A much-maligned monument to teetotalism.

The most accurate timepiece in the world.

Members of Congress have traveled between the buildings on Capitol Hill for a century hidden from tourists, press, and storm clouds.

The "lovely red Vega" of the legendary record-settling pilot.

Light bulbs, scrap wood, and tinfoil comprise this homemade throne of the gods.

A traveling postal dog covered 48 states and more than 140,000 miles, and he lives on as taxidermy, patched up with a rabbit's foot and a pig's ear.

A little marble compass above George Washington's (empty) tomb in the Capitol marks where D.C.'s four quadrants intersect.

Seemingly unremarkable items like empty sushi trays, chef hats, and freshness stickers are being preserved so future generations can look back on this beloved cultural import.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

Home to a vast and influential collection of Shakespeareana.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

The house where John Wilkes Booth conspired with his co-conspirators.

An atomic bomb-proof strongbox protects the U.S. Constitution from terrorists and thieves.

The first purpose-built art gallery in the United States is once again open as a center of craft arts.

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

A nostalgic bibliographic gem.

This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.

This lonely waterfront memorial to the men of the Titanic was erected by the "Women of America."

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.

A tiny piece of the Moon is embedded in this stained glass masterpiece.

Home to items never before seen by the public.

There's an old indoor swimming pool hidden directly underneath the White House Press Briefing Room.

This church built atop a gas station promises to "equip you for the next stage in your life’s journey."

The Pentagon is so large that it was planned like a city, complete with internal highway infrastructure.