Beltway RESOURCE BANK Museums, Cultural Centers, & Historic Sites in the Greater Washington, DC Area Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology 1 Prince St., Alexandria, VA (703) 836-4444 Exhibits on the history of medical care for the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. Collection includes over 100 hearing aids as well as 19th-century nasal scopes and the earliest intubation tubes, which were used to help children with diphtheria. http://www.entlink.net/history/about African American Civil War Memorial 1200 U Street NW, U Street/Cardozo neighborhood, DC http://www.afroamcivilwar.org African Art Museum of Maryland 5430 Vantage Point Rd., Columbia, MD (410) 730-7105 http://www.africanartmuseum.org Aldie Mill Historic Park 39401 John Mosby Hwy., Aldie, VA. (703) 327-9777 Early 19th c. waterwheel and grain mill. http://www.aldiemill.org Alexandria Archeology Museum 105 N. Union St., Ste. 327, Old Town neighborhood, Alexandria, VA Exhibits, hands-on laboratory, hosts Dig Days and a summer camp program. Housed inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/ Alexandria Black History Resource Center 638 N. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA (703) 838-4356 Housed in the Robinson Library, founded during segregation to serve Alexandria's African-American library patrons. Exhibits, reading room, heritage park. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/bhrc/ American Red Cross Museum 1730 E Street, NW, DC Exhibits on the history and mission of the Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/museum American Visionary Art Museum 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore, MD (410) 244-1900 Visual art by self-taught artists from across the US. http://www.avam.org Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture 1901 Fort Place SE, Anacostia neighborhood, DC. (202) 287-3306 Smithsonian museum of African American history and culture. Exhibits, tours, special programs. http://www.anacostia.si.edu Arlington Historical Museum 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington, VA. (703) 892-4202 Exhibits tell the history of Arlington, from 16th c. Indian settlements along the Potomac River to the 9-11 attack on the Pentagon. http://www.arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org Arlington House: Robert E. Lee Memorial Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. (703) 235-1530 The Custis-Lee Mansion, a restored Greek Revival home built in 1802, with a formal garden, museum, and slave quarters. This was Robert E. Lee's home for 30 years and the place where he penned his resignation from the US Army at the start of the American Civil War. http://www.nps.gov/arho/ Art Museum of the Americas 201 18th St. NW, DC (202) 458-6016 Exhibits from throughout the Americas, plus an outstanding outdoor sculpture garden. http://www.museum.oas.org Arts and Industries Building 900 Jefferson Dr. SW, DC (202) 786-9196 The original Smithsonian museum (dating from 1881); houses the Discovery Theater. CLOSED for renovation. http://www.si.edu/ai/ Arts Club of Washington 2017 I St. NW, Foggy Bottom neighborhood, DC (202) 331-7282. Non-profit organization housed in the historic James Monroe House. Sponsors gallery exhibits, concerts, lectures, and readings. http://www.artsclubofwashington.org Babe Ruth Birthplace and Orioles Museum 216 Emory St., Baltimore, MD (410) 727-1539 3,800 baseball artifacts, including ballpark equipment, trophies, furnishings, scrapbooks, and more. http://www.BabeRuthMuseum.com Ball-Sellers House 5620 3rd St. S., Arlington, VA (703) 379-2123 The oldest surviving house in Arlington County is a rare example of the dwelling and lifestyle of the ordinary citizen during the 1700s. http://www.arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum 901 Pratt St., Baltimore, MD (410) 752-2490 Railroad history, 20-minute rail rides, model trains http://www.borail.org Baltimore Maritime Museum Pier 3 at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD (410) 396-3453 Coast Guard and Navy history. Collection includes 3 historic vessels and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. http://www.baltomaritimemuseum.org Baltimore Museum of Art North Charles Street and Art Museum Drive, Baltimore. (410) 396-7100. Collections include Old Masters, American decorative arts, and the Cone Collection of Post-Impressionist and Early Modern Art. http://www.artbma.org Baltimore Museum of Industry 1415 Key Hwy., Baltimore, MD. (410) 727-4808. Exhibits on the heritage and preservation of Maryland's industrial past. http://www.thebmi.org Baltimore Zoo Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD (410) 366-LION http://www.baltimorezoo.org Banneker-Douglass Museum 84 Franklin St., Annapolis, MD (410) 216-6180. African American history museum housed in an historic AME church. http://www.bdmuseum.com Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave. NE, Brookland neighborhood, DC Sculpture, mosaics, and paintings on devotional themes are displayed inside the basilica. http://www.nationalshrine.com Bead Museum 400 7th St. NW, DC (202) 624-4500 Exhibits of beads and ornaments from around the world. http://www.beadmuseumdc.org Beall-Dawson House 103 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD. (301) 762-1492. Period rooms and changing exhibitions on the history of Montgomery County displayed in a 19th c. Federal-style townhouse. http://www.montgomeryhistory.org Belair Mansion and Stable 12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie, MD. (301) 809-3089 Restored 1745 Georgian Palladian plantation home with gardens, and an early 20th c. thoroughbred racing museum. http://www.cityofbowie.org/comserv/museums.htm Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville, MD (410) 887-1081 Park and museum on the site of the former home of the astronomer, mathematician, and abolitionist. Black Fashion Museum 2007 Vermont Ave. NW, U Street/Cardozo neighborhood, DC (202) 667-0744 A repository for antique and recent garments designed, made, or worn by people of color. Open by appointment. http://members.aol.com/money4bfm/BFM/splash.html Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallen Ave., Wheaton, MD. (301) 949-8230 35-acre garden. Special programs include the "Wings of Fancy" live butterfly show, the "Garden of Lights" holiday display, and horticulture classes. http://www.brooksidegardens.org Bureau of Engraving and Printing 14th and C Streets SW, DC Exhibits on the creation and history of US currency. http://www.moneyfactory.com/locations/index.cfm/3 Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town neighborhood, Alexandria, VA (703) 549-2997 The grandest mansion in Alexandria when it was built in 1753, this house was used by General Edward Braddock as a headquarters during the French and Indian War. http://www.carlylehouse.org Carroll County Farm Museum 500 S. Center St., Westminster, MD (800) 654-4645 Original 19th c. farm structures include a farmhouse, smokehouse, saddlery and one-room schoolhouse. http://www.ccgov.carr.org/farm The Castle 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, DC Information center for the Smithsonian Institution, housed in the original museum building on the National Mall. http://www.si.edu/visit/infocenter/sicastle.htm Cherry Hill Farmhouse 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA (703) 248-5171 Mid-19th c. Greek Revival farmhouse. The City Museum of Washington, DC At the convergence of Massachusetts and New York Avenues, between 7th and 9th Streets, Mount Vernon Square neighborhood, DC. (202) 785-2068 Exhibitions on the city's history, plus a theater, education center, and an excellent research library, housed in the former Carnegie Library. Open only by appointment for tour groups and for special events. http://www.citymuseumdc.org Clara Barton National Historic Site 5801 Oxford Rd., Glen Echo, MD (301) 492-6245 The first headquarters of the American Red Cross and the home of Barton until her death in 1912. http://www.nps.gov/clba Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean,VA (703) 442-7557 Working colonial-era farm with guides in period dress. http://www.1771.org College Park Aviation Museum 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr., College Park, MD. (301) 864-6029 The world's oldest continuously operating airport. http://www.pgparks.com/places/historic/cpam Colvin Run Mill Historic Site 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, VA (703) 759-2771 19th c. working gristmill plus miller's house, blacksmith shop, and general store. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm Contemporary Museum 100 W. Centre Street, Baltimore, MD. (410) 783-5720 Rotating exhibitions of contemporary visual arts. Emphasis on community collaborations and experimental projects. http://www.contemporary.org Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St. NW, DC (202) 639-1700 American art, both historic and contemporary. DC's first art museum. http://www.corcoran.org Daughters of the American Revolution Museum 1776 D St. NW, DC (202) 879-3241 Exhibits American decorative arts prior to 1840, including 33 period rooms. http://www.dar.org DEA Museum 700 Army Navy Dr., Crystal City neighborhood, Arlington, VA. (202) 307-3463 Traces the history of drug abuse, illegal drugs, and federal law enforcement in the US. http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/deamuseum/ Decatur House Museum 748 Jackson Place NW, DC (202) 842-0920 Historic house museum on Lafayette Square designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe in 1818. http://www.decaturhouse.org Dennis & Phillip Ratner Museum 10001 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD. (301) 897-1518 Paintings, drawings, and sculpture by DC artist Phillip Ratner. http://www.ratnermuseum.com Department of the Treasury 15th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC (202) 622-0896 Fine and decorative arts in the collection of the Executive Branch of the US government. Public tours by appointment only. http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/management/curator/ Discovery Creek Children's Museum 7300 MacArthur Blvd. NW, DC (202) 337-5111 Living laboratory located in the only remaining one-room schoolhouse in DC, and the surrounding 12-acre forest. Focus on nature, history, and the arts. http://www.discoverycreek.org District of Columbia Arts Center 2438 18th St. NW, Adams Morgan neighborhood, DC (202) 462-7833 Non-profit center supporting emerging visual and theatre artists. 750 square foot gallery, 50 seat black box theater. Also hosts a monthly poetry series. http://www.dcartscenter.org District of Columbia Jewish Community Center, Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery 1529 16th St. NW, DC (202) 518-9400 Rotating visual art exhibits by or about Jewish people. http://www.dcjcc.org Dumbarton House 2715 Q St. NW, Georgetown neighborhood, DC (202) 337-2288 1800 home filled with Federal period furnishings. Headquarters of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. http://www.dumbartonhouse.org Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collections 1703 32nd St. NW, Georgetown neighborhood, DC (202) 339-6400 Collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Owned by Harvard University. Also home to one of the best formal gardens in the region. http://www.doaks.org Eisenhower Executive Office Building 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC. (202) 395-5895 Saturday tours of the restored building are available by advance reservation. http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/eeobtour Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station Museum 2711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City, MD (410) 461-1945 Oldest surviving rail station in the US, restored to its 1887 appearance, with exhibits on the history of transport and travel in 19th c. America. http://www.ecborail.org Fairfax Museum 10209 Main St., Fairfax, VA. (703) 385-8414 American Indian, Colonial, Civil War, and other objects tell the history of Fairfax County. http://www.visitfairfax.org/museums.php Federal Bureau of Investigation E St. between 9th & 10th Sts., NW, DC (202) 324-3447 Exhibits on some of the FBI's most famous cases. One-hour tours also include a look at the FBI lab and a firearms demonstration by a Special Agent. http://www.fbi.gov Federal Reserve 20th St. NW between C St. and Constitution Ave., DC (202) 452-3778 Guided tours of the Eccles Building highlight architecture, art, and interior design. http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/virtualtour/visit.cfm Fondo del Sol 2112 R St. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC (202) 483-2777 Dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving the cultural heritage and arts of the Americas. http://www.dkmuseums.com/fondo.html Ford's Theatre and Petersen House 10th St. NW, DC (202) 426-6924 Working historic theater and museum, site of the assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln. Administered by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/foth Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA (703) 838-4848 The best preserved of the ring of Union forts and batteries built during the Civil War to protect the capital. Exhibits, tours, lectures. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/fortward/ Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Jefferson Drive at 12th St. SW, DC (202) 357-2700 Smithsonian museums of Asian art. Don't miss Whistler's Peacock Room. http://www.asia.si.edu Friendship Firehouse Museum 1855 firehouse in historic Alexandria. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/friendship/ Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 Royal St., Old Town neighborhood, Alexandria, VA 1785 tavern and 1792 hotel. Famous patrons included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Tours offered of bedchambers, dining rooms and elegant ballrooms. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/gadsby George Washington Masonic Temple 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA. (703) 683-2007. Permanent exhibit of the George Washington collection. http://www.gwmemorial.org George Washington's River Farm American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Blvd. Dr., Alexandria, VA. (703) 768-5700 25-acre property showcasing American home gardening and environmentally responsible practices. http://www.ahs.org George Washington University Art Gallery Media and Public Affairs Blg., 805 21st St. NW, 2nd floor, Foggy Bottom neighborhood, DC (202) 994-1525 Educational visual art gallery. Rotating exhibits, permanent collection. http://www.gwu.edu/~dimock Goddard Space Flight Center 8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-9041 Exhibits on NASA research and discoveries. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/visitor/home/index.html Great Blacks in Wax Museum 1601-03 E. North Ave., Baltimore, MD. (410) 563-3404 3,000 years of African American history in wax. http://www.greatblacksinwax.org Greenbelt Museum 15 Crescent Rd., Greenbelt, MD 20770 (301) 507-6582 Exhibits in an International-style house furnished with artifacts from the 1930s and 1940s and in the nearby Art Deco-style community center tell the story of Greenbelt, a National Historic Landmark planned community designed and built by the Federal Government during the Great Depression. http://www.greenbeltmuseum.org Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173 27-acre public garden, includes the National Witch Hazel Collection. http://www.greenspring.org Gum Springs Museum 8100 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, VA (703) 799-1198 Exhibits on an 18th c. community for freed slaves. http://www.gshsfcva.org Heurich House Museum 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC. (202) 429-1894 This late Victorian mansion was built from 1892-94 by a German brewer and real estate investor. Hillwood Museum and Gardens 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Georgetown neighborhood, DC (202) 686-5807 The former home of Marjorie Merriwether Post contains the most comprehensive collection of 18th and 19th century Russian imperial art outside Russia; 18th century decorative arts; and a 25-acre estate with pleasure gardens and special displays of azaleas and orchids. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW, DC (202) 357-2700 Smithsonian museum of modern and contemporary art. http://www.hirshhorn.si.edu Historical Electronics Museum 1745 W. Nursery Rd., Linthicum, MD (410) 765-0230 Displays on radar, telegraphs, submarine sonar, weather satellites, and defense electronics. http://www.hem-usa.org Howard University Gallery of Art 2455 6th St. NW, DC (202) 806-7070 Educational visual art gallery. Howard University Museum, Moorland Spingarn Research Center 500 Howard Pl. NW, DC (202) 806-7239 Photos, art, and documents on African American life and culture. http://www.founders.howard.edu/moorland-spingarn Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center 1300 New York Ave. NW, DC Changing exhibitions in the center. http://www.iadb.org/exr/cultural/index.cfm Interior Museum 1849 C St. NW, DC (202) 208-4743 Exhibit space inside the Department of the Interior, rotating exhibits on park lands, Native American culture, and the American West. http://www.doi.gov/museum/ International Monetary Fund 720 19th St. NW, DC Permanent and rotating exhibits on art and the economy. http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/center/exhibits.htm International Spy Museum 800 F St. NW, DC (202) EYE-SPY-U "Reveals the stories of real spies from biblical times through today" http://www.spymuseum.org Jewish Museum of Maryland 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore, MD (410) 732-6400 http://www.jewishmuseummd.org Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Anacostia Ave. and Douglas St. SE, Anacostia neighborhood, DC (202) 426-6905 700 acres devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants, begun by a Civil War veteran. Located in Anacostia, administered by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/kepa/index.htm Koshland Science Museum 500 5th St. NW, DC. (202) 334-1542 A science museum geared toward adults, operated by the National Academy of Sciences. http://www.koshland-science-museum.org The Kreeger Museum 2401 Foxhall Rd. NW, DC (202) 337-3050 American and European painting and sculpture from the 1850s to the 1970s, plus traditional works of art from west and central Africa. Housed in a Philip Johnson mansion. Group tours only. http://www.kreegermuseum.com Laurel Museum 817 Main St., Laurel, MD (301) 725-7975 History museum about the town of Laurel, in an1840s mill workers' house. http://www.laurelhistory.org/museum.html Lee-Fendall House Museum 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA (703) 548-1789 Occupied by the Lee family from 1785 to 1903, the home has been restored to its early Victorian elegance. http://www.leefendallhouse.org Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington Office and Archives: 600 I Street NW, DC (202) 789-0900 Museum of Washington Jewish history from the mid-19th century to the present day, housed in an 1876 historic synagogue, the first built in Washington, located at 701 3rd Street NW. Open by appointment only. http://www.jhsgw.org Loudoun Museum 14-16 Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg, VA. (703) 777-7427 American Indian, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and local history objects tell the history of Loudoun County. http://loudounmuseum.org The Lyceum 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA Alexandria's history museum contains art and artifacts from colonial times to the present. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/lyceum Madame Tussauds 1025 F St. NW, Metro Center neighborhood, DC. (888) WAX-INDC Re-creations of political and entertainment figures in wax. http://www.madametussaudsdc.com Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA. (703) 368-1873 American Indian, Colonial, railroad, Civil War, and local history objects tell the history of Manassas. http://www.manassasmuseum.org Mansion at Strathmore 10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD (301) 581-5200. Gallery and sculpture garden, concert hall. Gallery focuses on work from local artists. http://www.strathmore.org Marietta House Museum 5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale, MD (301) 464-5291 Federal home of US Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Duvall. The house is furnished to reflect 3 generations of Duvall occupancy between 1815 and 1902. http://www.pgparks.com/places/eleganthistoric/marietta_intro.html Maryland Historical Society 201 W. Monument St., Baltimore, MD. (410) 685-3750 State history museum. http://www.mdhs.org Maryland Science Center 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD (410) 685-5225 http://www.mdsci.org Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site 1318 Vermont Ave. NW, DC (202) 673-2402 Former national headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women from 1943 to 1966, named for Bethune, the noted educator, organizer, and political activist. Library and exhibits, run by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/mamc Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, VA (703) 255-3631x301 95-acre garden dedicated to native plant diversity. Large ornamental collections surround three lakes. http://www.washacadsci.org/meadowlark-gardens/ Meridian International Center 1624 Crescent Pl. NW, DC (202) 939-5568 Non-profit gallery exhibits art from around the world. Also hosts concerts and outreach programs. Housed in the White-Meyer Mansion. http://www.meridian.org Millenium Arts Center 65 I St. SW, DC Gallery and individual artist studios housed in a former DC Public School. http://www.millenniumartscenter.org/index.html Montpelier Mansion Route 197 and Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD (301) 953-1376 Built in the 1780s, this Georgian-style estate is a National Historic Landmark site. http://www.pgparks.com/places/eleganthistoric/montpelier_intro.html Mount Vernon George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon, VA (703) 780-2000 Estate and gardens of the nation's first president from 1759 to 1799. Mansion, gardens, Washington's Tomb, museum, and a working farm on 45 acres. http://www.mountvernon.org National Academies 500 5th St. NW and 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, DC Exhibits on science and the arts, and other programs open to the public. http://www7.nationalacademies.org/arts/ National Air and Space Museum 6th St. and Independence Ave. SW, DC (202) 357-1552 Smithsonian museum of the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. Collections include 1903 Wright flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," the Apollo 11 Space Module, and a lunar rock. http://www.nasm.si.edu National Aquarium US Dept. of Commerce, Room B-037, 14th And Constitution Ave. NW, DC (202) 482-2825 The oldest aquarium in the nation, with over 1,200 creatures from all over the world in 80 tanks. http://www.nationalaquarium.com National Aquarium in Baltimore Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD (410) 576-3800 http://www.aqua.org National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave. NE, DC Extensive grounds include the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, azalea collections, herb garden, native plant collections, the national grove of state trees, and 22 sandstone columns that once held up the east portico of the US Capitol. http://www.usna.usda.gov National Archives Constitution Ave. between 7th and 9th Sts. NW, DC (202) 482-2825 Exhibiting the original Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and more. Hosts geneology classes, film series, book talks. Also manages presidential library collections in 7 different states. http://www.nara.gov National Building Museum 401 F St. NW, Judiciary Square neighborhood, DC (202) 272-2448 Musem of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning, located in the former Pension building, whose Great Hall features the tallest Corinthian columns in the world. http://www.nbm.org National Capital Trolley Museum 1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, MD (301) 384-6088 Collection of 17 streetcars from around the world, including one visitors can ride. http://www.dctrolley.org National Colonial Farm 3400 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek, MD (301) 283-2113 18th c. tobacco farm with period buildings and livestock. http://www.accokeek.org/visit/national_colonial_farm National Cryptologic Museum The history of code making and code breaking. Run by the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, MD. http://www.nsa.gov/museum/ National Firearms Museum 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA (703) 267-1600 The evolution and history of guns in the US. Administered by the National Rifle Association. http://nra.nationalfirearms.museum/ National Gallery of Art 4th St. at Constitution Ave., NW, DC (202) 737-4215 Painting, sculpture, and graphic arts from the Middle Ages to the present. Also runs an outdoor sculpture garden. http://www.nga.gov National Geographic Society's Explorers Hall 1145 17th St. NW, DC (202) 857-7689 "Past and current expeditions come to life." http://www.nationalgeographic.com National Mall and Memorial Parks http://www.nps.gov/nama National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave. SW, DC (202) 357-4600 Smithsonian museum of ancient and contemporary visual arts of the African continent. http://www.nmafa.si.edu National Museum of American Art 8th and G Streets NW, DC Currently undergoing renovation and closed to the public. Due to reopen in July 2006. http://www.americanart.si.edu National Museum of American History 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, DC (202) 357-2700 Historic artifacts that explore the roots of American culture from the Revolutionary period to the Information Age. CLOSED for renovations. http://americanhistory.si.edu National Museum of the American Indian Independence Ave., between 3rd and 4th Sts. SW, DC (202) 633-1000 Art, artifacts, media displays, and gardens tell the history and culture of American Indians, past and present. http://www.americanindian.si.edu National Museum of American Jewish Military History 1811 R St. NW, DC (202) 265-6280 Documents Jewish men and women in the US armed forces, under the auspices of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. http://nmajmh.org National Museum of Civil War Medicine 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD. (301) 695-1864 Medical equipment, photographs, camp re-creations and memorabilia from Civil War hospitals. http://www.civilwarmed.org National Museum of Dentistry 31 S. Greene St. (at Lombard), Baltimore, MD. (410) 706-0600 40,000 artifacts relating to dentistry, including antique dental tools, famous dentures (including George Washington's), photos of circus "iron jaw" performers, tooth fairy memorabilia, toothbrushes from 6,000 years ago to the present, and silkscreen prints by Andy Warhol of St. Apollonia, the patron saint of dentistry. http://www.dentalmuseum.umaryland.edu National Museum of Health & Medicine 6900 Georgia Ave. & Elder St. NW, DC (202) 782-2200 Located at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Leeches, microscopes from the 1600s, kidney stones, a brain in formaldehyde, the bullet that took Abraham Lincoln's life, and more. http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum National Museum of Natural History Constitution Ave. at 10th St. NW, DC (202) 357-2700 Smithsonian museum "dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it." http://www.mnh.si.edu National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave. NW, DC (202) 783-5000 The only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contribution of women artists. http://www.nmwa.org National Portrait Gallery F St. at 8th St. NW, DC (202) 275-1738 Currently closed for renovations. http://www.npg.si.edu National Postal Museum 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC (202) 357-2991 Exhibits on moving the mail, the art of cards and letters, stamps and philately. http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu National Zoological Park 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Woodley Park neighborhood, DC (202) 673-4717 "We study, celebrate, and help protect the diversity of animals and their habitats." Smithsonian museum whose collection includes Chinese pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and more. http://natzoo.si.edu Naval Heritage Center US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC. (202) 737-2300. Ship models, artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. http://www.lonesailor.org The Navy Museum Washington Navy Yard, 11th and O Streets SE, DC. (202) 433-6897 Preserves and interprets Navy history. Also runs an Art Gallery with paintings and sculpture on naval themes. In addition, visitors to the Navy Yard can tour the USS Barry. http://www.history.navy.mil The Newseum 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC (888) 639-7386. Exhibits on the media, including Pulitzer-Prize winning photos, and sections of the Berlin Wall. http://www.newseum.org The Octagon, Museum of the American Architectural Foundation 1799 New York Ave. NW, DC (202) 638-3221 Historic house museum designed in 1899 by William Thornton (the first architect of the US Capitol) for the Taylor family. One of the earliest residences in the nation's capitol and an outstanding example of Federal period architecture; exhibit space continues next door in the AIA Blg. http://www.archfoundation.org/octagon/ The Old Guard Museum 249 Sheridan Ave., Fort Myer, Arlington, VA (703) 696-6670 The Old Guard is the Army's ceremonial unit and escort to the US President. The museum honors their history. http://www.mdw.army.mil/oldguard/ Old Post Office Tower Pennsylvania Ave. and 12th St. NW, DC Tours of the tower offer magnificent vistas over the city. Administered by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/opot The Old Stone House 3051 M St. NW, DC (202) 426-6851 Historic house museum and garden in Georgetown; one of the oldest houses in DC. http://www.nps.gov/olst Oxon Hill Farm 6411 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD (301) 839-1176 512-acre working 19th c. farm, administered by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/archive/nace/oxhi Palisades Museum of Prehistory Promotes the awareness, careful collection, and preservation of prehistoric artifacts on non-governmental lands in the Palisades of Washington, DC. http://www.pmop.org Patuxent Rural Museums 1600 Croom Airport Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD (301) 627-6074 Patuxent River Park, the Duvall Tool Museum, the Tobacco Farming Museum, a model Sears house, log cabin, and more. http://www.pgparks.com/places/eleganthistoric/patuxent_intro.html The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC (202) 387-2151 America's first museum of modern art, open since 1921. http://www.phillipscollection.org Pierce Mill Rock Creek Park at Park Road, DC (202) 426-6908 Historic grist mill on Rock Creek. http://www.nps.gov/rocr/piercemill/ Pope John Paul II Cultural Center 3900 Harewood Rd. NE, Brookland neighborhood, DC (202) 635-5400 Permanent and rotating exhibits, interactive gallery, cafe, Polish heritage room, and children's gallery, dedicated to exploring the "role of faith in the new millenium." http://www.jp2cc.org Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness 7606 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD (301) 856-0358 A Georgian mansion completed in 1787, with original outbuildings and a carriage collection. This National Historic Landmark site was home to a US Senator, a US Ambassador, and local Justices. http://www.poplarhillonhlk.org Port Discovery 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD (410) 727-8120 Children's interactive museum. http://www.portdiscovery.org President Lincoln and Soldier's Home National Monument Eagle Gate, Rock Creek Church Rd. and Upshur Street NW, DC (202) 829-0436 Lincoln's summer White House, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. http://www.lincolncottage.org Radio and Television Museum 2608 Mitchellville Rd., Bowie, MD. (301) 390-1020 or (301) 809-3088 Vintage radios and TVs and related memorabilia. http://www.radiohistory.org/Museum.htm Ratcliffe-Allison House and Kitty Pozer Garden 10386 Main St., Fairfax, VA (703) 385-8414 Fairfax city's oldest residence was built in 1812. http://www.fairfaxva.gov Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD (410) 333-1138 http://www.AfricanAmericanCulture.org Renwick Gallery 17th St. at Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC (202) 357-2700 Smithsonian museum of American fine crafts from the 19th to the 21st century. http://AmericanArt.si.edu Riverside, the Calvert Mansion 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park, MD (301) 864-0420 An early 1800s mansion that was home to the Calvert family. http://www.pgparks.com Rock Creek Nature Center 5200 Glover Rd. NW, DC (202) 426-6829 Exhibits, films, and hands-on activities, sponsored by the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/rocr/naturecenter Sandy Spring Museum 17901 Bentley Rd., Sandy Spring, MD (301) 774-0022 Exhibits on the history of Sandy Spring, settled by Quakers in the 1720s. http://www.sandyspringmuseum.org Sewell-Belmont House 144 Constitution Ave. NE, Capitol Hill neighborhood, DC (202) 546-1210 Historic 1799 headquarters of the National Women's Party. One of the premier women's history sites in the US, the house contains exhibits on suffrage and equal rights. http://www.sewallbelmont.org The Society of the Cincinnati Museum at Anderson House 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC (202) 785-2040 Amazing 1905 Beaux Arts mansion with period furniture. Also houses a collection of objects related to the American Revolution. http://www.thesocietyofthecincinnati.addr.com/anderson.htm The Squished Penny Museum 416 T St. NW, LeDroit Park neighborhood, DC (202) 986-5644 Museum whose aim is to "capture and convey to the fun-oriented public the spirit and history behind the creation and collection of squished pennies throughout the world." Open by appointment only. http://www.squished.com Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA. (202) 357-2700 Over 80 aircraft and dozens of space artifacts on display. Part of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. http://www.nasm.si.edu Sully Historic Site 3601 Sully Rd., Chantilly, VA (703) 437-1794 The 1794 home of northern Virginia's first congressman Richard Bland Lee, his family and slaves. House, gardens, slave quarters, and the original 18th c. kitchen-laundry, smokehouse, and stone dairy. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/Sully Supreme Court of the United States East Capitol and First Streets NE, Capitol Hill neighborhood, DC (202) 479-3030 http://www.supremecourtus.gov Surratt House Museum 9118 Brandywine Rd., Clinton, MD (301) 868-1121 Period rooms in a 1852 middle-class house, which served as a hostelry and post office as well as a private home. The house came to fame when the Surratt family became involved with John Wilkes Booth in the plot against President Lincoln. http://www.surratt.org The Textile Museum 2320 S St. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC (202) 667-0441 Fiber arts from around the world. Exhibits, library, learning center, family days, and more. http://www.textilemuseum.org Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union St., Old Town neighborhood, Alexandria, VA 165 artists in 83 working studios and 6 galleries housed in a former munitions factory in Old Town Alexandria. http://www.torpedofactory.org Tudor Place Museum and Gardens 1644 31st St. NW, Georgetown neighborhood, DC (202) 965-0400 1816 neoclassical mansion and 5.5 acre garden, built by Martha Washington's granddaughter. Displays 6 generations of family furnishings. http://www.tudorplace.org US Botanic Garden 1st St. SW between Maryland Ave. and C St. DC (202) 225-8333 Conservatory and adjacent Bartholdi Park. Oldest botanic gardens in North America. Tropical, subtropical, and arid collections. http://www.usbg.gov US Capitol East Capitol St. and First St. NW, Capitol Hill neighborhood, DC (202) 225-6827 Tours on the architecture, art, and function of the seat of US government and one of the most widely recognized buildings in the world. http://www.aoc.gov US Holocaust Memorial Museum 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, DC (202) 488-0400 America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. Exhibits, memorial, teacher resources, films, concerts, book signings, Days of Remembrance, and more. http://www.ushmm.org US Naval Observatory Massachusetts Avenue at 34th St. NW, DC Tours of the observatory offered to groups on a limited basis. http://www.usno.navy.mil/tour_info.shtml US Navy Museum Washington Navy Yard, Building 76, 805 Kidder Breese SE, DC. (202) 433-6897 Exhibits on navy history; advance reservations required. http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm US State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms 2201 C St. NW, DC Guided tours of art, furniture, and interior design. http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/diprooms/tour.html The Walters Art Museum 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD. (410) 547-9000 Eyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, Byzantine silver, medieval armor, Faberge eggs, and 16th through 19th c. paintings and sculpture. Also Asian art at Hackerman House. http://www.thewalters.org Washington County Museum of Fine Arts 91 Key St., Hagerstown, MD (301) 739-5727 http://www.washcomuseum.org Washington National Cathedral Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues NW, DC Sculpture, mosaics, and the best gargoyles in the city. Also hosts concerts, lectures, and other programs, and has extensive gardens. http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/ The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC (202) 208-1631 or (202) 456-7041 Tours of the history, art, and architecture of the home of the US President. Designed in 1792 by James Hoban, the house was first occupied in 1800 by President John Adams. State rooms are open to the public; tickets available at the Visitor's Center at 15th & E Streets NW, beginning at 7:30 am. http://www.whitehouse.gov William Paca House and Garden 186 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD (410) 267-7619 18th c. Georgian mansion and garden, built by a signer of the Declaration of Independence. http://www.annapolis.org Woodlawn Mansion and Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA (703) 780-4000 Woodlawn is an 1805 Federal-era mansion. On the same property, the 1940 Pope-Leighey house is a Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. http://www.woodlawn1805.org; http://www.popeleighey1940.org Woodrow Wilson House 2340 S St. NW, Dupont Circle/Kalorama neighborhood, DC (202) 387-4062 Presidential museum of Wilson's former home (occupied after he left the White House in 1921). http://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org     Literary Museums in the Region can be found HERE.