Day 1 You'll See:
Day 2 You'll See:
Your group is going to hit all the best 'Women's Rights' themed landmarks in Washington D.C with this fun 2-day Women in DC Tour! See the Surrett House, Mary McLeod House, and learn all about the DAR at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum.
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Surrett House Tour
Built in 1852, the Surratt homestead was the center point of a 300-acre plantation which also served as a tavern, public dining room, and hotel. During the Civil War, the tavern also doubled as a safe house for Confederate soldiers. After her husband’s death, Mary Surratt could no longer keep up with the plantation and opened a boarding house in Washington, D.C. where she became entangled in the conspiracy to kidnap President Lincoln which ended in his death at the hands of John Wilkes Booth. Booth stopped by Surratt’s tavern in his escape to collect several hidden weapons and as a result, Surratt was tried as a conspirator.Now you can be a part of Mary Surratt’s history by touring John Wilkes Booth’s escape route, attending the educational programs, and exploring the plantation.
Museum of Women in the Arts
Located along New York Avenue Northwest in Washington D.C, this gorgeous federal-era building hosts regular special exhibits, lectures, and community/gallery events, not to mention the renowned permanent collection and onsite cafe. It takes a group on average 2 full hours to see the 3,000 plus masterpieces within, so be sure to save plenty of time and wear some comfortable walking shoes! While exploring this astounding art museum you will see such artists as Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt, and such works as Frida’s Self Portrait, Cassatt’s The Bath, Elisabetta Sirani Virgin and Child, and even Rosalba’s America. Take part in the Daily Gallery Experience, a daily 30-minute conversation piece spotlighting 2 different gallery works, usually taking place at or closely around 2 pm.
Historic Homes Tour
While in D.C you and your group should definitely save a little extra time to see any of the many historic homes dotting the city, several of them providing additional cultural, ecological, or architectural knowledge as well. There are so many throughout, it may be hard to choose just a few or know where to start, which is why we suggest either a guided Historic Home Off the Beaten Path Tour or the following 3 specifically listed historic homes around Georgetown: Hillwood Estate, Dumbarton Oaks, Tudor Place.
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Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
The Daughters of the American Revolution has been an integral part of American history, and history keeping, since 1890. Within the museum, you and your group will find over 30,000 objects, from decorative arts exhibits to costumes, quilts, and needlework. Check out the Museum Gallery, the main museum room that features something new each season, currently featuring ‘Remembering the American Revolution 1776 to 1890. This exhibit shows what citizens saved, made, and bought during that time. Soon you will be able to see the anticipated exhibit ‘An Agreeable Tyrant: Fashion after the Revolution’, featuring fashion choices acceptable after America broke free both socially and economically from Europe.
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum explores the role of espionage in history and today, focusing on learning the craft, practice, tools, and missions of the world’s spies, in both reality and fiction. The museum was developed and continues to receive advice from experts in the field including the former directors of the FBI, Central Intelligence, and the former director-general from the British Secret Service, MI5. Exhibits include over 200 authentic spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras and more. Test your own spy skills at interactive displays or buy your own spy gadgets at the Spy Store like a pen camcorder.
Mary McLeod House
Mary Mcleod Bethune was a remarkable woman with a varied and extensive background. She was the first African American woman to head a federal government agency when President Roosevelt made her Director to the Office of Negro Affairs in 1939. An award winner several times over, Bethune cared only for her work contributing to African American women. Her legacy is preserved in the Mary Mcleod Bethune National Historic Site where visitors may peruse the original furniture, the photographs, and facsimiles of historic documents among the preserved archives Bethune collected herself. Guided tours are given daily 9-4 and are approximately 45 minutes long. The Bethune Trail is also available and highlights several sites significant to Bethune’s legacy in Washington, D.C. The visitors center, open 9-5, features exhibits and the recorded audio of Bethune’s last speech.