Mid-Atlantic Trip Part 9: DC, at the Museum

Back in DC, a day out at the National Museum of American History.

One of the first things I encountered on the first floor was an America on the road exhibit, a sweep across the USA.

Here’s a street scene from Portland, Oregon circa 1949 with the iconic Fred Meyer sign in the background. There would also be Tucson bits after that; as if the floor plan was mimicking my own personal journey.

Julia Child’s kitchen.

No George the God, I’m actually left-handed.

Jackie O’s inaugural gown, 1961.

I’ll let the next couple speak for themselves.

They had Jackson’s and Custer’s too, but I still like 18th century British uniforms best.

A little Berlin Wall, because it was one of the defining moments in my life. As a member of the (disputed separate) generation stuck between the X’s and the Y’s, this, and the first Iraq War were pretty pivotal, even if we may not have completely understood what was happening. Can you believe it? I’m different than those even five to ten years younger than me in that I actually have vivid, living memory of the Soviet Union and the Iron Curtain. That’s what the GOP still doesn’t get about their little Red Scare rhetoric. It means practically nothing to those in their early twenties.

Whereas, to the generation after me, this will be their defining moment even more than the rest of us – unless personally affected. These columns were taken from the 70th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Flügelhorn of Miles Davis.

Archie Bunker’s throne.

Kermit, just looking relieved not to have a hand up his butt.

Click your heels.

This is the front façade of the new exhibit for the Star Spangled Banner. I obviously couldn’t take pictures inside, but it looks sorta like this, only way more dramatic. I don’t normally find my patriotism in the flag, but this is one time where I literally got choked up at the flag, as people of all ages spontaneously started singing the Star Spangled Banner, with everyone, even me quietly, joining in.

Lincoln’s top hat he was wearing when he was shot. The band around it is a mourning band of black silk, which he wore for Willie. By the way, I totally want to bring back the top hat, and hats in general – even if I’ve never really been able to pull off more that a ball cap.

Lincoln’s pocket watch, which has an interesting story. Speaking fashion, the pocket watch is something which I actively try to bring back.  It’s so much more grand to whip out a pocket watch than a cell to check the time, no? After all, that is what the little pocket inside your front jeans pocket was made for.

President Clinton’s alto.

Chelsea’s ballerina shoes.

Watergate filing cabinet that was broken into.

The gavel which acting Speaker Pro Tempore Ray LaHood (who knew?) pounded to vote on Clinton’s articles of impeachment, also shown.

I just find this sort of thing interesting. An interactive poll of museum goers in what amounts to little more than a popularity contest.

Personally, I’d vote this guy before Reagan.

And honestly, the streets and schools we name after some of them.

Exiting the building the first sight you see.

The National Archives (should I not get to this later).

Had Christine O’Donnell only walked past this.

This is the FTC building, but someone help me out with identifying this bulky style of sculpture.

Oh, Canada! I’ll never forget the Royal Mounted Police saluting in front of this building during Obama’s inaugural parade (also, note the finials on the street lamps).

United States Navy Memorial. I never thought much about this at the time, but currently, I’m, well, thinking still — and don’t want anyone talking me out of it… (was that cryptic enough?)

A view of the city from the window near the elevator of the hotel.

And from the room itself.

After I got back home to Tucson, it was almost hard to fall asleep without all the honking and sirens. But no worries, I’m not done with this series yet.