November 2010

The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of this grateful Nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps.

This museum provides a unique and provocative experience that challenges visitors to become witnesses to history and confront the dynamic of intolerance that is still embedded in society today.

The Museum of Tolerance in Southern California engages visitors in issues of human rights, both past and present. Exhibits detail the history of intolerance, placing special focus on the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust, allowing visitors to witness the events in ways that will inspire them to consider the ongoing struggle for human rights. The “Tolerancenter” exhibit brings the visitor back to the present day, and presents them with acts of intolerance as they occur in daily life.

As the residence of Robert E. Lee and his family before the Civil War, Arlington House has a unique and interesting story, with connections to many important figures, issues and events in American History.

Built by George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves between 1802 and 1818, the house and grounds have served many purposes over the last two hundred years: a family home for the Lees and Custises, a plantation estate and home to 63 slaves, a monument honoring George Washington, a military headquarters, a community for emancipated slaves and a national cemetery.

The collection includes numerous 19th-century photographs and carte-de-visites, as well as boots, tables, chairs, and a terrestrial globe from the life of General Lee.

The main Federal-style house was designed by the architect of the U.S. Capitol, Dr. William Thornton, and constructed between 1800 and 1805 for Washington’s nephew Major Lawrence Lewis and his bride, Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis. During the Lewis’ years in residence, Woodlawn comprised over 2,000 acres and was worked by over 100 workers, at least 90 of whom were enslaved people of African descent.

By the turn of the 20th century, Woodlawn was sadly deteriorated and, in 1896, severely damaged by a hurricane. In 1901, the playwright Paul Kester moved in — with his mother, brother and 60 cats — and began “restoring” the house to livable conditions. In 1905, Kester moved on to nearby Gunston Hall, and sold Woodlawn to Miss Elizabeth Sharpe, a Pennsylvania coal heiress who spent two decades lovingly rehabilitating Woodlawn and its grounds to suit contemporary views of an ideal early American estate. Woodlawn’s final private owners were Senator and Mrs. Oscar Underwood of Alabama.

Visitors can tour through the spacious rooms and formal gardens that reflect Virginia plantation life in the early 1800s.

With its participation in both World War II and the Apollo 11 manned moon mission, the aircraft carrier HORNET provides insight into the history of some of the most significant events of the 20th century.

Exhibits on the ship are numerous and include a flight simulator, Apollo exhibit, an art gallery, various period equipment and weapons, and the ship's theatre. Visitors can also explore the various living and working arrangements for soldiers who inhabited the ship.

Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, is the most popular historic estate in America. South of Washington, D.C.the plantation rests on the banks of the Potomac River.

The home of the nation's first president, Mount Vernon was the first - and most importantly - historic house museum in the nation. A new museum and education center features 23 galleries and theaters with over 700 hundred artifacts. State of the art theaters and interactive displays, plus a library for researchers and students, provide a memorable experience.

Visitors are invited to tour the Mansion house and more than a dozen outbuildings including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse. Stroll four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. George and Martha Washington rest in peace in the tomb where wreathlaying ceremonies are held daily, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Ground is nearby.

In the tradition of John Steinbeck, the center draws its inspiration from the diverse people and the land of the Salinas Valley to tell its history.

Through the exploration of John Steinbeck's work and themes, the National Steinbeck Center provides experiences and information that inspires audiences to learn about human nature, literature, history, agriculture, and the arts through the writings and history of Steinbeck. The Steinbeck Center presents the life of Steinbeck, his writings, his characters, and Steinbeck Country in an informative, educational and entertaining manner. Different nationalities play an important role in the Steinbeck Center because the author himself saw the Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and other ethnic groups as dignified people and important contributors to the community. Utilizing diorama, innovative exhibits, changing displays and other media, the wonder and beauty of Steinbeck's creativity is dramatized so that everyone can enjoy and appreciate the author, his works and his environment. Two blocks from the Center sits John Steinbeck's childhood home, which visitors can tour.

A historic tavern and museum dating from the years following the American Revolution and frequented by presidents and patriots.

Enjoy a meal where George Washington used to drink and dine. Before heading home, visit the exhibits next door. The museum consists of a 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel, both operated by Englishman John Gadsby from 1796 to 1808. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

The USS Potomac, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Floating White House", is a vibrant part of the East Bay Waterfront that provides insight into FDR's life and legacy.

The Potomac is open for docent-led dockside tours mid-January through mid-December. Tours are approximately 45 minutes long. Guests watch a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center prior to the tour. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the Potomac, emphasizing the impact of his administration on the country and the Potomac restoration story.

This well-preserved Union fort, located just outside Washington DC, is complete with a museum detailing life during the Civil War.

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War. The museum interprets the site's history and offers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year. The museum and historic site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city's role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians.