Washington, D.C.
Located between Virginia and Maryland on the north bank of the Potomac River, the capital city of the United States was founded in 1790. Named after George Washington, the first president of the United States and one of our country’s Founding Fathers, the District of Colombia is not part of any U.S. state.
- Building a Nation’s Capital: Watch this brief video detailing the creation, construction, and changes made to Washington, D.C. over its 200+ year history.
- 100 Free Things to Do: Welcome to America’s front yard! Explore more than 100 free activities, attractions, and events in the Washington, D.C. area.
- A Perfect Day in DC: Listen to this podcast episode and follow along on a walking tour of seven major museums along the National Mall.
- Washington Metro: Musical artist Jason Mendelson wrote and recorded a collection of songs (over the course of seven years!) about each of Washington, D.C.’s Metro station locations. Which is your favorite?
The Three Branches of Government
The U.S. Government is comprised of three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (the President), and judicial (the Supreme Court). Each branch is headquartered in the heart of Washington, D.C.
- The Role of Each Branch: Learn more about the three branches of the U.S. government with the help of these infographics.
- 360° Virtual Tour of the White House: See inside this iconic American landmark, including the residence halls of the President and the Oval Office!
- Visit the People’s House: Explore the House Chamber, where the House of Representatives carries out legislative work, counts electoral votes, and holds Joint Sessions. Then, hop over to Statuary Hall, where John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Abraham Lincoln once worked.
- All About the Supreme Court: Discover how a Supreme Court nominee gets confirmed to the highest authority in the U.S.
The Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846 with funds from Englishman James Smithsonian, the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The Institution’s 19 museums, galleries, gardens, and zoo function as an “establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
- Talking About Race: An introspective voyage of self, courtesy of the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
- Virtual Tours: Discover the plethora of current exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History.
- AirSpace Podcast: Listen to stories that defy gravity, from the National Air and Space Museum.