Again, Shelley and I left early this morning for DC without Dave and the kids .. . . . . hmmmm seems that we can get going pretty easy without “the blob” lagging behind. We got to Ford’s Theater just in time for the last set of tickets at 11:30 today. Phew!!
Then we ran down the street 2 blocks to the National Archives to stand in the already long line for viewing the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, & Bill of Rights. We got there just in time too so that we could get in at 10:00 (note to self . . . spring break in Washington DC is crazy so next time come at an off season time!!!) The rest of the group met us in line, after riding the subway and getting Starbucks of course, just in time to walk into the building. We went straight to the rotunda which is where they have all the original documents.
First we saw the Magna Carta which is 1 out of the 4 original in the world. I didn’t know this about the Magna Carta but America used it as an example for their basic model of liberty. It is quoted many times in president’s speeches – particularly Teddy Roosevelt’s and JFK, and used as an example in many books. It was a document written in 1215. It required King John of England to proclaim certain liberties, and accept that his will was not arbitrary, by explicitly accepting that no "freeman" could be punished except through the law of the land, a right which is still in existence today. Magna Carta was the first document forced onto an English King by a group of his subjects, the feudal barons, in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges.
The Declaration of Independence was so incredibly faded that we could hardly see the writing. It was hard to even see the different signatures.
The Declaration of Independence was so incredibly faded that we could hardly see the writing. It was hard to even see the different signatures.
The Constitution was long and also faded, and the beautiful signatures of all those who signed it were barely visible but the outline of John Hancock’s famous signature was evident. The papers were protected in special cases that have the perfect temperature regulated constantly. Also the lights were very dim in the room to help preserve the documents from more fading, and of course no photography was allowed.
The Bill of Rights was also long with the 10 amendments. It was hard to see as well, but a good visual for the kids to see. They have a hard time remembering what the Bill of Rights are so hopefully now they have a good understanding.
We went back to Ford’s Theater for our 11:30 ticket and they ushered us into the balcony of the theater. They still have the area where Lincoln was shot exactly set up the same as it was on April 14, 1865. A Ranger spoke to us about how John Wilkes Booth managed to get into the theater and stash a gun that we was able to access after getting into the Presidents sitting area. Booth worked at the theater and was an actor himself, so no one questioned him when he wanted to get into the presidential sitting area. He timed it perfectly to shoot Lincoln in the back of the head right as the play was at a funny part so the audience was laughing loudly. No once heard the shot because of the noise until they saw Lincoln face down on the balcony. Booth then drew a knife and stabbed major Rathbone, who was sitting next to Lincoln, violently in the arm. Rathbone quickly recovered and again tried to grab Booth as he was preparing to jump from the sill of the box. Booth again stabbed at Rathbone, and then vaulted over the rail of the box down to the stage below (about a twelve-foot drop). In the process, his riding spur became entangled on the Treasury flag decorating the box, and he landed awkwardly on his left foot, fracturing his left fibula just above the ankle. He raised himself up and began crossing the stage, making the audience believe that he was part of the play. In an act of flamboyancy, Booth held his bloody knife over his head, yelled "Sic semper tyrannis!" the Virginia state motto, meaning "Thus always to tyrants" in Latin. Other accounts state that he also uttered "The South is avenged!"
The kids did the Junior Ranger Book and graciously the ranger let us all down into the museum that was all booked for the day, to find the rest of the answers. Never hurts to ask!
Next we went over to The Peterson House where Lincoln was carried that night and died the next morning, April 15th, 1865 at 7:12am, after never regaining consciousness. Mary Todd Lincoln had to be moved out of the room at 7:12am because she was crying so loudly and wasn’t by her husband’s side when he died. She also was so grief stricken that she did not go to his burial service. It’s a very sad ending to a wonderful president.
Next we went to the Smithsonian Postal Museum which is the history of the postal system. For a topic that can seem so boring – mail – this museum was very well done and definitely worth seeing. I loved seeing the mail train!!
We walked over to Union Station because I wanted to show the kids where and what the old train station looked like, but unfortunately it was majorly under construction. That didn't stop us from eating down below at the beggest food court that we've ever been too! The kids and Dave were in heaven!
After stuffing ourselves and eating a large amount of Haggen Dazs Ice Cream, we walked back to the Air and Space Museum for the rest of the evening. We decided to watch the IMax 3D movie on the Hubble Space and it was amazing. It was a great movie explaining the Hubble Space Satelite as well as the Space Suttle and what they have done with it. Loved watching it and a great way to end our time in DC.
After leaving the Air and Space we walked the Capital Mall to look at the beautiful lights. The air was amazingly perfect and not cold. The Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial all lit up was spectacular. We tried to get it on camera but we just couldn't get the wonderful affect! Our week at Washington DC was amazing . . . what a priviledge to be here and learn about our country!
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