The White House

The most famous address in Washington, D.C. is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The White House is the home and office of the President of The United States. The White House is the oldest public building in Washington, D.C. and has been the home of every president except George Washington. Public Tours of the White House take visitors on a 20-30 minute self-guided tour through some of its public rooms. The State Dining Room, also called The President's Dining Room, can seat 140 guests and is used for formal dinners. The Red Room is used as a meeting room and is named after the red fabric walls and matching furniture. The oval shaped Blue Room is where the President meets with important guests. Large parties, weddings, concerts and public events have all been held in the large East Room. Stop and admire the full length portrait of George Washington which has been hanging in the East Room for over 200 years. The Vermeil Room is home to portraits of First Ladies, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy. Peek inside the China Room to see china and glassware from past Presidents in chronological order. Contact your local Member of Congress to request a tour of The White House.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial is located in West Potomac Park on the National Mall. Dr. King was a leader in the civil rights movement in the United States. The memorial honors Dr. King's ideas and vision for all people to enjoy a life of freedom, equality, peace, opportunity, and justice. The centerpiece of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial is the "Stone of Hope", a 30-foot statue of Dr. King. The sculpture was carved from 159 granite blocks that were assembled to appear as one singular piece. There is also a 450-foot inscription wall, made from granite panels, that is inscribed with 14 quotes of King's sermons and speeches to serve as living testaments to his vision of America. The memorial is set within a grove of cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan as a sign of peace in 1912. Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the bookstore.

The National Archives

For lovers of American History, there is no better place to visit than The National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. The National Archives Building is home to the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These important documents in United States history are on display in the beautiful Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The Louisiana Purchase Treaty and the Emancipation Proclamation are also on display at the Archives. Walk right up to these amazing pieces of history! The Public Vaults exhibit gallery is home to more than 1,000 pieces of history including real telegrams President Lincoln sent to his generals during the civil war and actual recordings from the Oval Office. Explore United States history during wartime and peacetime in the Provide For The Common Defense" exhibit. Don't forget to stop by the Boeing Learning Center to visit the ReSource Room to take home copies of some of the documents displayed in the Archives.