Alexandria Archaeology Museum

105 N Union St #327, 3rd Floor Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-4399

Description: ALEXANDRIA. The unique heritage of Alexandria and the surrounding areas is studied in-depth at this museum. The continually updated museum features artifacts that take visitors back 10,000 years. Learn about how archaeologists are continuing to make new discoveries that allow us to see history in a new way. Look for maps, photos, historic study records and more. Several exhibits are devoted to the importance of conservation. Kid-friendly Discovery Kits are a hit with younger visitors. METRO: King Street
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Alexandria Black History Museum

902 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-4356

Description: ALEXANDRIA. The entire African-American experience is explored at this well-organized museum and educational institute. Made up of a library, reading room, and a heritage park, the facility focuses on the lasting legacies and continuing contributions made by black Americans to Virginia and to the US. This is an excellent place to learn about slavery, abolition and civil rights, and much more, with exhibits stretching from the late 1700s to today. METRO: Braddock Road
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Anacostia Museum

1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020 202-633-4820

Description: ANACOSTIA. Housed in a former Civil War fortress, this community museum broke new ground by combining art outreach programs with museum installations. It seeks to both "influence and archive" the culture of the community, and since its inception in 1967, it has honed in more closely on African-American culture and heritage. The museum is also unique in that it doesn't collect just physical artifacts, but stories and accounts in the oral tradition to develop a more comprehensive cultural view. METRO: Smithsonian
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DAR Constitution Hall

1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006 202-628-4780

Description: DOWNTOWN. This performance space was designed by John Russell Pope, the same man who designed the Jefferson Memorial. It's operated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and seats about 3700. Many popular artists have performed here in the past, including the Maria Callas, U2, the National Symphony Orchestra and Ella Fitzgerald. The building itself is comprised of three distinct sections ­ the concert hall, a museum, and the DAR national headquarters and library. DAR National Headquarters and METRO: Farragut North
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Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303 202-628-1776

Description: DOWNTOWN. Although the DAR Museum doesn't appear on most travel itineraries, it's well worth a visit, especially for history fans. With more than 33,000 items of Americana, the museum has plenty to see ­ the antique quilt collection alone is singularly impressive. Antique furniture, housewares, toys, tools, books, and decorative arts are displayed in two large galleries, and 33 individually decorated rooms represent American interiors from the 17th century through the early 1900s. Bedrooms, kitchens, and parlors provide a glimpse of bygone home life, while a tavern and council chambers depict public spaces. METRO: Farragut West
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Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

11200 Fairfax Station Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 703-425-9225

Description: FAIRFAX. Built during the 1850s, this train station was the site of several historic battles during the Civil War and was used as an emergency medical facility for injured soldiers. The building has been authentically recreated, and now houses an interesting array of informative exhibits that are divided between the railroad industry and the Civil War. See the Norfolk & Western Caboose, examine Civil War uniforms and learn about how Clara Barton ­ who later created the Red Cross ­ volunteered to treat wounded soldiers here. Always popular with the kids, this is a unique setting for a party, event or meeting. The gift shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift.
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Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304 703-838-4848

Description: In the heat of the Civil War, Fort Ward was created to protect the nation's capital from Confederate troops. Still almost entirely in place, visitors can examine forts, batteries, the officer's hut, and a unique fort built out of earth. Take a self-guided tour, examine the collection of Civil War artifacts inside the museum, and then explore the surrounding 45-acres of city-maintained parkland. METRO: King Street, then the AT5 DASH bus
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Gadsby's Tavern Museum

134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-4242

Description: Take a 30-minute tour of the 1770 tavern for an accurate depiction of colonial life in Alexandria. Gadsby's has been a town gathering place and watering hole for more than two centuries, and has hosted well-known locals ­ including former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison ­ at its various parties, events and performances. Each room, including the ballroom, taproom, dining room and the bedrooms, has been meticulously restored to its original condition. The on-site restaurant is famous for historical re-enactments and entertainment. NB Tours start a quarter after the hour and a quarter before the hour. METRO: King Street, then Dash Bus
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International Spy Museum

800 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-393-7798

Description: DOWNTOWN. Enthralled by the cloak and dagger world of international espionage? The International Spy Museum traces and uncovers the history of the world's second oldest (and most secretive) profession via a fascinating array of displays and interactive exhibits. The School for Spies exposes visitors to spy gadgets of all shapes and sizes, from lipstick pistols to buttonhole cameras, while the Secret History of History chronicles as far back as the times of Moses. Other galleries focus on Cold War and ­ just when you thought it was safe to speak out loud again ­ 21st-century espionage. Are "they" listening? After this museum, you'll never stop wondering. Hours may vary. METRO: Gallery
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Lyceum

201 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-4994

Description: ALEXANDRIA. This museum, built in a majestic Greek Revival style, is devoted to Alexandria's vivid and important history. The items on display in the permanent collection cover numerous topics, and include ceramics, furnishings, prints, photographs, and a large section of historic items from the Civil War. A third gallery hosts temporary exhibits on a range of related historic topics. Special events, educational lectures, and concerts are often held here, and the gift shop is an excellent place to pick up a souvenir or a gift. METRO: King Street, then DASH bus
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National Archives Experience

Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408 301-837-0482

Description: DOWNTOWN. Some of the most important documents in American and world history are housed here, from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to the Louisiana Purchase and the Watergate tapes. The majestic 75-foot rotunda is the site where the most treasured documents are displayed. A selection of maps, movies, texts or photos from the archived millions is occasionally displayed, or you can do your own research. METRO: Archives/Navy Memorial
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National Firearms Museum

11250 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-267-1600

Description: FAIRFAX. If you are interested in firearms, then this extensive and internationally renowned museum hits the target. Firearms of all types, from historic to modern, civilian to military, are on display, along with ammunition and accessories. Learn about the volatile role of guns in our society throughout time, especially during wars. Guests can also see antique firearms and guns that once belonged to historic figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte. The expansive gift shop is the ideal place to pick up books, shirts, and NRA-related items that Charlton Heston would be proud of.
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National Museum of Crime and Punishment

575 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-393-1099

Description: DOWNTOWN. Open in 2008, this intriguing museum examines some of history's most devious crimes, most brutal, and most absurd forms of punishment. Exhibits cover everthing from Medieval torture practices to witch hunts in Colonial America to the fierce faces of the Wild West. It's packed with interactive features, including the Simulated FBI Shooting Range and a lie detector test. Be sure to check the America's Most Wanted Studio for a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at the TV program.
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National Museum of the American Indian

4th St and Independence Ave SW, National Mall, Washington, DC 20560 202-633-1000

Description: DOWNTOWN. This stunning, sinuous museum ­ crafted of limestone and set amid forty "grandfather" boulders and an extensive planted landscape ­ acknowledges the Native American experience in culture, cosmology, craft, and history. Almost a million artifacts represent communities from North, South, and Central America, mesmerizing visitors with their age, beauty, and utility. The building also serves as a gathering space, complete with library, gift shop, theaters, and a cafe with authentic Native American dishes. METRO: L'Enfant Plaza
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National Postal Museum

2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 202-633-5555

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Formerly Washington's main post office, this museum boasts 16 million items covering all things postal ­ from airmail planes dangling in the spacious atrium to an exhibit showing the role of the post office in cultural and economic development. And if you like stamps, you may lose all sense of time looking through the vast, priceless collection that includes rare Confederacy stamps. Catch a video on train robberies, and send a postcard from a computerized kiosk. METRO: Union Station
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Newseum

555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 888-639-7386

Description: DOWNTOWN. From notorious scandals to unsolved mysteries to triumphs and glories, this inventive museum focuses on America's most newsworthy people and events. Its galleries feature photos, article clippings, artifacts and multimedia exhibits that document famous stories and examine the news media's processes and technology. The ABC News Changing Exhibits Gallery explores hot topics and current events, while visitors may have their own moment in the spotlight at the NBC Interactive Newsroom.
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The Smithsonian Institution

1000 Jefferson Dr, Washington, DC 20560 202-633-1000

Description: NATIONAL MALL. The Smithsonian ­ for many, the image of the 19th-century sandstone "Castle" immediately springs to mind. The Institution itself is larger than most realize (19 museums and the National Zoo in DC alone) and granting only one day to "do the Smithsonian" is a mistake. Always-popular stops are the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History (closed until Summer 2008); however, the beautiful National Museum of the American Indian has emerged as a hot attraction, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington-Dulles serves as a fascinating repository of nearly 80% of the Smithsonian's air and space collection. METRO: Smithsonian
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126 202-488-0400

Description: NATIONAL MALL. Among the most-visited sites in Washington, this museum powerfully depicts one of the darkest times in modern history. Four floors of exhibits, survivors' testimonies, video displays and actual film footage document the history of the Holocaust. Visitors can spend two to three hours in the self-guided permanent exhibition, "The Holocaust." The Museum also offers a number of other exhibitions and displays, including the family-friendly "Remember the Children: Daniel's Story" and the high-tech Wexner Learning Center. Timed passes are required for "The Holocaust" and can be obtained for free at the museum on the day of your visit or by calling ahead. Recommended for ages 11 and up. METRO: Smithsonian
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United States Navy Memorial

701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-380-0726

Description: DOWNTOWN. The United States Navy Memorial offers the public a glimpse of what life is like on a naval carrier. The memorial has several notable attractions, including the world's largest map of the world and Bleifeld's statue of the Lone Sailor. Educational videos and interactive displays make this a fascinating learning experience for the entire family. METRO: National Archives
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