Washington, D.C.
Kilroy Was Here
There’s a hidden military meme engraved on the World War II Memorial.
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Places I've been
Places this traveler has marked as been there.
Washington, D.C.
Fireworks Safety Zone on the National Mall
On the Fourth of July this area will transform into a Pompeii-like storm of falling embers and ash.
Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
A cavernous three-story, 43,800-square-foot basement that was forgotten about for 60 years.
Washington, D.C.
Misspelling at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial has inspired many, even though a word on the inscription appears to be spelled incorrectly.
Washington, D.C.
The Mary Surratt Boarding House
The house where John Wilkes Booth conspired with his co-conspirators.
Washington, D.C.
First FDR Memorial
One of the most influential presidents in U.S. history wanted only this plain, elegant monument as his lasting memorial.
Washington, D.C.
Temperance Fountain
A much-maligned monument to teetotalism.
Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Book Tower
A three-story tower of books about Abraham Lincoln is one of the more unusual monuments to the president.
Washington, D.C.
Baptist Alley
This unassuming passageway played a key role in one of the most important events in U.S. history.
Washington, D.C.
Equitable Cooperative Building Association
Over the last century, this elegant columned facade has been home to the headquarters of a bank, several nightclubs, and a restaurant.
Washington, D.C.
Grand Lodge Of Masons
This Masonic lodge was the first major private building to be constructed in Washington, D.C. after the Civil War.
Washington, D.C.
The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly
Light bulbs, scrap wood, and tinfoil comprise this homemade throne of the gods.
Washington, D.C.
The Preamble in License Plates
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution written entirely from vanity license plates hangs in the Smithsonian museum.
Washington, D.C.
The Old Patent Model Museum
During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.
Washington, D.C.
Chinatown Barnes Dance
The unique traffic pattern named for an influential urban planner is also known as the Pedestrian Scramble.
Washington, D.C.
Daguerre Monument
Go take a picture with the inventor of the daguerreotype photographic process.
Washington, D.C.
The Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony
The fountains of the U.S. Navy Memorial are annually salted with water from the Seven Seas as part of a nautical ritual.
Washington, D.C.
Peacock Room
This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.
Washington, D.C.
Andrew Jackson Downing Urn
This large garden vase urn has nothing to do with the seventh U.S. President—it was designed by one landscape designer to honor another landscape designer's contributions to the National Mall.
Washington, D.C.
Earth Day Park
A hidden mid-city oasis, built for pollinators amid the concrete of federal buildings
Boston, Massachusetts
Charles Sumner Birthplace Plaque
A plaque marking the famous abolitionist's birthplace often overlooked by visitors to the nearby Charles Sumner House.
Boston, Massachusetts
Smith Court
In the 19th century, this was the center of Boston's Black community.
Boston, Massachusetts
George Middleton House
Historic home of a Black veteran of the American Revolution and one of the earliest civil rights activists in the United States.
Boston, Massachusetts
George Parkman House
The former home of a Boston physician whose murder led to a revolution in forensic science.
