National Archives & Museum of American History

Friday, our last day in DC, Carol and I went back to the National Archives and to the Museum of American History. Later we met our friends at Ebbitt Grill for clams, shrimp,  oysters and a couple of drinks.
Visiting the National Archives and the Museum of American History were highlights of
our DC visit. Seeing the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights were unbelievable. At the Museum of American History I was brought to tears when our guide told us around this corner was the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. When he saw in the morning hours that this flag was still flying over Fort McHenry after continuous bombing from the British he was inspired to write what would later become our National Anthem. The flag is very delicate and is displayed under very protective condition. What a treasure! Photos are not allowed and that is OK with me. Another historical piece that awed me was Lincoln's hat, yes, the hat he wore to Ford's Theatre. Also no photos allowed.
We'll definitely be returning to the Smithsonian and especially the Museum of American History.

The original red ruby shoes worn by Judy Garland (Dorothy) in The Wizard of Oz.

One of the few original British uniforms still intact. This was an officer, silver buttons.

Unbelievable! George Washington's uniform. Not a copy, the real thing.

 

The chairs and desk where Grant and Lee sat at Appomattox. Lee sat in the high back chair Grant in the other with the black leather. 

 

Medals of Honor

Dolly Madison's inauguration dress.

Mary Todd Lincoln's inauguration dress.

 

The Grant's White House dishes

 

George and Martha Washington's dishes

 

Oysters, Clams and shrimp at Ebbitt Grill