Family Field Trip - Smithsonian Natural History & American History Museums

Last weekend, we took the train to downtown DC and decided to explore my two favorite museums. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Museum of American History are two places that I have been numerous times but the exhibits change often and there is always something new to see.  Both of these museums are huge so you can't really see everything in one visit. The advice I give to everyone is to figure out which exhibits you really want to see and map out your plan to visit those. If you have time, depending on how long you are visiting, then you can go back and view other exhibits.

Natural History Museum

Usually when I go here with friends or with Ryan I always make my first stop at the gemstones hall so I can see the legendary Hope Diamond and the other beautiful jewels on display. However, since an active 3 year old boy's idea of fun isn't looking at jewelry, we skipped this area on this visit. But because I believe it is a must see if you've never been, here is a picture from our 2008 visit.

Our agenda for this visit included:

• Dinosaur Fossils
• Insects
• Titanoboa
• The Ocean Hall

Aidan is really into dinosaurs and insects so those were our main objectives. As those are always the two most crowded areas, be prepared to have your foot stepped on many times and to possibly lose the rest of your party.

We also enjoyed the elephant in the rotunda that greets you upon your entering the museum. A note for photographers - this museum has really dim lighting in most areas so unless you are skilled at using your flash settings (as I am NOT) be prepared to not get the best photos in here.



Titanoboa is a special exhibit of a model of the recently discovered largest snake (thankfully extinct) to ever exist. I have to admit that the sheer size of this thing was really impressive.

American History Museum

This one is my absolute favorite museum anywhere. This was my first visit here after an intensive years long renovation and it was well worth the wait because there was something here for each of us. Our agenda for this one included:

• The Star Spangled Banner
• The Presidents & First Ladies
• Julia Child's Kitchen
• Movie/TV Memorabilia
• The Transportation Hall

The Star Spangled Banner is always my first stop when I come here but this was the first time I got to see it in it's new permanent home. This is the flag that was flying over Baltimore's Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. When the British bombed the fort in a day and night long bombardment this flag somehow survived and inspired Baltimore lawyer Francis Scott Key to write a poem that became our National anthem. As a Marylander, this flag is a great symbol of pride for me. The new exhibit is breathtaking but unfortunately they don't allow photos to be taken inside because the light has to be perfectly controlled to prevent further damage to the fragile 200 year old flag.

I also always visit the First Ladies and Presidents exhibit. This time I was able to see Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown. Photos and videos don't do this beautiful dress justice. They have at least one gown from each First Lady so if you have a favorite you should definitely stop by. I also worship Jackie Kennedy and Hillary Clinton so I stopped by their dresses as well.

Arguably, the most famous piece in the Presidents exhibit is the hat that Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night he was assassinated. To quote Lisa Simpson... "America's greatest citizen summed up in one piece of clothing". That truly describes seeing the hat up close.

I am a foodie who spends most of my life watching cooking shows. Julia Child was the first food celebrity so seeing her kitchen at the museum is like a holy pilgrimage for me. It's quite sad that her wall of pots and pans gave me chills but I guess that's something to discuss with a therapist...

The most surprisingly enjoyable exhibit was the transportation hall. This collection of cars, trucks, trains, buses and motorcycles tells a unique tale of the modern American experience. They have a 1950's era Chicago commuter train that you can get onto and it feels like you are moving and making stops. Aidan loved it and wanted to do it over and over again.

The Hollywood Memorabilia section had something for everyone. Ryan and Aidan are comic book fans so when Ryan saw George Reeves' costume from the 1950's TV series he demanded that he and Aidan pose with the suit. This photo is now my desktop wallpaper.

I'm an old movie buff and "The Wizard of Oz" is in my top 5 so I had to stop and pay homage to the greatest movie prop ever... Dorothy's ruby slippers!

All in all it was a great day at two national treasures. After our day inside we went outside and hung out on the National Mall for a little bit to enjoy the beautiful summer day.