Each year millions of people visit our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Many students are included in this large visiting population. Washington, D.C., holds a wealth of free learning opportunities for students. Without charge, they can visit governmental headquarters and numerous monuments, memorials and museums, and can attend cultural performances.
In Washington, D.C., students can tour the headquarters of the three branches of the United States government, without charge. Although some advanced planning is necessary, free tours of the White House are available to the public. You must submit tour requests to your member of Congress six months to 15 days in advance. Students can tour the headquarters of our nation's legislative branch at the U.S. Capitol Building. Although there is no charge, visitors must obtain visitors' passes and go through security screening prior to the visit. Tours of the United States Supreme Court Building are also available at no cost, for those interested in touring the headquarters of the judicial branch of government. Public attendance is permitted at oral arguments, although seating is limited.
Students can visit numerous monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., including monuments in memory of past presidents of the United States including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Memorials were built in memory of veterans of previous wars in our nation's history, including the African-American Civil War Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All memorials are open to the public and are free of charge.
Washington, D.C., is a city filled with museums. Without charge, students can visit the Smithsonian Museum, which is a collection of museums located on the nation's Mall. At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, students can see historical pieces from the U.S. space program. Students can see the Hope Diamond, at the National Museum of Natural History. The National Museum of American History houses the original inspiration for "The Star Spangled Banner," Dorothy's red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," and Archie Bunker's famous chair from the television sitcom "All in the Family."
While visiting Washington, D.C., students can attend free theatrical events. The public may attend free daily performances at Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage that may include a variety of genres, ranging from The National Symphony Orchestra performances to poetry slams. Students can attend "Saturday Morning at the National Theatre," where they may see various performances such as puppet shows, magicians, ballet performances, or music showcases. Free storytelling, dance festivals and other theatrical performances can be seen at the National Museum of the Native American.
