National Archives
http://www.archives.gov
Hours: 10am-7pm in the spring and summer
Metro: archives/navy memorial on the green line
The National Archives is where many original documents are located- like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Here’s the deal: you get into the building (going through security, of course) and which may take awhile, depending when you go. Then you have to wait in line again to see the cool documents- they left that part out of National Treasure. I waited for probably 30 minutes to see the documents, but it’s definitely worth it. Those are the documents that the Founding Fathers signed, that created our country as a center of freedom in the world. They’re freaking important, and worth seeing. If you don’t feel that way, I don’t know why you’re visiting DC anyway.
They also have other records- from all the presidents, all the wars, and exhibits about how they archive pictures and documents. They have original pictures and documents from the earliest settlers in the west. Since I adore pictures, I like seeing all the old ones. I think this is definitely worth checking out, even if you just hit up the original documents, and maybe the gift shop. It has of course, copies of the documents you can buy, cool stationary, books, and journals. If you like to write, definitely check it out. But you should go to the Archives.
Library of Congress
Thomas Jefferson Building
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30
Metro: Capitol South, on the orange and blue lines
I love the Library of Congress. How can you not love a building designated for keeping a copy of all the books in the world safe and secure? It’s also a very pretty building architecturally- columns and paintings and mosaics, all themed around wisdom and books. There are permanent and visiting exhibits. My favorite permanent collection is Thomas Jefferson’s Library. The Library of Congress was established in 1800, intended to be used as a resource for Congress. After the original collection was burned by the British in the War of 1812, TJ donated his entire personal collection to restart the library. Today it holds the largest collection of books in the world, including rare books, books in 470 languages, newspapers, microfilm reels, films, and sheet music. There’s an entire Modern Marvels episode about it, actually, if you want to learn more.
The Thomas Jefferson building, the main building, has the aforementioned exhibit of TJ’s books, as well as other traveling exhibits. There are guided tours you can take, or you can just wander around yourself. Take note of the signs about taking pictures. Everything is free at the Library of Congress- you don’t need a ticket to get in, or pay for a tour. Be wary of the gift shop though, especially if you like books. It’s very hard to resist. There’s also a tunnel to the Capitol Visitors Center, if you are so inclined.
