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How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

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What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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Thank you for your interest in touring Washington, D.C.! All tickets are provided to D.C. residents on a first come, first served basis . We advise residents to submit tour request as soon as possible, particularly for dates during peak tourism season such as April, May, and December. Requests for a U.S. Capitol tour may be submitted up to 3 months in advance, and no later than 3 weeks before the requested date. You may submit multiple dates. However, we can and will only submit up to three dates based on the availability of the tours.

If you are a D.C. resident having guest visiting we will process the request for you and your guest. If you are a foreign citizen visiting D.C., please write in the local address where you will be staying. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

For information on sightseeing and attractions, please visit the Congresswoman's resources in Washington, D.C. Tourism Information page.

Capitol Tours:

To reserve a tour of the Capitol building or check tour availability, please use the following link: Capitol Tour Reservation

White House Tours:

Request for White House tours should be submitted 3 to 4 months before the requested date and no less than 21 days in advance. Public tours will initially be available from 8:00am to 12:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays (excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). You may submit up to three (3) dates. We will submit your requested dates based on the White House's availability. All tours are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis at the discretion of the White House Visitor Office . You may request a tour for up to 50 guests to tour the White House. All guests who plan to visit the White House must provide the following information to U.S. Secret Service: Full Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number (U.S. citizens 18 and older only), country of birth, gender, and city and state of residence. Guests are responsible for submitting this information online via the secure RSVP form generated by the White House. All security information must be submitted before the RSVP deadline (you will receive RSVP by email and you will have 7 days to complete the RSVP). If you request a tour for 5 people and only 4 guests submit the security information by the deadline, the tour will auto-adjust to reservations for 4 people, and we will not be able to make any changes. Upon approval from the White House, participants will receive a notification approximately two weeks in advance providing a timeline and date for a tour.

Please email White House Tour requests to White [email protected] and include the month of your requested tour date in the subject line ( ex. WH Tour Request- Feb 2023).

Pentagon Tours:

Please use the following link to request a tour of the Pentagon: Pentagon Tour Request .

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tours:

Please use the following link to request a tour of Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tour Request .

U.S. Supreme Court Tours:

Please use the following link to learn more about a tour of the Supreme Court: Supreme Court Tour Information .

Welcome to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. You will find an abundance of cultural, educational, and just plain fun attractions and events here. Start your trip planning with the useful resources below.

United States Congress

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Book a tour, look at a Capitol map and find other useful information. The mission of the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol.

Map of Capitol Grounds The Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.

Map of Accessible Transportation at the Capitol Accessible entrances and transportation servicing the Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Virtual Tour of Capitol Explore the nation's Capitol, including the old and current House chambers.

Library of Congress

Each of “America’s Library buildings”, named for a U.S. President (Adams, Jefferson, and Madison), contains millions of cataloged books and other print materials on 530 miles of shelving is a world-renowned research center for scholars easily accessible to both Congress and the public. Special exhibitions —including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type—make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Supreme Court of the United States

“Equal Justice Under Law” is the promise on the portals of the Supreme Court building.Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the court is not in session. Group tours are available and must be made in advance. First and East Capitol Streets, NE.

United States Botanic Garden

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

The White   House Announces Public Tours and Media Preview of the White   House Gardens on Mother’s Day   Weekend

The White House will continue the tradition of welcoming members of the public to tour the White House Gardens and South Grounds. This spring the White House Gardens Tour will take place during Mother’s Day Weekend, with tours available to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET on Saturday, May 11 th and Sunday, May 12 th . 

2024 White House Gardens Tour The White House Gardens Tour is free and open to the public; however, a daily timed ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. The National Park Service (NPS) will distribute free, daily timed tickets at a tent stationed outside the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) each tour day (May 11 th and 12 th ) beginning at 8:30 AM ET, while supplies last. The tour entry point for all guests will be located on 15th Street, NW between E Street, NW and Constitution Avenue, NW. Advance reservations are not available. The ADA entrance will be located at 15th Street, NW and Alexander Hamilton Place, NW.

Media Preview The White House will host a media preview of the White House Gardens and South Grounds on Friday, May 10 th at 12:30 PM ET. This media preview will be open to pre-credentialed media. For interested media, please RSVP  HERE  by Thursday, May 9 th  at 3:00 PM ET. 

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Washington DC Tours and Tickets

If you are a resident of the 48th Congressional District of California and are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., Congressman Issa's office is here to assist.

U.S. Capitol Building

Free, public tours are offered between 8:30am - 3:20pm ET, Monday through Saturdays. Holidays and special events excluded.

Reservations are recommended.  Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a reservation using the form below.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be extremely limited during peak visitor times.

Groups should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their reservation time.  Please be aware that the tour will take approximately 90 minutes and will require about .5 miles or more of walking and stairs.  Handicap accessibility is also available. 

You may view a Map of Capitol Hill, here .  

To take a virtual tour, please visit:   visitthecapitol.gov

The White House

Public tour tickets are available via reservation only.  Tours are offered from 8:00am-12:30pm ET on limited days, excluding holidays and special events as determined by the White House. 

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below.  The tour schedule and tickets offered are extremely limited and at the sole discretion of the White House. Please request at least 60-90 days before your travel dates.

The White House is a self-guided tour and guests should allocate approximately 90 minutes. 

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, Jefferson Building is located on Capitol Hill on First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Public tour tickets are available via reservation.  Entry tour passes are available 10:00am - 4:30pm ET Tuesday through Saturday, except holidays.  The Library is closed for public visits on Sundays and Mondays.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be extremely limited during peak visitor times.

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below. Or, constituents may self book at:  Visiting the Library  |  Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Guests should allocate approximately 90 minutes for this self-guided tour.  

The FBI Experience

The FBI Experience is a self-guided tour of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC.  

Operating hours are 9:00am -4:00pm ET, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded.

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below. Reservations are extremely limited and must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the desired visit date.

OTHER DC VISITORS INFORMATION

Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court is located on Capitol Hill on First and East Capitol Streets, NE. The Visitor Entrance is at the Northwest doors via First St NE.

No reservations are required.  The Supreme Court exhibitions are currently open to walk in visitors on a self-guided basis.

Visitors are welcome 9:00am - 4:30pm ET, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. The building is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.  The business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building.  

The building is located on First Street NE between East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue, adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

**The Bureau is currently closed to public tours.**

Smithsonian Museums and Zoo

The Smithsonian offers more than a dozen Washington DC area museums and galleries.  Explore your options:  Virtual Visitor Center | Smithsonian Institution

United States National Mall

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is an open, national park available to the public. The Mall extends from the West steps of the Capitol Building and across the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.

A full map of the National Mall can be found here .

Washington D.C. Metropolitan Transit System

The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Transit System (Metro) features bus and rail operating lines.

For navigation, stop information, and directions regarding the Metro, please visit:  https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps/ .

For costs and fares associated with the Metro, please visit: https://www.wmata.com/fares/index.cfm .

All tickets are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the large number of visitors, please request them as early as possible in order to maximize your chances.

Please choose three dates everyone in your party is available to tour the White House. Tours are available Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The tours are self-guided.

White House tours may be submitted up to 6 months in advance, but no later than 3 weeks before the requested tour date.

Each person in your tour party must submit security information to the White House via a link they provide.

Please specify the dates that you are available for tours below. You can specify a range of dates along with additional dates outside of that range for availability.

Range of Dates Available

Please specify the date range that you are available for tours.

Additional Dates Available

If you have additional dates that you are available, list them below. Add more dates by using the 'Add Another Date' option.

What are the options for 'Phone Type?'

Constituents who are hard of hearing or use a video phone have the option to choose TDD or VP based on the type of device they are using. This allows our office to respond to them accordingly. The default option 'Voice' is a standard audible telephone.

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Tour Request

Note: Fields marked with an * are required.

This is to help the constituents that are hard of hearing or use a video phone alert us to that fact so we can use the proper technology when we need to call them. The default option “Voice” is a normal audible telephone.

Please select each ticket type you would like me to request for you: Tickets are free, and provided on a first-come first-served basis. If my office is unable to secure a congressional tour for the sites you selected, most locations are available for public tours. Please visit  house.gov  for information about public tour information for many of the sites in Washington D.C.  Admittance is determined by the individual tour site or agency, not by the Congressional office. Unless specified, tours are available Monday through Friday.

22 Free Things to Do in Washington DC

W ashington DC is great because there are so many free things to do! Find out the best free things to do in Washington DC so you don’t have to spend a cent.

I’ve visited DC so many times, and I’ve found so many things to do for free! The city is filled with free museums and attractions , idyllic parks, and free festivals. You’ll have no trouble finding things to do in Washington DC for free.

Don’t break the bank on your visit to Washington DC! Check out these top free things to do in DC .

Fun Free Things to Do in Washington DC

1. united states capitol.

A visit to the U.S. Capitol Building is a must while visiting Washington DC . And it’s free to tour!

Public tours of the United States Capitol are available to everyone, including non-U.S. citizens. The free tour covers the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and Senate and House Galleries.

2. White House

The White House has been the official residency of the president of the United States since John Adams in 1800.

It is free to tour the White House, but you’ll have to submit a tour request months in advance through your representative if you’re a U.S. citizen, or through your embassy in DC if you’re an international visitor.

3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History explore the history of our planet from billions of years ago to life on earth today.

This free DC museum has an amazing collection of fossils, precious gems, and unique artifacts that you won’t want to miss!

4. Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and it’s home to over 1,500 animals.

At this free zoo, you can find bears, monkeys, big cats, elephants, and more. Their popular exhibits include the Elephant Trails, Great Ape House, Cheetah Conservation Station, and the American Trail.

5. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art has a collection of 141,000 works of art from around the Western world.

This free museum has art from the Middle Ages to the present, including a huge collection of Italian artwork (and the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas).

6. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

As a bonus, the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art adjacent to the West Building is also free to visit.

The free garden exhibits several works from the museum’s contemporary sculpture collection and is a treasure trove of botanicals and sculptures.

7. National Archives Museum

In the free National Archives Museum , you’ll be able to see important documents from the founding of the United States: the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

They also have other documents and records that shaped America’s history, including a copy of Magna Carta , presidential papers, and rotating exhibits.

8. Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle (also called the Smithsonian Institution Building) is the visitor center for the Smithsonian museums. It’s the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building.

You can stop here for information on visiting the other Smithsonian museums, to see their America’s Treasure Chest display with items from each of the Smithsonian museums on display, to see the tomb of James Smithson, and to tour the castle. All of which is free!

9. National Mall

The National Mall is the long park space that runs between the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the White House.

Essentially a huge park, you’re free to stroll the sidewalks, plus the Smithsonian’s free museums line the sides, and there are free events throughout the year that you can attend on the National Mall.

10. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the country. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their families.

Here, you’ll find the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its popular Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also see the graves of President John F. Kennedy, President William Howard Taft, the seven Space Shuttle Challenger astronauts, the Tuskegee Airmen, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and many more important people.

The cemetery is free to visit and explore on your own. They do offer a tram tour that costs extra, if you don’t want to walk the entire cemetery. The tram is free for those with disabilities.

11. Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters for the Department of Defense. It is one of the largest office buildings in the world, covering 6.5 million square feet.

You can tour the long hallways, each of which are filled with information and artifacts about the country’s military history. You can also visit the small indoor memorial and chapel for the September 11 attacks.

It is free to tour the Pentagon, but tours are only available to U.S. citizens, and you must make an reservation well in advance of your visit.

12. Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial immortalizes Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the U.S. and the author of the Declaration of Independence.

This monument on the Tidal Basin has a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Jefferson, surrounded by many of his famous quotes. In the spring, the memorial is surrounded by DC’s famous cherry blossoms .

13. WWII Memorial

The National WWII Memorial in the middle of the National Mall honors the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.

This is a serene memorial with 56 granite columns and a plaza fountain.

14. Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a 555-foot-tall marble obelisk that commemorates George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States.

And you can ride to the top of the monument for a great view of the city.

Technically, the Washington Monument is free to visit. But to get a ticket, you’ll need to reserve online in advance, which costs a $1 service fee. There are a limited number of walk-up tickets available, which are completely free and without service fee, but these sell out very quickly.

15. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.

The incredible marble monument holds a 19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln as he gazes out over the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool.

16. Cherry Blossoms

Every spring, thousands of cherry blossoms cover Washington DC . You’ll find the beautiful pink and white blooms all over the city, most notably at the Tidal Basin.

The city also holds a free 4-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival with arts and cultural events celebrating the cherry tree.

This is one of the best times to visit Washington DC!

17. Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is the man-made reservoir on the western part of the National Mall. It serves as a pretty backdrop for some of DC’s best monuments.

Walk around the 2-mile Tidal Basin Loop to see the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, the John Paul Jones Memorial, the Floral Library, the Japanese Pagoda, the Japanese Lantern, and site of the First Cherry Tree Planting.

18. Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood of Washington DC that is full of cobblestone streets, Federal-style architecture, and old-town charm.

Enjoy wandering the cobbled streets of Georgetown where you can do some window shopping, see Georgetown University, and see the oldest standing building in DC.

19. The Wharf

The Wharf is a waterfront district in Washington DC that runs along the Washington Channel. This area has tons of shops, restaurants, rooftop bars , entertainment, hotels, and apartments.

Enjoy a waterfront stroll along the Wharf, window shopping at boutique stores, and a visit to the country’s oldest continually operating open-air fish market.

20. Chinatown

Chinatown is a small historic neighborhood of DC that is home to tons of great restaurants , the iconic Friendship Archway, and the Capitol One Arena.

The intersection of H Street at 7th Street is where you’ll find the beautiful Friendship Archway, a traditional Chinese gate donated to DC by sister city Beijing in 1968.

21. Willard Hotel

The Willard InterContinental Washington DC Hotel , (also called the Willard Hotel) is a historic hotel where DC’s political elite have been hanging out for over a century.

Every president since Franklin Pierce has either attended an event or gotten a room at this elegant, turn-of-the-century hotel. Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed drinking and smoking in the lobby, and hotel lore says that this is the origin of the term “lobbying”.

The hotel is filled with history, and even if you don’t book a room there, you can still pop in and take a look at the elaborate lobby, decked out in gold, marble, and classy wood finishes.

22. SW DC Prehistoric Pocket Park

The SW DC Prehistoric Pocket Park is a tiny park of toy dinosaurs that someone made in their front garden. You’ll find it at 602 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 .

This is a fun little free piece of art to find on your walk between the Wharf and the L’Enfant Metro station!

Free Things to Do in DC Map

Ready to explore these fun free things to do in Washington DC? Use the map below to plan out your trip!

I hope you have a great time exploring DC on a budget!

Save on Washington DC’s Top Attractions

Want to save big on Washington DC’s top attractions ? With the Washington DC Sightseeing Pass , you can save up to 60% on the cost of entrance tickets to museums, tours, and attractions all around the city!

Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With one price and one pass, you have everything you need right on your phone. This is the perfect pass for visiting Washington DC!

Get your Washington DC Sightseeing Pass here.

Top Washington DC Tours

• DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour
• Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
• Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards
• Washington DC “See the City” Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

Where to Stay in Washington DC

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Washington DC, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center or the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
• Top Hotel: The Hay-Adams
• Great Value: Phoenix Park Hotel
• Unique Stay: Unique DC Row House Near Historic H Street

Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center

We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center when attending an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This hotel has a great location. It’s just on the edge of Chinatown and is within easy walking distance to the National Mall and all the tourist hot spots. There are plenty of restaurant options and nightlife nearby.

Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf

We love the location of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf , though the hotel’s customer service could use some work.

The Wharf is a great spot to be for beautiful waterfront views and lots of dining and nightlife . It’s also only a 10-15 minute walk from two different Metro stations, and it’s really easy to get to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

More Things to Do in Washington DC

Explore even more of the nation’s capital! Check out these other top tips for visiting Washington DC.

• 25+ Best Things to Do in Washington DC
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
• Your Guide to Rooftop Bars at The Wharf, Washington DC
• Visiting the Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC
• Where to Eat in Chinatown, Washington DC
• Taking a Day Trip to Alexandria, Virginia from Washington DC
• Taking a Day Trip to Baltimore, Maryland from Washington DC

Ready to visit Washington DC? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Washington DC using Hotels.com.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
• Explore DC in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic in Washington DC to discover more of the city.

What are your favorite free things to do in Washington DC? Let me know in the comments!

The post 22 Free Things to Do in Washington DC appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap .

Civil rights leader Daisy Bates and singer Johnny Cash to replace Arkansas statues at the US Capitol

The Associated Press

May 6, 2024, 12:03 PM

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — When Arkansas lawmakers decided five years ago to replace the statues representing the state at the U.S. Capitol, there was little objection to getting rid of the existing sculptures. The statues that had stood there for more than 100 years were obscure figures in the state’s history.

“I remember giving tours to constituents from Arkansas, to young people, and I would point out the two representatives in Statuary Hall in our United States Capitol from Arkansas,” said former Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who also served in Congress. “And they would say, ‘We’ve never heard of them.’”

Instead of two little-known figures from the 18th and 19th centuries, the state will soon be represented by the “Man in Black” and a woman who was instrumental in the fight over school desegregation.

Officials plan to install statues of civil rights leader Daisy Bates this week and musician Johnny Cash later this year.

Bates, who headed the state NAACP, mentored the Black students known as the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957 . She is a well-known civil rights figure in Arkansas, where a downtown street in the capital, Little Rock, is named in her honor. The state also marks Daisy Bates Day on Presidents Day.

Benjamin Victor, the Idaho sculptor who was chosen to create the statue of Bates, said he began his work by extensively studying her, including reading her 1962 autobiography and visiting her Little Rock home and Central High. He said he hopes the statue will help U.S. Capitol visitors learn more about her as well.

“I hope it really first and foremost inspires them to study Daisy Bates’ life and legacy,” Victor said. “A big part of it is to capture that spirit of hers and inspire others to do the same and stand up for what’s right.”

The 8-foot tall bronze statue depicts Bates, who with her husband published the Arkansas State Press newspaper, walking with a newspaper in her arm. She holds a notebook and pen in one hand and wears a NAACP pin and rose on her lapel.

Cash was born in Kingsland, a tiny town about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Little Rock. He died in 2003 at age 71. His achievements include 90 million records sold worldwide spanning country, rock, blues, folk and gospel. He was among the few artists inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The 8-foot (2.4-meter) tall statue of Cash depicts the singer with a guitar slung across his back and a Bible in his hand. Little Rock sculptor Kevin Kresse, who was selected to create the statue, has sculpted other musical figures from Arkansas such as Al Green, Glen Campbell and Levon Helm.

Kresse views Cash as a much-needed addition to the Capitol as a counterbalance to the conflict in Congress, he said.

“He walked the walk and he lived what he believed. And that was just this quality that really appealed to me,” Kresse said. “And that interior thoughtfulness was something that I really wanted to try to bring out in this sculpture.”

The Bates and Cash statues will replace ones depicting James P. Clarke, a former governor and U.S. senator in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney. The statues had come under scrutiny, especially over racist comments Clarke made calling on the Democratic Party to preserve “white standards.”

Republican Sen. Bart Hester, a Republican who is now the Senate president pro tem, began calling for the statues to be replaced in 2018. Clarke Tucker, Clarke’s great-great-grandson and a Democratic state senator, also called for his ancestor’s statue to come down .

“There was recognition broadly that it was time for a change,” said Hutchinson, who signed the 2019 law requiring the Bates and Cash statues to go up.

Choosing their replacements was the hard part, with lawmakers offering competing ideas ranging from Walmart founder Sam Walton to a Navy SEAL from the state who was killed in Afghanistan. After some wrangling, lawmakers eventually approved Bates and Cash.

Sen. David Wallace, who sponsored the legislation to replace the previous sculptures, said he hoped the new statues would tell people more about the types of figures Arkansas has produced over the years.

“We wanted to do the common person that represented Arkansas,” Wallace said. “And I think that with Daisy Bates and with Johnny Cash, we covered the spectrum in Arkansas. Just, they represent the common folks of Arkansas.”

Associated Press reporter Mike Pesoli contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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