Library of Congress, National Museum of American History, The White House, JFK Centre for the Arts, Washington DC

Today we had another early start and toured the Library of Congress, The Eastern Market where we had lunch, the American Museum of History, walked to the White House (but no tours are available - security!), went to the Kennedy Centre and then went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant - a very full day and very tired feet!

The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress. It is the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of books.

National Museum of American History

Scarecrow's Hat and Boots from the Wizard of Oz 1939

Gunboat Philidelphia
In October 1776, American troops in a ragtag collection of newly built boats faced an advancing line of British ships on Lake Champlain in New York. The Americans, under the command of Benedict Arnold, were forced to retreat, but not before they fought the British to a standstill. One of the American vessels, the Philadelphia, sank during the battle and rested on the bottom of the lake until 1935. It was recovered that year with much of its equipment intact and came to the Museum in 1964, complete with the 24-pound ball that sent the gunboat to the bottom.

       

The White House

Designed and built between 1792-1800. In 1814, during the War of 1812, the White House was set ablaze by British Troops during the Burning of Washington, in retaliation for the burning Upper Canada Parliament’s Buildings in the Battle of York. 

The White House includes: six stories, 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, twenty-eight fireplaces, eight staircases, three elevators, five full-time chefs, tennis court, single lane bowling alley, movie theatre, jogging track, swimming pool, and a putting green.

Close but not invited in for tea.

Front view of the White House

                                                        JFK Centre for the Performing Arts

The Center opened on September 8, 1971.
Alex and I enjoyed a free concert, one is performed each day of the year.

The Kennedy Center also offers one of the only open air rooftop terraces in downtown Washington, DC .
The wide terrace provides great views of Washington.