Gail and I crept downstairs well before 6:30 in the morning to try to get tickets to the African American museum, Alissa had decided to sleep on that couch after a non-successful night of non-sleep on the basement couch, and we all started punching the “get tickets” buttons on our phones. Much to our amazement, Alissa scored and got through. She got 4 tickets for 3:30, and so when I got in, I got the 2 more required. Gail never got through. So, we were so glad there had been 3 of us trying. Although it was late in the day, we were delighted to have received any tickets at all!
We decided to take the yellow loop on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus during the morning, as we had those tickets to use as well.
We started this loop near the Washington Monument, and it took us to another part of town, including past the Kennedy Center.
Then, we went to the African American Museum. I didn’t take any picture inside. It was so well done, we were enthralled. We rode a massive elevator to the bottom floor, and then followed the exhibits and ramps up, all the way to the 3rd floor, symbolizing the rise of the black people from slavery to where they are now. It starts with slavery, then moves on to the Civil Rights movement, and beyond.
In the 2 hours we had before it closed, we were able to really take in those 3 floors. There were a couple more floors above the main level that Ja’Ana and Alissa may have skimmed through, but the rest of us ended up on a large bench with our feet up, ready to return to the townhouse.
Because 2 of my girls are black, I have been extremely mindful to study African American history with them over the years. I want them to know their heritage. So, this museum was such a visual reminder of many things we had studied and much that we had not. Neither Ja’Ana nor I were disappointed at all. It was worth the trouble of getting the tickets for us.
I don’t know why I didn’t think to book tickets for anything at all at the Kennedy Center. I would have loved to go inside but when I was there it was booked up the whole time so maybe next time. I also didn’t know about the hop on hop off. That would have been great too.
We enjoyed the bus very much. In fact, at the beginning of the trip, it was the girls’ favorite thing. Later on, not sure. We saw so much:)
Glad you were able to finally get the tickets.
Me, too. Because 6 there is like 3 a.m. here. Boy were we feeling it, even by the second day:)
This museum was not built yet when we went, but it was in the process. I would have loved to have seen those exhibits. What an amazing experience it must have been. Well worth getting up early to get those tickets, for sure!!!
Having 2 African American daughters, and having studied the Civil Rights movement extensively last year made it even more meaningful to me. I learned a lot, probably more than the kids during the entire process of teaching the material and visiting the museum! If you ever get the chance to go to D.C. again, put this one on your list:). I was so glad we scored on day 2, though. It would have been a LONG week if we had to try daily the whole time.
Glad you were able to get the tickets and visit the museum. It must have been a lovely experience for everyone.
We sure felt triumphant when we got the tickets!