Day 5 in DC, the last day

June 15th, 2009

Newseum

After a nice breakfast, we started today at the Newseum. This museum is dedicated to the role that journalism plays in a free society and keeping it free. Among its many exhibits are the front pages from newspapers from around the nation and around the world covering more than a century of printed news. The first newspapers from before colonial times and the role they played in early American history is documented. We see the changing methods of how journalists get their information from the field to the media. On exhibit were several sections of the actual Berlin Wall. It is interesting to note the differences between the East and the West sides of the wall. There is graffiti on the west side, while the east side has no markings on it whatsoever.

Berlin Wall

Not only print media is represented here, but also newsreels, television, and internet is shown. We saw the car that journalist Don Bolles was killed in and read the story of how he was lured to a meeting at a hotel, and while he was waiting for his contact, someone planted a bomb under his car. We also saw a bullet-riddled Silverado pickup that was actually armored and used in Bosnia by Time Magazine. Apparently, it did its job and protected the occupants. We also saw the antenna that was on the World Trade Center when it collapsed. The last time I visited the Newseum, it was in Rosslyn, but now it is in

Armored Truck

the District and is much, much larger.

After leaving the Newseum, we went to the National Archives. The line was out the door and around the corner and it was not looking promising. However, it moved quickly and within 20 minutes, we were inside. They have added many permanent exhibits since I was here last. This large exhibit is largely interactive and allows children and adults alike ot explore what information is archived. Basically, anyone who has had any dealings with the government and has had a record made, is in the archive. We learned how one can use the archives to study genealogy.

Of course, we did see the original Charters of Freedom, as the Delcaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the Constitution collectively became known. The documents have faded with time even though they have been cared for, but now technology has advanced to help us further preserve these important documents. At night and during emergencies, these documents drop into a specially-built vault for protection.

Back to Pentagon City for a quick bite, some souvenir purchases and the hotel room to pack, for tomorrow we start home.