview of the newest innovations and interactive exhibits. March 29-31 – Milford Massachusetts Field Trip AEF welcomed 18 students from the Milford High School (Massachusetts) Hospitality & Tourism Management Program for their DC field trip. They were joined by students from the Columbia Heights Educational Campus’ Academy. Special thanks to our partners: ARTECHOUSE; Great Escape Room; National Portrait Gallery; and Old Town Trolley Tours. March 15-17 – Rite of Passage Field Trip In partnership with the SYTA Youth Foundation, AEF welcomed 30 students and 5 chaperones for a three-day Washington, DC experience. All students participate in Hamm Camp, a nonprofit week-long basketball camp based in Harrisburg, PA that was founded by DDC’s sports development manager, Lawrence Hamm. Special thanks to our partners: Big Bus Tours; Capital City Go-Go; Carmine's DC; Crowne Plaza Crystal City; Dani Fresh Photography; Entertainment Cruises; EventsDC; Innovative Coach; National Museum of African American History and Culture; Newseum; Observation Deck at CEB Tower; Omari Pearson & Passion to Purpose; Peak Performance Tours; Student Watchers; and the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center February 15 – Capitol Hill Volleyball Member Tournament For this annual member event, 18 teams from the hospitality and tourism community competed and over raised $4,000 for AEF. Special thanks to our partners at the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic, EventsDC, Centerplate, Big Bus, Supra, and DC Row. February 1 – Job Shadow Day On this year’s Job Shadow Day, Destination DC hosted 5 students from the Academies at Wilson, Ballou and Maya Angelou High Schools. In total, over 30 students experienced the day in the life of hospitality professionals across the city. January 22-23 – Backyard Bound Field Trip with Local AOHT Students Forty high school students from each of DC’s four hospitality academies earned this experience through participation, attendance, and leadership. Twelve DDC members contributed to this trip, creating an unforgettable educational and career-ready experience, including the Washington Hilton; Ben's Chili Bowl; Chris Ferenzi Photography; Clyde's of Chinatown; DC by Foot; District Wharf; International Spy Museum; Monumental Sports; Newseum; Observation Deck at CEB Tower; Reston Limo; The Anthem / I.P.M.; The Etiquette Institute of Washington; and the Washington Business Journal December 6 – DDC Annual Holiday Party The DDC Member Holiday Party at the Observation Deck at CEB Tower celebrated the holidays with our community while all while raising money for the American Experience Foundation’s work with young people. Special thanks to: 3 Stars Brewing; Anthem / I.M.P.; Arena Stage; ARTECHOUSE; Beacon Hotel; Capital Burger; Comfort Inn Downtown; Courtyard Marriott Dupont Circle; DC Brau; DC Urban Adventures; District Chophouse; Downtown Holiday Market; Embark DC; Founding Farmers; Hilton Garden Inn Georgetown; Hilton Hotels & Resorts; Homewood Suites Key Bridge; Jack Nadel; Leisure Pass Group; Maison Kayser; Mi Vida; National Cherry Blossom Festival; Omni Shoreham Hotel; Paul Stuart; Quality Inn Mount Vernon; Reston Limo; Sequoia; Simon Shopping Destinations; SOULEX float spa; St. Regis; Union Stage; and Washington Marriott Wardman Park November 12 – Times Square Hotel Tours 32 Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AHOT) sophomores and juniors traveled to NYC for a career field trip, touring the Marriott Marquis and W Hotel Times Square and a bird’s eye view of the city at the Top of the Rock. Special thanks also to Potbelly for dinner on the ride home! October 27 – Culture Crew at Taste of DC Festival Eleven students who participate in the Culture Crew had the chance to experience the best small food businesses DC has to offer at the 2018 Taste of DC Festival, including learning about spices and how to make hot sauce from ShePeppers. October 24 – Maya Angelou AOHT at The Fall Thirteen students from Maya Angelou Public Charter School Academy of Hospitality and Tourism attended a performance and educational panel of The Fall at Studio Theatre. The play follows seven student activists grappling with issues of race, class, gender, history, and power during the 2015 #RhodesMustFall protests in South Africa.
An Overview of the Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington, DC
What is the Smithsonian Institution? Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo. From the origins of man at the Natural History Museum to the future of space travel at the Air and Space Museum (and its even bigger sister facility, the Udvar-Hazy Center), Smithsonian museums are a guide to the most fascinating aspects of our world. The museum collection contains more than 150 million objects, works of art and specimens altogether. And the best part: you won’t have to pay a penny to experience it as admission is free at every location. At the center of it all is the Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as "The Castle". The vital information point makes for a perfect meet-up spot, and its America’s Treasure Chest exhibit inspires all with a sneak peek at the types of artifacts displayed in all of the museums. Don’t leave without paying your respects at the crypt of English scientist James Smithson, who, upon his death, gave every last penny he had to establish the Smithsonian Institution. Museums farther than the eye can see Smithsonian’s collection of knowledge centers serve as a treasure chest for visitors. The aforementioned Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum are definitely fanned favorites. The American History Museum, with its endless array of Americana (read: the Star-Spangled Banner Flag), takes a comprehensive look at our country’s history, and the National Zoo, which features hundreds of species and the cutest panda cub around, Bei Bei, also draw millions each year. But with the whole Smithsonian lineup at your disposal, we recommend that you also dig deeper in the District. Witness the wonders of Asian art at the Freer | Sackler Galleries. Marvel at cutting-edge exhibits and Instagrammable architecture at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and have your mind blown by the crafty wizardry seen in the art at the Renwick Gallery, located steps from the White House. Take in centuries of artistic achievement at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and spend a lull or lunch at the architecturally riveting Kogod Courtyard. You won’t have to travel far to see the most complete collection of presidential portraits, because the building is also home to the National Portrait Gallery. Each president is immortalized in the “America’s Presidents” exhibit, and the works come from artists named Rockwell, De Kooning and Close. Worldly art lovers will want to check out the African Art Museum, which showcases traditional and contemporary art from the continent, as well as a collection of more than 500 African relics. Discover Native American history, culture and art through in-depth exhibits and cultural events at the American Indian Museum, which is set in a jaw-dropping facade on the National Mall. For a more locally-focused experience, explore the impact of social issues past and present on largely black neighborhoods at the Anacostia Community Museum. Delve into America’s enthralling postal history from colonial times to the present at the National Postal Museum, home to artifacts that tell the story of how America has delivered its mail. The newest Smithsonian Institution museum is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Situated on the National Mall, this new architectural wonder is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture. Where are the Smithsonian museums? Many of the museums are located on the National Mall and are easily accessible by Metro. In fact, the Smithsonian has its own Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines. There are others scattered throughout Washington, DC (the National Zoo in Woodley Park and the Postal Museum near Union Station), and even one in Virginia (at the Udvar-Hazy Center). For the adults Kids aren't the only ones who love museums. The 21-and-up crowd get down with Smithsonian at 8, an after-hours party with varying themes and settings. Attendees revel in cocktails, live music, food and more, with exclusive access to some of the most adored museums in the world. Be there for its next event!
