There is much more to Washington than the major memorials.
     Here are some areas to explore in a private tour . . .

The National Museum of the U.S. Army commemorates its entire history -- finally. The Eisenhower Memorial remembers the Kansas farm boy who commanded the WWII Allies and then led the US into the post-war era. The Glenstone Museum exhibits the art from that time to the present, in a setting that honors nature.		Our two native sons: John Philip Sousa and Duke Ellington, illustrate the diversity of Washington's music scene. There is not a day without a free concert somewhere in town Photo: The Air Force Band, and the Duke Ellington Statue.
"Washington's Art Scene is alive and growing in many directions. Photo: The Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery		Discover Washington's little-known natural preserrvs and gardens. Photo: The Original Capitol Columns now at the National Arboretum.
About four years ago, construction workers discovered where Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. There are many sites for you to discover. Photo: A Performance of One Destiny at Ford's Theatre, the inset highlights John Wilkes Booth lurking a few feet from Lincoln at his Second Innauguration		There are many who serve and protect, and special places to honor them. Photo: The Law Enforcement Memorial, dedicated to all First Responders.
Washington offers both innovative and classical drama. Photo: The Folger Shakespeare Library's Elizabethan Theatre, which compliments the largest collection of Shakespeare memorabilia in the world.
The Federal City is actually a federation of small towns: the neighborhoods where people live in genuine communities. Photo: Weekend Arts, Crafts and Specialities at Eastern Market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do specialty tours?

Every private tour is specially planned, depending on your schedule and interests. My areas of expertise include American History, Civil-War Washington, Urban History, Music and Art, and Educational Tours.

Let me see what I can do. You can jot me a note on the Contact page.

What transportation do you provide?

I work with some of the best limousine companies in the area, and can provide transportation for groups from one to, for special occasions, fifty people

I also do walking & Metro tours. You can skip the stairmaster afterwards . . .

I am thinking of coming in for a few days. What can you do for me?

Let's call this a concierge tour. What I do is set up an itinerary for you, which includes some guided tours, and recommendations for things you can do on your own.

These plans have some flexibility built in. Occasionally there are special events, or the President comes by and blocks traffic, or you discover something you want to explore in more depth. We can make changes to accommodate these conditions.

You may want to check the Off the Beaten Path section for ideas.

When is the best time to come? Cherry Blossom time perhaps?

Spring is a beautiful time in Washington, with gentle weather which is great for walking.

Going on foot is a good idea when the city is full of folks on Spring Break, in for Cherry Blossoms, and on the Eighth-Grade Pilgrimage. If you prefer less crowds with gentle weather, Autumn is a great time to come.

Since Washington straddles two climate zones, our weather can change. It is generally mild, with a few hot or cold days here and there. Winter offers inexpensive accomodations, Holiday performances, and special art exhibitions. Summer offers outdoor concerts and festivals.

Were you a history teacher?

Yes, sort of. My certification is Secondary English . . . and most stories took place in the past. I study history with Guild colleagues and because it is a great story I hope that to make it special for you as well.

What is the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC?

Over 25 years ago, a group of dedicated guides formed the Guild to promote professional standards and education It is a standard for similar organizations nationwide. Guild certification assures an educated and ethical guide.

If I cannot provide you the best tour possible, due to scheduling or special interests, I will be happy to find you someone who can.

Can I see the Capitol?

One amazing thing about the Capitol is that no one needs to show I.D.-- it is open to all human beings who can pass a security check. So there are no special privliges for Americans. If you do have a Congressman or Senator, they can arrange for an aid to escort us. Or, we can make reservations for a public tour. These are available Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public Tours have not been avialable since 1-6-21

What about the White House?

White House tours require a congressional ticket, and a few months for a security check. You would have to do this on your own. The tours are brief.

Two alternatives are the First Ladies' Easter Egg Roll, and the White House Garden Tour, which is offered a few times a year.

Does your job get boring?

You would be surprised at how many people ask this questions. I say no, becasue each tour is different. People from all over the country, and the entire world, come to Washington for school trips, vacations, and meetings. They are all different, so every tour is different.

Until recently, the only branch of the U.S. militry without a Washington-area was -- The Army.

The new National Museum of the United States Army,near Fort Belvior, VA, takes visitors through Army's history. Young visitors can experience interactive exhibits.

The just-opened Eisenhower Memorial,

On the south side of the Air and Space Museum, this park has a two-block-long wire tapestry of Normandy's beaches in peacetime. It celebrates Eisenhower' achiements in both war and the peace for which he fought.

The Glenstone Museum

It's Mission: "Glenstone is a place that seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature into a serene and contemplative environment." The collection includes Post-WWII art, showing the shifts if style from then to the early 21st century. It is a short ride north of Georgetown.

Language learning supports international understanding. Planet Word Museum...

celebrates the families of languages. "Planet Word is an immersive language experience located at the historic Franklin School in Washington, D.C. Ideal for all ages, Planet Word is a voice-activated museum (the world’s first!), and our interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways."

And our other Off the Beaten Path sites let you discover what's new for you.

America's premiere Shakespeare research center and theatre are on Capitol Hill. . . .

The Folger Library contains more First Folios than any other library, and half of the titles written in English during Shakespeare's epoch.

It also offers a free Friday evening program, and special childrens' activities.

. . .and Washington's own Shakespeare Theatre Company is downtown.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company creates, preserves and promotes classic theatre—ambitious, enduring plays with universal themes—for all audiences.

More Avant-Garde productions are offered by . . .

. . . The Wooly Mammoth Theater. It has won hundreds of awards recognizing its launches of original productions.

New American Theatre, exploring contemporary issues and their backstories..

Arena Stage is a center for American theater with diverse and innovative works from around the country and the nurturing of new plays. Its focus is on American artists.

The lighter song and dance of current politics.

The Capitol Steps 'Put the Mock in Democracy', with fresh takes on current events.

An overview of what's new. . .

. . . can be found at D C Theatre Scene.

Explore Eastern Market, the heart of Capitol Hill.

The weekend craft fair and flea market offers unique, fair-trade gifts.

You can sample crabcakes, the dish which defines the Chesapeake region

Visit Congressional Cemetery, the final resting place of famous Washingtonians such as John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, and other local heroes -- and villains. The Native American 9/11 memorial intended for the Pentagon is also located here.

Situated at the edge of L'Enfant's Federal City, the Cemetery has wide array of specialized self-guided walking tours, as well as guided tours on weekends.

Kennedy's Georgetown.

Take a walk through the neighborhood which Kennedy knew.

You can also Healy Hall at Georgetown University, and if you want a run, you can try the Exorcist steps.

Find your Neighborhood . . .

'Do people actually live here?' ask many visitors. Yes -- and dogs too. The Federal City is actually a federation of neighborhoods; you can take a look to see which one is right for you . . .

. . . and then explore our Neighborhood Heritage Trails.

Exploring D.C. by foot is not only good exercise, but a great connection too.

The National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum have the latest regular hours of any Smithsonian Museums.

These museums are located together, in the Old Patent Office Building, where Walt Whitman volunteered as he sought his brother, and where Lincoln's Second Inauguration was held.

Now the Portrait gallery features paintings of past presidents up to President Obama. His Firt Lady is there as well.

The American Art Museum's collection extends from the colonial period to the contemporary photographs.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts . . .

. . . is the only museum dedicated exclusively to women artists, from the 16th century to the present.

French Impressionism, American Modernism and Contemporary Art in an intimate setting.

Located in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, the Philips Collection is always new.

Russian Imperial and Eighteenth-Century French Art.

The Hillwood collection offers a look into life of Marjorie Post, a nineteenth-century Washington socialite, as well as one of the largest collections of Faberge eggs outside of Russia.

The Glenstone Museum

It's Mission: "Glenstone is a place that seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature into a serene and contemplative environment." The collection includes Post-WWII art, showing the shifts if style from then to the early 21st century. It is a short ride north of Georgetown.

The national memorial honoring our First Responders.

The Law Enforcement Memorial is a park inscribed with the names of police, firemen, and guards who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

The National Navy Museum . .

. . offers a complete overview of U.S. Naval History. It is on the grounds of the historic Washington Navy Yard.

The National Guard Museum.

Since 1636, citizen-soldiers have joined local militias. The museum spans the Guard's history from then until the current Middle East conflicts

The National Museum of the Marine Corps . .

. . . in Quantico, Virginia, is the training ground for the Marines, and will show you their history.

The Evening Parade at the Washington Marine Barracks . . .

. . . includes music and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, which is not to be missed.

The Navy Memorial . . .

. . .across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Archives, includes the Lone Sailor, bas reliefs of naval history, and a museum.

Arlington Cemetery...

…needs no introduction, but does sites beyond the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can see Robert E. Lee's former home, the new 9/11 Memorial, and find individual graves through their app, ANC Explorer.

Experience Ford's Theatre-- live.

One Destiny is a two-man show reflecting on the Lincoln assassination, which can run concurrently with other productions. Imagine seeing a play in Ford's Theatre itself, for less than the cost of a pay-per-view movie.

Ford's also offers tours and an education center.

If you can't get to Mount Vernon, you can visit the home of George Washington's most famous descendent-in-law: The Custis-Lee (as in Robert E. Lee) Mansion.

Arlington House was built by Martha Washington's grandson, who intended it to be a memorial to his adopted father. Much of what one sees at Mount Vernon came from Arlington House.

There may be renovations, so please confirm opening times on the Park Service website

.

Visit Congressional Cemetery, the final resting place of famous Washingtonians such as John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, and other local heroes -- and villains. The Native American 9/11 memorial intended for the Pentagon is also located here.

Situated at the edge of L'Enfant's Federal City, the Cemetery has wide array of specialized self-guided walking tours, as well as guided tours on weekends.

Frederick Douglass rose, literally, from slavery in Maryland to one of the highest spots in DC. You can visit his Cedar Hill home in Anacostia, as well as his first D.C. home, just a few blocks from the Capitol.

You can get to know Frederick Douglass personally by visiting his homes, and see the arc of his life from Cedar Hill.

Visit the home of the American Revolution's heroes.

Cincinnatus was a Roman hero who saved his country, then laid down his sword. Just like George Washington. The Society preserves Revolutionary History.

Explore an actual monastery, including catacombs, with a life-size replica of Golgotha.

The Franciscan Monastery, near the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is an oasis of peace during a busy tour.

Visit the site of Mercy Street.

The Carlyle House is the actual family home which was behind the hotel-turned-hospital.

From slaves to soldiers.

The Freedom House museum in Alexandria is actually a former slave market, complete with holding cells.

The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum is in the historic Shaw-U Street neighborhood. You can also expereince the original Ben's Chili Bowl.

Neighborhood History by foot:

Cultural Tourism DC offers maps and markers for personal exploration.

The National Arboretum, includes the original columns from the Capitol's East Front.

Before President Regan, Inaugurations were held on the East Front, so these columns heard Lincoln, FDR and Kennedy's Inaugural Addresses.

The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is one of the largest wetland waterparks in a city... and the only one with a Lotus festival.

and probably the only one with a Lotus Festival

Theodore Roosevelt Island honors the creator of the National Park System.

Donated to the Park Service, this island preserves the Potomac of the past.

George Washington's Canal and River Trail . . .

. . . begins at Georgetown, site of the original Water Gate. It offers over 100 miles of hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

Two Special Gardens: a a monastery’s meditation trail, and a bishop's retreat.

Both the Franciscan Monastery and the Anglican cathedral offer special gardens for peace and reflection.

Mount Vernon preserves a trail showing it's natural terrain . . ..

. . .and you can visit by bicycle.

The Hillwood Museum's Gardens . . .

. . . change with the seasons. Please check for special exhibitions.

A free concert every day at the Kennedy Center.

The Millennium Stage features all varieties of music: international ethnic celebrations, chamber music, American medleys, and more. You can have dinner at the upstairs restaurant overlooking the river.

Free Jazz Concerts in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Every Friday in the summertime, these concerts honor DC native Duke Ellington. They fill up quickly, so please be early. Food and wine are available for purchase.

Summer Military Ensemble Concerts, free, at the Capitol.

Every weekday evening, the West Front of the Capitol comes alive with a different military ensemble. It could be a full orchestra, the Singing Sergeants, jazz or classical ensembles. You can just walk up to the Mall side and enjoy.

Jazz and Bluegrass at Mr. Henry's on Capitol Hill.

This local spot, where Roberta Flack got her start, offers jazz, bluegrass, and jam nights--with no cover charge.

Concerts at the Library of Congress.

Many consider the Thomas Jefferson building is considered the most beautiful venue in DC. The concert tradition began with chamber music, and has grown to include folklife and jazz concerts as well.

The Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks . .

. . includes both a concert and a performance by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, which is a reason to come back in the summer.