Shop from Catalog
Calendar
Browse
What's New?
Members Only
Lectures & Seminars
Performances & Films
Film Screenings
Performance (Single)
Performances (Series)
Discovery Theater
Courses
Studio Arts
Digital Media
Drawing
Fiber Arts
Painting
Photography
Other Media
Study Tours
Children & Family
Discovery Theater
Summer Camp
Kite Festival
Popular Culture Study Tours Photography
American History Programs

Sign-up for eAlerts on American History and other topics on your My Account page.



Battle of Monmouth

Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:00 AM


The Battle of Monmouth was the longest sustained battle of the Revolutionary War. Join historian Ed Bearss as he walks in the footsteps of Gen. George Washington and others who stood tall on that last major engagement in the northern theater.

Battle of the Wilderness

Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Included in this tour led by Civil War historian Ed Bearss are sites of significant activity, such as the Germanna Ford on the Rapidan River and along the Plank Road, where some of the worst fighting took place. Combined casualties in this battle are estimated at about 29,800 killed.

Smithsonian Sleepovers

Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM


Discover the National Museum of Natural History in a whole new way in this unique overnight experience. Includes an evening snack, light breakfast, IMAX screening, evening activity, and tour.

George Washington and John Adams, Two Founding Fathers

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM


Historian and biographer John Ferling takes a critical look at George Washington and John Adams and their relationship, and unlocks the reasons as to why Adams has been underrated and Washington has become a greater national icon.

Early’s Advance on Washington

Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 7:30 AM


In early July 1864, more than 15,000 combat-hardened veterans of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army of Northern Virginia led by Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early swept down the Shenandoah Valley. Crossing the Potomac River near Sharpsburg, Md., they lunged toward Washington. With Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Armies of the Potomac and the James stymied in front of Richmond and Petersburg more than 100 miles to the south, the fate of the nation momentarily hung in the balance. Civil War authority Ed Bearss leads the tour.

Civil War in Culpeper and Orange Counties

Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Civil War authority Ed Bearss leads this tour exploring a strategic travel route between Washington and Richmond, used during significant campaigns. Some little-known battles are also interpreted along the way.

18th-Century Clothing and Customs: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 9:00 AM


Learn about the customs and culture of 18th-century society during a full day in Fredericksburg. Tour includes visits to Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, lunch is at the Inn at Fredericksburg Square, and free time to explore Caroline Street in the heart of the historic district.

Spectacular Temples of Freemasonry

Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 9:00 AM


Freemasonry, the world’s oldest fraternal organization, is also one of the oldest organizations in the city of Washington, where Masons participated in the laying of cornerstones of the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Gary Scott, Past Master and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, leads this tour that includes some of the most significant architectural treasures of Washington.

Spectacular Temples of Freemasonry

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 9:00 AM


Freemasonry, the world’s oldest fraternal organization, is also one of the oldest organizations in the city of Washington, where Masons participated in the laying of cornerstones of the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Gary Scott, Past Master and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, leads this tour that includes some of the most significant architectural treasures of Washington.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Join Civil War historian Ed Bearss as he explores the historic events following the Battle of the Wilderness. The tour includes the Bloody Angle and Harris Farm.

Booth’s Escape Route

Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Fleeing Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. During this day-long bus tour, Civil War authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth's escape route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the assassination. Special Itinerary!

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 10:30 AM


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:15 AM


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Join Civil War historian Ed Bearss as he explores the historic events following the Battle of the Wilderness. The tour includes the Bloody Angle and Harris Farm.

1862: Shiloh, Second Bull Run, and Antietam

Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 10:00 AM


Why were the battles of Shiloh, Second Bull Run, and Antietam pivotal confrontations that ultimately shaped the nature of the conflict between the north and south? Civil War historian Stephen Engle explores the reasons why in this day-long seminar.

It’s All Oliver Cromwell’s Fault

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 6:45 PM


This evening seminar shows how the American system of "checks and balances" was designed to prevent a repeat of British Tyranny, especially the British Civil War and Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate. Charles Cushman of George Washington University lectures.

Booth’s Escape Route

Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM


Fleeing Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. During this day-long bus tour, Civil War authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth's escape route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the assassination. Special Itinerary!