New York and Washington; two cities brimming with centuries of history and the perfect two-centre history tour!
In September, some of our Educational Tours team crossed the pond to scope out the must-sees and hidden gems in both cities. With so much to see and do, you won’t struggle to jam-pack your itinerary. But what are our team’s top picks?
Over the next 5 days, we’ll share our favourite excursions in New York and Washington that we think should go into every itinerary!
Jackie’s favourite: The Smithsonian Museums, Washington
Fantastic, free and full of information.
The Smithsonian offers 19 amazing, world-class museums, galleries, gardens and a zoo… so where do you start?
The National Museum of Natural History is home to the world’s largest natural history collection, with exhibits, activities and collections that span the equivalent of 18 football pitches. Aside from billions of years of history, there’s a fantastic photography exhibition showcasing some of the best photos I’ve ever seen.
One was a huge aquarium scene made entirely from the rubbish that pollutes our ocean, and another was a shocking exhibit showcasing the effects of climate change on the food chain. The dinosaurs are amazing too and sure to be a hit with students.
The African American Museum was opened by President Obama in 2016 and wow, where do I begin? This was my favourite by far! There’s a fantastic floor dedicated to African American people in the world of sports, politics, film and music. The music area was a particular ‘hit’ as soul music fills the area… you’ll be swaying along whilst reading all about it. If you’re an Oprah fan then head to the basement, where the whole floor is dedicated to the life and work of Oprah Winfrey.
Alongside the famous stories are real life accounts of Black Americans and their struggles throughout the decades. There are certainly some stories that will resonate with your students for a long time, such as that of young black Americans in the 1960s who were shot because they wanted to go to school and learn.
In my opinion, this museum is a must-visit!
COMING TOMORROW: Tracey tells us all about Arlington Cemetery, Washington.
