Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, General, History, Library, Military, Specialized

Slavery to Freedom: Civil War to Civil Rights The Museum's permanent exhibition portrays the extraordinary African American struggle for freedom in the United States.

Alexandria, Virginia

History

Alexadria Black History Resource Center in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Alexandria, Virginia

History

The museum seeks to preserve and study the tangible remains of our community's heritage for public enrichment and enjoyment. The artifacts in Alexandria Archaeology's collection span more than 10,000 years of human history and are from more than 180 sites in the area

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Waterfront Museum in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture, General, History, Library, Specialized

The history of the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas has roots in the former Visual Arts Unit of the Organization of American States. Under this unit, the first donation of art was received in 1949, a gift of painting by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. In 1957 the OAS Permanent Council conferred institutional backing to the collection by establishing a modest Purchase Fund to support the acquisition of art for a collection that was to reflect the contemporary art of the member nations of the OAS to form an enduring cultural resource.

Washington, District of Columbia

National Associations

The American Oil & Gas Historical Society (AOGHS) is dedicated to preserving the history of U.S. oil and natural gas exploration by providing advocacy for community museums and organizations that work to preserve that history through exhibition, material preservation – and especially educational programming.

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History

Arlington, Virginia

The Arlington Historical Society owns two properties: the Arlington Historical Museum and the Ball-Sellers House. The society website also has a list of the historic markers, districts, and properties in the county.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture

The Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of American States was established in 1976 by resolution of the OAS Permanent Council in tribute to the two-hundredth anniversary of the independence of the United States, host country of the OAS. The historic building housing the Museum was designed by noted architect Paul Cret in 1912 as the residence for the Secretaries General of the Organization of American States. It is Spanish colonial in style with white walls, iron grilles, a red tiled roof and a loggia decorated with richly colored tiles in patterns modeled after Aztec and Inca legends. Today as a Museum, the building provides a warm and intimate atmosphere to enjoy art.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

Washington, District of Columbia

Historic House

Alexandria, Virginia

Historic House

Built 1751 - 1753, the house is the only stone Palladian mansion in Alexandria. Period furnishings and historical interpretation reveal the life of one of Alexandria's founders, John Carlisle. Guided tours explore topics of merchants, slavery and servants, town property, and the family life of the Colonial Virginia Aristocracy. Gardens on premises. Administered by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

Chevy Chase, Maryland

Historical Society

Washington, District of Columbia

Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

DAR Museum in Washington, DC is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Arlington, Virginia

History

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum and Visitors Center is to educate the American public on the history of drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in the United States through engaging and state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive stations and educational outreach programs. The DEA Museum will provide a unique learning environment for the public to discover the role and impact of federal drug law enforcement on the changing trends of licit and illicit drug use in American history.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History

The Department of State's Diplomatic Reception Rooms are one of the greatest mirrors of America's remarkable cultural accomplishments in fine and decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, visiting Chiefs of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, as well as other distinguished foreign and American guests are entertained officially. The Rooms opened in 1961. Then they were very much like the rest of this modern State Department building, with wall-to-wall carpeting on concrete floors, brown panelled walls such as those found in offices, and unattractive acoustical ceilings. The exterior walls of the entire eighth floor (where the Diplomatic Rooms are located) were floor-to-ceiling plate glass with exposed steel beams.

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History, Historic House, Library

This winter we are renovating the modern and preserving the historic parts of Dumbarton House. To accomplish this we will close the museum at the end of November and remain closed until the springtime. //// We are so excited for all these new changes and we hope you're excited to see the results! We'll have more information on our closing, opening, and what you can expect to see when this long-overdue project is finished. Please visit our website for details or give us a call!!

Arlington, Virginia

Art

At the Ellipse Arts Center, exhibitions include an annual juried regional photography show, an all-Arlington show, a biennial Arlington high school exhibition, a community arts showcase, fine crafts exhibitions, and traveling exhibitions highlighting the work of local, national and international artists.The center is a 5,000 square foot public visual arts gallery focusing on local and regional artists working in all media and fine craft.

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

Ford’s Theatre Museum combines a remarkable collection of historic artifacts with a variety of interactive exhibits to tell the story of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Using environmental recreations, videos and three-dimensional figures, the museum transports visitors to 19th-century Washington, where they can follow Lincoln from his arrival in Washington in 1861. Exhibits explore Lincoln’s Presidential cabinet, what life was like in the Lincoln White House, various Civil War milestones and generals, Lincoln’s great speeches and the Assassination conspiracy. The collection of artifacts includes the deringer that John Wilkes Booth used, as well as a replica of the coat that President Lincoln wore the night he was shot.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Alexandria, Virginia

History

Home of the Friendship Fire Company. When the building was constructed in 1855, it became home to the oldest volunteer fire company in Alexandria. Exhibitions include early vehicles and other fire-fighting equipment.

Alexandria, Virginia

Culture, History

Dedicated to the memory of George Washington-Patriot, President, Mason - the Memorial was dedicated on May 12, l932, as an expression of the Masonic fraternity's faith in the principles of civil and religious liberty and orderly government.

Arlington, Virginia

History, Nature Centers, Science

The center has an interpretive nature center, a log house, a blacksmith's shop, animal displays and educational programs offered year round. The park is 40 acres with a stream, pond, wooded trails and access to the Potomac River.

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, Historic House, Specialized

=Founded by American heiress to the Post cereal empire Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is one of the premier art collector's museums in the United States. The museum features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia and a world-renowned collection of 18th-century French decorative art and furnishings. The collection includes Fabergé eggs, Russian porcelain, Russian Orthodox icons, Beauvais tapestries, and Sèvres porcelain. The 25 acre estate provides visitors a tranquil oasis of formal gardens.

Alexandria, Virginia

Historical Society

The Historic Alexandria Foundation was incorporated in 1954 to preserve, protect and restore structures of historic and architectural interest in and associated with the City of Alexandria, Virginia, to preserve antiquities and generally to foster and promote interest in Alexandria's heritage.

Takoma Park, Maryland

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Library, Specialized

Champion Lifelong Learning: Museums, libraries, and archives are unparalleled sources of educational, information, health, job, and cultural resources. IMLS supports these institutions’ work to open themselves up to all community members and visitors, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, or experience.

Washington, District of Columbia

Church, History, Historical Society

We are the region's foremost destination and source for American Jewish history. We engage and inspire adults and children through our exhibitions, landmark historic synagogue, public programs, and educational initiatives. We collect, preserve, and share material culture that documents the story of the Jewish community in the Washington, D.C., region as a lens through which broader national and international history may be explored.

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Alexandria, Virginia

Historic House

1797 house. Houses the administrative offices of the Office of Historic Alexandria, which provides oversight to six historic museums in Alexandria.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

Aquarium, Children's, Nature Centers, Science

Visit Us in Washington, DC! The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. Your admissions purchase supports vital conservation and education programs and offers a 45-minute introduction of America's Aquatic Treasures, featuring more than 1,500 animals including alligators, sharks, and loggerhead sea turtles.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Anthropology, Archaeology, Art, Church, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Library, Military

Start your visit at the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center for information to help you plan your day at the Museum. Here you can find out what programs are happening that day or pick up a map. If you have a specific question or need assistance, ask one of our friendly visitor services staff.

Washington, District of Columbia

Natural History

Washington, District of Columbia

General, History, Historic House, Library, Military, Science, Specialized

The National Museum of the US Navy hosts a wide variety of changing exhibits. Browse the online exhibits on the museum website to sample the experience before you visit!

Washington, District of Columbia

Park

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

Washington, District of Columbia

Children's

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

Alexandria, Virginia

History

North American Tiddlywinks Association in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Riverdale, Maryland

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Alexandria, Virginia

The Athenaeum in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History, Specialized

The Laogai Museum exposes the Laogai— China’s extensive system of forced-labor prison camps. These abusive prisons have been used since the Communist Party took power in 1949 to control the masses, and continue to exist today. Its prisoners, including those charged with political crimes, are forced to live and work in terrible conditions. The products they produce are sold for profit by the Chinese government.

Alexandria, Virginia

History

The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

History, Historic House, Library

The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental army and navy to promote the achievement of American independence. The Society acquired Anderson House in 1938 as a gift from Isabel Anderson, whose husband, Larz Anderson, had been a devoted member of the Society. The Society opened Anderson House as a historic house museum in 1939. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and made a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, History, Historic House, Nature Centers

Tudor Place Foundation operates an historic property located in the heart of Washington’s Georgetown area. Firmly rooted in the community, Tudor Place Foundation’s mission is to educate the public about American history and culture. Its focus is on the historical development of the Federal City and the nation’s capital region from the 18th to the 20th century as seen through the lens of Tudor Place, home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter and six generations of her descendants, the Custis-Peter family. The Foundation is committed to protecting, preserving, maintaining, and interpreting the historic property and the collections, while instilling the value of the past in the public perception.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History, Historic House, Library

The Woodrow Wilson House is the home to which President and Mrs. Wilson retired from the White House in 1921. President Wilson lived here until his death in 1924, and Mrs. (Edith) Wilson lived in the home until her death in 1961, at which time she bequeathed the home and its furnishings to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house and gardens were designed by architect Waddy Butler Wood and completed in 1915. In 2013, the Woodrow Wilson House is celebrating its 50th year as a historic site museum.

Alexandria, Virginia

History

The ABHRC (formerly the Robinson Library) the African American community's first public library, presents lectures, programs and exhibits interpreting the legacy of African Americans in Alexandria

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture

Washington, District of Columbia

Library

Read more about the American Folklife Center here: http://www.loc.gov/folklife/aboutafc.html

Washington, District of Columbia

Historic House

The American Red Cross offers tours of the historic national headquarters building on Wednesdays and Fridays. Come explore the history of the organization and view the artwork and artifacts on display!

Arlington, Virginia

Art

The center is dedicated to preserving and supporting the new work of regional artists through exhibitions, studio space, and educational opportunities. The AAC serves as a bridge between artists and the public for awareness, appreciation, and involvement in the arts.

Washington, District of Columbia

Military

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Arlington, Virginia

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society

Donated to the Arlington Historical Society in 1975, this is Arlington's oldest residence. It was built around 1742. It is a rare example of the homes where the working class people of the time lived. It is occupied by a caretaker for the Society and the interior may be seen by calling ahead. The small house - with its original logs, clapboard roof and pegged floorboards - is one room with a loft and an attached lean-to room at the rear. The house was built by John Ball on a 166-acre land grant from Lord Thomas Fairfax and later owned by William Carlin, tailor to George Washington. Three generations of the Carlin family owned the property for more than 100 years. The third generation, brother and sister Andrew and Anne, ran a dairy farm and built the 1880 house that adjoins the Ball cabin.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Arlington, Virginia

Library

Central Library in Arlington, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Children's

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

One block from the White House sits William Wilson Corcoran's gallery, founded for the purpose of "encouraging American genius" in the arts.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art was founded in 1869 as Washington's first museum of art. It is a privately funded institution incorporating both a museum and college of art and design. As one of America's oldest art institutions, the institution is known internationally for its distinguished collection of historical and modern American art as well as European painting, sculpture, photography and decorative arts.

Before you enter, step back and examine this architectural masterpiece designed in 1897 by Paris-trained Ernest Flagg and considered one of the country's finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture.

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

General, History, Historic House

Decatur House Museum in Washington, DC is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

University

Washington, District of Columbia

Children's

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Alexandria, Virginia

History, Military

The museum interprets the site's history and offers exhibitions, Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs. Tours, lectures, and living history activities are available.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Alexandria, Virginia

Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society

The museum consists of two tavern buildings made famous in the 18th century by tavern keeper John Gadsby. The taverns were a center of political, business and social life in early Alexandria. Famous patrons include George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Washington, District of Columbia

University

Washington, District of Columbia

Children's, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library, Specialized

Heritage Preservation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the United States. By identifying risks, developing innovative programs, and providing broad public access to expert advice, Heritage Preservation assists museums, libraries, archives, historic preservation and other organizations, as well as individuals, in caring for our endangered heritage.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Alexandria, Virginia

Church, History

Completed in 1773, this is a Georgian style church with a Palladian chancel window, an unusual feature for a Virginia church of the period. George Washington and Robert E. Lee were among early worshipers.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture, Historical Society

As a Smithsonian Affiliate institution, our exhibits feature items on loan as well as pieces from our own collection. HSW over 27 featured exhibits planned over the next four years. Recent and upcoming exhibits include: Riots are the Language of the Unheard, an illustrated history of the 1968 riots; Voting Rights and Wilson Building Architecture; Quilts for Obama; and Portraying Lincoln, as part of the Lincoln bicentennial celebration.

In addition to our exhibits, HSW's public programs engage residents and visitors by providing a forum for sharing the city's history through HSW's lecture series, films, discussions, historic walking tours, Heritage Month-related programming, and children's hands-on workshops.

Washington, District of Columbia

University

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

Washington, District of Columbia

Alexandria, Virginia

History, Historic House

The Lee-Fendall House Museum presents the whole history of the site, from notable entrepreneurs of the late 18th century to labor leaders of the mid-20th century. The owners and the workers, enslaved and free, that gave the house its character. Come discover the Bicentennial Garden and the preserved home through tours, programs, and exhibits we discover our shared history as a community and as a nation.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Arlington, Virginia

Science

Our nature centers are nestled in lovely park settings and are staffed friendly and knowledgeable people. They provide interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Children's, Culture, History, Library, Military, Planetarium, Science, Specialized

The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture, Specialized

As America's premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning, the National Building Museum offers insight into the history and future of the world we build ourselves. Exhibition subjects range from the poetic use of concrete to visions for affordable housing, as well as exploring possibilities of rebuilding New Orleans, and contemporary ideas for building sustainable residences.

Washington, District of Columbia

Anthropology, Art, Children's, Culture, History, Library, Military, Park, Science, Specialized

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will reopen on May 14. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History, Science, Specialized

Where else can you explore the history of crime and punishment, experience driving and shooting simulators, and learn the real CSI procedures? At the National Museum of Crime & Punishment you explore all this and more.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

The National Portrait Gallery will open to the public beginning Friday, May 14th, with timed-entry passes required for all visitors. On-site tours and events are currently suspended and all public programs will be online.

Washington, District of Columbia

Aquarium, Arboretum, Botanical Garden, Park, Zoo

The Zoo is reopening May 21! Stay tuned for details on free timed-entry ticket pass reservations, safety measures, free timed-entry Asia Trail/Panda Passes and special Smithsonian National Zoo Member benefits.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Alexandria, Virginia

History

Office of Historic Alexandria in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Park

Alexandria, Virginia

Archaeology, Culture, History, Historic House, Specialized

Built c. 1724 by William Ramsay, the house is said to have brought down river and barged to its current location in 1749. It now serves as the City's visitor center.

Riverdale Park, Maryland

Historic House, Historical Society

Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark, is a restored, five-part, stucco-covered brick plantation home built between 1801 and 1807. Construction of this elegant manor house was begun by Henri Stier, a Flemish aristocrat, and was completed by his daughter Rosalie and her husband George Calvert, grandson of the fifth Lord Baltimore. The Federal style mansion has particularly fine interior decorative detail. Numerous nationally significant figures later lived here, including several senators. The site is also home to a museum shop.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Robert Brent Elemtary School in Washington, DC is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture, General, Library

Thank you for your continued support while we were closed, and as we gradually re-open. We look forward to seeing you in the galleries beginning May 14. Stay safe and enjoy your visit.

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture, General, History, Library, Specialized, University

The Textile Museum is joining with the George Washington University to become a cornerstone of a new museum scheduled to open in fall 2014 on GW’s main campus in Foggy Bottom. The affiliation positions The Textile Museum to educate the next generation of textile enthusiasts and expand on its rich tradition of art, education, scholarship, and fostering cultural understanding.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Children's, Church, Culture, General, Historic House

The L. Ron Hubbard House in Washington, DC is the landmark location of the first Church of Scientology in the world. Here, the prolific American writer, explorer, and founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, trained students, lectured, and worked from 1957 through 1960.

The neighborhood townhouse with its historically restored spaces is just blocks from the current Church of Scientology of Washington, DC. It provides informative exhibits with photographs that give extraordinary glimpses into Hubbard's early world travels. Visitors can also step into his 1957 office and see his Remington typewriter, Ampex tape recorders, Roneo mimeograph machine, Grundig radio, and personal artifacts.

From this location, Mr.

Alexandria, Virginia

History

The Lyceum in Alexandria, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

Culture, History, Library, Specialized

The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Encounter superb works of modern art in an intimate setting at The Phillips Collection, an internationally recognized museum in Washington's vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. Paintings by Renoir and Rothko, Bonnard and O'Keeffe, van Gogh and Diebenkorn are among the many stunning impressionist and modern works that fill the museum's distinctive building, which combines extensive new galleries with the family home of its founder, Duncan Phillips. The collection continues to develop with selective new acquisitions, many by contemporary artists. Special exhibitions and frequent changes in the arrangement of the permanent collection mean that there's something new on every visit to the Phillips.

Chase City, Virginia

History

Thyne Institute Memorial, Inc. in Chase City, VA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Specialized

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Washington, District of Columbia

Arboretum

Washington, District of Columbia

Art

Washington, District of Columbia

History

Arlington, Virginia

History, Military, Specialized

As the only historical repository documenting all military women's service, we educate and inspire through innovative and interactive exhibitions, our world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations. We honor the commitment, contributions and experiences of every woman who serves in, or with, the Armed Forces.

Washington, District of Columbia

Art, Culture

Art and culture are integral forces of development. Recognizing the contribution of art and culture to social cohesion and economic development, the World Bank's Art Program is formally charged with managing the institution's art collection and promoting contemporary art from its member nations. The Art Program makes particular effort to draw awareness to artists from developing countries. This is accomplished through acquisitions, exhibition displays at the work space, site specific installations, artists' projects, publications, and educational and cultural partnerships.