Events DC WalkingTown

Thank you for your interest and support of this year's program. We would like to let you know that the tour guide registration form is now closed.

We sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to participate. Your support helps make this event a success. We hope to see you in 2027.

1. Hillcrest Architecture: Hidden Gems of SE
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Tour description:
Challenging popular assumptions about "East of the River” neighborhoods, this highly-rated tour offers insights on the area’s history and its stunning houses. Many of the homes were designed by such legendary architects as Wilfred V. Worland, A.H. Stoneman, Leon Chatelain and pioneering black architects R.C. Archer, Jr., Lewis W. Giles, and Yettikov Wilson. Enjoy an interior tour of a unique Art Deco gem by architect John Joseph Earley deemed one of DC's 100 most architecturally significant homes in historian James Goode's "Capital Houses". The tour concludes with a tour of luxurious new townhomes at Skyland Town Center (with views spanning from The Mall to suburban Maryland, where participants may take refreshments at one of several restaurants.
Jim Byers; Neighborhood historian, host of WPFW 89.3 FM’s "Latin Flavor", featured guest on WETA's "If You Lived Here" segment that highlighted the Hillcrest neighborhood and renowned guide celebrating his 23rd year offering this dynamic tour.
Tour Guide: Jim  Byers; Neighborhood Historian
Ward: 7

3. Beyond the Insurrection: The History of Political and Social Protest on Washington DC's National Mall
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Tour description:
We all have some memory of the political protest that occurred on January 6, 2021, when protesters used violence in an attempt to subvert the 2020 United States presidential election and forcibly stormed the United States Capitol when Congress was in session to certify the election results. The protest that occurred on January 6th was unlike the majority of political protests that have taken place in Washington DC for over 125 years, the foremost reason being that it used violent civil disobedience.  On this tour, you’ll learn about the established tradition of political protest in the United States of America and guaranteed to all its citizens in its Constitution.  We will explore sites along the National Mall as we discuss what makes a successful political protest and how this tradition came to be.
Tour Guide: Zachary  Patalingjug; Culture expert and licensed tour guide
Ward: 2

4. Fascism: The Tour
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tour description:
Join us for an insider's walk around the National Mall, where history, nature, and stories come alive. See the memorials and learn hidden stories about fascism with a retired ranger who managed the Mall for 15 years. View the fasces, a Roman symbol of state authority, in park memorials, and learn about the fight for and against fascism in World War II and other eras.
Tour Guide: Jamie Keller; Owner/Guide, Gray and Green Tours
Ward: 2

5. Brookland Connections to the City and the Nation: Howard University, Catholic University and the Smithsonian Institution
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tour description:
This tour will focus particularly on Brookland’s connections to Howard University, the Catholic University of America and the Smithsonian Institution. By considering how national leaders and faculty came to live in Brookland throughout its rural and urban history, the tour guide and participants will consider how these people helped to involve the neighborhood as a whole in the life of their institutions, the city, the nation and the world. From the time of Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Harrison Smith (early nineteenth century), through the residence of early twentieth century scientists such as Carrie Harrison, Theodore Holmes and Leonhard Stegnegar onto the time of such mid-twentieth century luminaries as Sterling Brown, Ralph Bunche, Edward Brooke, John Preston Davis, Bishop Fulton Sheen and Jean and Walter Kerr. Faculty members and staff from all three institutions have lived in and contributed to the life of the neighborhood throughout Brookland’s history. The work of Howard trained architects as well as the work of other district architects will be noted, such as John Joseph Early and George Santmyers. Background information considering Brookland during five historic periods: the Native American Woodlands Period, the Washington County era, the Civil War Era, Trolley Car Suburb (1893 to 1960) and the City Neighborhood (1960 to today). Photos from the guide’s personal collection will show representations of neighborhood sites during these various periods. The guide will point out buildings that are on the Historic Landmark registry and the sites and homes associated with such famous Brooklanders as Sterling Brown (the Howard University professor and Harlem Renaissance poet), Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling), Carrie Harrison (botanist and Four H leader), and Lois Malliou Jones {long time Howard faculty member and painter).
Tour Guide: John Feeley; neighborhood tour guide and occasional author
Ward: 5

6. America's Front Yard: Discover the National Mall in Moroccan Darija
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tour description:
Discover the history and symbols of the United States on this unique 60–75 minute guided walking tour of the National Mall, known as America's Front Yard, presented entirely in Moroccan Darija. 
Starting at the Smithsonian Castle and ending at the Lincoln Memorial, we'll visit iconic landmarks including the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and the Lincoln Memorial while sharing fascinating stories, historical facts, and little-known details that bring these places to life. 
Conducting the tour in Moroccan Darija offers a welcoming and engaging experience for Darija speakers and anyone interested in Moroccan language. Join us for a memorable journey where American history is told in Moroccan Darija in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Tour Guide: Hanane Nafidi; Tourism & Sustainable Development Graduate
Ward: 2

7. Hidden Black History at Arlington National Cemetery
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tour description:
Millions visit Arlington National Cemetery each year to honor America's heroes, but few have the opportunity to discover the remarkable African American stories woven into this sacred landscape. Join author, historian, and licensed Washington, DC tour guide Lauri Williamson to discover why Arlington is far more than a military cemetery. Visit and tour Arlington House and uncover its connections to the enslaved community and the creation of Freedman's Village. Stand before the graves of pioneers who helped shape our nation, including Thurgood Marshall and Medgar Evers, and hear the inspiring stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and other trailblazers whose courage and sacrifice changed America. Through compelling storytelling and powerful places, you'll discover a side of Arlington National Cemetery that most visitors never experience.
Tour Guide: Lauri Williamson; Licensed Tour Guide and Author of 111 Places in Black Culture in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss
Ward: 1

9. Freedom Hill: The Hidden History of North Capitol
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tour description:
Discover the hidden history of North Capitol and the remarkable landscape known as **Freedom Hill**, where stories of faith, freedom, war, military service, remembrance, and neighborhood resilience have unfolded for generations. Explore the historic grounds surrounding President Lincoln’s Cottage, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and St. Paul’s Rock Creek Parish while learning about the people and events that shaped this often-overlooked part of Washington, DC
Hear stories stretching from colonial Maryland and early religious life through enslavement, emancipation, and the Civil War. Learn why President Abraham Lincoln traveled to this elevated area during some of the most difficult years of his presidency and how the surrounding landscape became connected to the nation’s military history. Along the way, discover historic burial grounds, memorial and funerary art, and stories of Washingtonians whose lives reflect the city’s changing communities._x000D_
Tour Guide: Demetrius Darwana Jones - Black; Community Leader
Ward: 4

10. Chevy Chase DC: One of America's 1st "Commuter Suburbs"
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tour description:
Gentle walking tour of notable sites and structures in the original portion of Connecticut Ave corridor, just South of Chevy Chase Circle.  This guided experience reviews the history and presents examples of representative architecture.  Tour starts and ends at the historic Avalon Theater; it takes about 1-1/4 hours to complete.
Tour Guide: Keene Taylor; Life-time resident & on the Board of Historic Chevy Chase DC
Ward: 3

11. Historical and Hysterical
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tour description:
Comedy Walks DC is historical and hysterical. Spanning nine museums from the outside, this unique tour covers the Renwick Gallery, Lafayette Park, Old Executive Office Building, Constitution Hall, WWIi Museum, WW1 Memorial, The Stone of Hope, Korean Memorial and will end up at the Lincoln Memorial. Each museum tangents between historical facts about the museum and standup comedy, impressions and music. Tour guide of the Smithsonians and 90 minute standup act in one fun filled fact filled tour.
Tour Guide: Richard Siegel; Historian, standup comic, singer/songwriter, appeared on Amazon Prime’s tv show Alpha House with John Goodman and Wanda Sykes
Ward: 2

12. Queering Capitol Hill
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tour description:
Capitol Hill has long been a social and residential center for Washington, DC’s LGBT community. It has also been a center for bars and clubs, innovative women’s businesses, and our federal government. Join this tour to hear stories of radical lesbian separatists, First Amendment fights, the underpinning of LGBT religious organizations, interactions with Marines, and other tales from eight decades of gay and lesbian life in the shadow of the Capitol.
Tour Guide: Philip Clark; LGBT historian and writer
Ward: 6

13. Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tour description:
The April 1862 DC Emancipation Act paid compensation to slaveholders who were required to free over 3,000 enslaved people. Three months later President Lincoln proposed that Congress create a similar program for the nation.  Read Lincoln’s proposal, written in his own hand, and see several unique Lincoln artifacts at The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church where he was a pew holder throughout his presidency. Hear how Pastor Phineas Gurley’s counsel steeled Lincoln’s commitment to winning the war as the only way to end slavery. Hear the back story of the words in 2nd Inaugural, words inscribed on the walls of the Lincoln memorial.  The tour begins outdoors at the hitching post where Lincoln tied his carriage, then moves indoors. It ends with an easy climb into the bell tower to view the 100-year-old clockworks and chimes, the only physical memorial to Lincoln ever created and dedicated to his memory by the President’s family.
Tour Guide: Len Shabman; Chair, History Program of The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
Ward: 2

14. Scandal & Stone: The Untold Architecture of Downtown DC
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tour description:
Step beyond the monuments and uncover the hidden side of Downtown Washington, DC. This immersive walking tour reveals the scandals, secrets, and surprising stories hidden behind some of the city's most remarkable historic buildings. From America's first skyscraper and a legendary department store to grand hotels where presidents, journalists, and celebrities shaped history, every stop uncovers a fascinating chapter of the nation's past.

Discover how architecture influenced politics, journalism, business, and civil rights as you decode symbolic carvings, groundbreaking engineering, and forgotten design details. Along the way, you'll hear stories of ambition, corruption, discrimination, innovation, and resilience that most visitors never discover.

By the end of the tour, you'll never look at Washington's buildings the same way again. Behind every façade lies a secret, and every stone has a story.
Tour Guide: Ayana Everett; DC Native Tour Guide
Ward: 2

15. Oxon Run Stream Valley Hike: A Ward 8 Trek
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tour description:
Oxon Run,  Ward 8's largest stream valley, is a study in contrasts. It starts in Maryland, runs through DC, and returns to Maryland before emptying into the Potomac River near the Wilson Bridge.  In between are pristine upland forests, remains of abandoned military training facilities, a rare magnolia bog, playing fields, a huge tennis center,  urban gardens, and a  case study in the challenges facing urban streams and the changed management strategies through the decades. This four mile will be a natural surface trail through the woods for the first and last mile, with paved trails in between. You’ll learn about the history of the stream and surrounding areas and the status of restoration efforts.
Tour Guide: Nathan Harrington; Professional tour guide and founder of Ward 8 Woods Conservancy
Ward: 8

16. The Obliteration of Reno City
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tour description:
Most people know Fort Reno Park in the Tenleytown area of DC was the location of one of the Union forts that protected the nation’s capital from Confederate attack during the American Civil War (1861 – 1865). 

After the war, the fort site was returned to the property owner and sold to a real estate developer, who subdivided the rural land into about 600 small lots. The lots were purchased by whites and blacks. Some lots were developed with houses to rent and some were developed with owner-occupied houses. Over time, Reno City evolved into mostly an African American community with modest homes, three churches, and a few stores.

In the early 20th century, northwest DC, including Tenleytown, began to be developed with single family homes intended for white, upper middle-class residents. Reno City was an aberration that did not fit into the plans of the federal government nor DC officials, business leaders, real estate developers, and most local residents for the area. 

Come on the tour and learn how the community, except for Jesse Reno School (1903) and a few remnants in and around Fort Reno, was obliterated.

Tour Guide: Russ  Norfleet; Master Guide/The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC

Ward: 3

17. Alexandria Joins The (Canal) Party (Bike Tour)

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Tour description:

How the Alexandria Canal enabled the City of Alexandria to enjoy the economic benefits of the Washington D.C. system of canals

Bike ride along the historic path of the 19th-century Alexandria Canal and learn about its history, as well as its connection to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal via the Alexandria Aqueduct, thus connecting the City of Alexandria to Georgetown and downtown Washington D.C. 

Please note: This is a shortened version of the same biking tour offered as part of the September 26, 2026 LocktoberfestDC, which consists of six canal-related tours (three walking and three biking).  Normally this tour is 3.5 hours... see www.LocktoberfestDC.org for more information.

Tour Guide: Tom Haser; National Mall Volunteer

Ward: 2

18. Adams Morgan Day Deep History Tour

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Join Eddie Becker for a lively walk through the hidden history of Adams Morgan, then head straight into the Adams Morgan Day Neighborhood and enjoy your day.

This eye-opening tour goes beyond nightlife and real estate to explore Indigenous communities, colonial conquest, slavery, segregation, redlining, gentrification, and the struggles for freedom that shaped the neighborhood. We’ll also look at Adams Morgan’s role as a home for revolutions and liberation movements from Central America, Chile, and the Horn of Africa.

Eddie Becker is a documentarian and investigative archivist who has spent decades uncovering hidden histories and chronicling activism, resistance, and neighborhood change.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours at an easy walking pace and covers roughly three-quarters of a mile.

Location: Adams Morgan Plaza, in front of the Jubilee Housing building at the southwest corner of 18th St. and Columbia Rd. NW. The walk ends near 18th St. and Columbia Rd.

Tour Guide: Eddie Becker; DC Historian, Activist and Documentarian

Ward: 1

19. More Than Monuments: Discover the Birds on the National Mall

9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Tour description:

The National Mall is more than monuments. It's also one of the country's most surprising urban birding destinations. Join DC Bird Alliance as we explore the landscapes surrounding the Washington Monument, Constitution Gardens, the Reflecting Pool, and other iconic sites while discovering the birds that call our nation's front yard home. Along the way, you'll learn how birds have adapted to city life, hear fascinating stories about migration and conservation, and gain a new perspective on some of America's most recognizable landmarks. Whether you're an experienced birder or simply curious about the natural world, this leisurely walk offers a fresh way to experience the National Mall. Participants are encouraged to bring water, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and binoculars if they have them. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow.

Tour Guide: Maria-Elena Montero; Nature Lover, Birding Enthusiast

Ward: 2

20. Penn Branch: A View From the Top

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Tour Title: Penn Branch: A View From the Top

Tour description:

Stately detached homes, quiet tree-lined streets and striking vistas that can stretch from Downtown to Silver Spring are just a few of the charms of the Penn Branch neighborhood in Southeast Washington, DC. Discover the area’s history as part of a sprawling resort and planned development by a syndicate of prominent businesspeople that included Sen. George Hearst, New York Central Railroad President Chauncey DePew and the Havemeyer family (Domino Sugar). You will pass a diverse array of homes that include works by architects such as H. Clay Ashby, Louis Moss (Chevey Chase Arcade), Joseph Abel (The Towers), Clifton White, Marcus Hallett, as well as Black architect R.C. Archer, and the home of Anthony Carozza, the developer of nearby Hillcrest Heights, MD (named after Hillcrest, SE) and Iverson Mall.

Tour Guide: Jim Byers; Neighborhood Historian

Ward: 7

21. Why We Ride: A Cycling History of DC (Bike Tour

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Tour description:

See the park and memorials, and learn how the history of the bicycle, the National Mall and the United States are intertwined. Share your cycling stories, explore how cycling pioneers changed their lives and their world, and how you can, too!

Washington, DC has developed into one of the most bike friendly cities in the country. Enjoy a leisurely ride, mostly using off-street paths and bike lanes. Learn how park and urban planners have worked to enhance cycling opportunities, but also about instances where bike and pedestrian access have been hindered.

Tour Guide: Jamie Keller; Owner/Guide, Gray and Green Tours

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Pennsylvania Avenue: Hidden Stories from Pennsylvania Avenue to Capitol Hill reveals the people, places, and events often overlooked in traditional Washington tours through an African American perspective. While the tour explores the familiar landmarks of the nation's capital, it focuses on the hidden stories of enslaved people, free Black communities, civil rights advocates, public servants, and others whose lives intersected with the centers of American power. Along the way, participants will discover how these overlooked narratives deepen our understanding of the nation's history and demonstrate that the story of Pennsylvania Avenue is richer, more complex, and more inclusive than the traditional accounts suggest.

Tour Guide: William Holland; Certified Washington, D.C. Tour Guide, historian, author, retired attorney, and descendant of the enslaved at Mount Vernon. A member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC

Ward: 2

23. Beyond the Closet: The Persecution and Liberation of Washington DC's LGBTQ+ Community

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Today Washington DC is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly jurisdictions in the country with gay-friendly laws, an inclusive school curriculum, anti-discrimination protections, and marriage equality.  But from the 1940s-1970s, this city was ground zero for actively uncovering closeted gay federal government employees and firing them without justification. On this walking tour, you’ll see Washington DC’s iconic government buildings through the eyes of the committed government servants who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. You’ll see the sites where the brave few chose to fight back and demand their civil rights.  And you’ll see where they built their own communities and paved the way for today’s more inclusive city.   Our country chose fear over competence and denied the service of hundreds of eminently qualified researchers, diplomats, and leaders.  But in the end, learn how this discrimination caused the LGBTQ community to organize, to unite, and to emerge from the closet.

Tour Guide: Zachary Patalingjug; Cultural expert and licensed tour guide

Ward: 2

24. Adams Morgan Mural Tour

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Explore one of the most eclectic, diverse, and historic neighborhoods in NW Washington D.C., where street art, entertainment, and night life abound. You will see approximately 20 murals, from modern street art to historic and cultural works of art. 

You'll also learn some of the history of Adams Morgan and be introduced to a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, dive bars, cocktail lounges, etc.

Tour Guide: Jason Bowers; Curator, Gallerist, Project Manager, Mural Tour Guide

Ward: 1

25. Historic Theatre Walking Tour in Downtown DC

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Join Theatre Washington for an interactive exploration of some of the city's most historic theatres! In celebration of DC's annual Theatre Week festival, get a behind-the-scenes look at several iconic theatre spaces, including the National Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and Ford's Theatre. Discover how their productions are inspired by the city's citizens, culture, history, and unique character.

Washington is the seat of American democracy, and its theatres have long played an important role in the city's story: enriching its cultural life, shaping its reputation, and transforming its urban landscape. On this tour, we'll explore the dynamic relationship between Washington's theatres and the city itself, uncovering how their productions illuminate America's capital, its place in the world, and the people who call it home

Tour Guide: Amy  Austin; Join Theatre Washington for an interactive exploration of some of the city's most historic theatres! In celebration of DC's annual Theatre Week festival, get a behind-the-scenes look at several iconic theatre spaces, including the National Theatre, Shakes

Ward: 2

26. Historical and Hysterical

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Comedy Walks DC is historical and hysterical. Spanning nine museums from the outside, this unique tour covers the Renwick Gallery, Lafayette Park, Old Executive Office Building, Constitution Hall, WWIi Museum, WW1 Memorial, The Stone of Hope, Korean Memorial and will end up at the Lincoln Memorial. Each museum tangents between historical facts about the museum and standup comedy, impressions and music. Tour guide of the Smithsonians and 90 minute standup act in one fun filled fact filled tour.

Tour Guide: Richard Siegel; Historian, standup comic, singer/songwriter, appeared on Amazon Prime’s tv show Alpha House with John Goodman and Wanda Sykes

Ward: 2

27. Art and History are Alive in the Cemetery

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

St. Paul's Church Rock Creek Parish

Corner of Webster St. NW and Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20011

Go to the bottom of the hill to the Historic Marker which will be our starting point.

NOTE IF DRIVING: GPS may try to take you to Allison Street, NW which is on the wrong side of the cemetery.

Tour Title: Art and History are Alive in the Cemetery

Tour description:

Historic Rock Creek Cemetery was established around 1726 & is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Mid-Atlantic. The churchyard has a history dating to almost 75 years before the District of Columbia was established.  On our tour, we will wander through portions of this 86 acre Nationally Registered Landmark known for its beautiful parklike settings and magnificent pieces of funerary sculpture, including the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens Adams Memorial, nicknamed "Grief".  We will also talk about famous - and infamous - luminaries that helped to shape not only DC, but the very nation itself.  Art and History are truly alive in the Cemetery!

Tour Guide: Donald Harrell; Former Historian for the Cemetery and former resident of DC who enjoys returning to DC for things like WalkingTownDC!

Ward: 4

31. We Are Still Here: Deaf Native Presence in DC

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

This immersive walking tour explores the intersection of Deaf history, Indigenous identity and cultural continuity in Washington, DC. Anchored by the current exhibition "We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here"! at Gallaudet University’s National Deaf Life Museum, the tour highlights the enduring contributions of Native Deaf people to Gallaudet’s legacy and Deaf culture.

Participants will explore historic landmarks on Gallaudet’s campus including Kendall Green, Chapel Hall, and surrounding neighborhoods, while reflecting on themes of language, education, survivance and self-determination.

This ASL-accessible experience bridges museum storytelling with the physical and cultural landscape of DC, inviting participants to consider what it means to be present and persistent in the face of erasure.

Please bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. QR codes will offer expanded content. Participants are welcome to wear items that honor cultural or community identity.

Tour Guide: Noel  King; Curator

Ward: -5

32. Over The Rainbow: A Queer Feminist History Tour

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Explore feminist history through a queer lens in the nation’s capital.  Explore how Washington, DC has been a pivotal location for the LGBTQ+ community to advocate for equal rights, express non-conforming views and enact policy to protect civil rights. Walk with your licensed professional tour guide throughout the Downtown DC neighborhood that is rich with theaters, street art and historic venues. Hear about Dr. Mary Edward Walker and her scandalous decision to wear pants! Learn which of America's first ladies attempted to break away from secret service and escape the White House in search of a rainbow. Meet Princess We’wha who identifies as "Two Spirit" in the Zuni culture. Revisit iconic DC sites with a fresh perspective, adding a splash of color to those old black and white stories.

Tour Guide: Rebecca Fachner; DC tour guide, historian and co-host of the Tour Guide Tell All Podcast

Ward: -2

34. Brookland: Past, Present and Future
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour description:

The Brookland neighborhood in northeastWashington, DC, has a rich and interesting history that dates back more than 100 years. Come stretch your legs and discover that history on a walking tour of Brookland's cultural and historic landmarks. Come experience the civic pride and "people power" that contributed to creating and maintaining one of the most appealing -- yet little-known -- neighborhoods in DC.

Tour Guide: Caroline  Petti; President Emerita, Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association and a DC and neighborhood historian

Ward: -5

35. Brushstrokes & Backstreets: A Walking Tour of Murals in NoMa
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour description:

Step into the vibrant streets of NoMa and see why this area is called the Mural Capital of DC. See more than 20 stunning large-scale works that transform walls, alleys and unexpected corners into a colorful outdoor gallery. Each mural was created by talented emerging and established artists during "NoMa in Color" — the neighborhood’s celebrated 10-day mural festival held every fall. In 2025, the festival marks its 10th anniversary, making this the perfect year to experience a decade’s worth of creativity, color and community.

Tour Guide: Sherri Cunningham; Communications director, NoMa BID

Ward: 5,6

36. Downtown Jewish Washington: A Changing Landscape
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Learn the story of one Jewish neighborhood in Washington, DC, and watch the neighborhood change with time as we move from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement to today. Walk into the historic heart of Jewish life along the Seventh Street, NW neighborhood that was once a hub of Jewish commercial and religious life in the nation’s capital. Hear about and examine cross cultural connections as you learn about the many communities that lived together in a neighborhood that was always changing.

Tour Guide: Jonathan Edelman; Collections curator

Ward: 2,6

37. Beyond the Insurrection: The History of Political and Social Protest on the National Mall
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tour description:

We all have some memory of the political protest that occurred on January 6, 2021. Protesters used violence in an attempt to subvert the 2020 United States presidential election and forcibly stormed the United States Capitol as Congress was in session to certify the 2020 election results. The protest that occurred on January 6, 2021, was unlike the majority of political protests that have taken place in Washington, DC, for more than 125 years, the foremost reason being that it used violent civil disobedience.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the established tradition of political protest in the United States of America which is guaranteed to all its citizens in its Constitution.  We will explore sites along the National Mall as we discuss what makes a successful political protest and how this tradition came to be.

Tour Guide: Zach Patalingjug; Tour company owner and licensed tour guide

Ward: -2

39. Birds from the Greco-Roman Times to the Present: A Birding and Architectural History Walk
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Tour description:

Time travel with us on this bird and DC neoclassical architecture walk!  The walk starts at Union Station, through Lower Senate Park, pauses at the US Supreme Court, and ends at the US Capitol.  While looking out for birds, we shall also examine the many Greco-Roman architectural elements present on Capitol Hill government buildings that were first introduced in Greek and Roman antiquity. See if you can spot avian life incorporated as sculptural elements in these neoclassical buildings!   After this walk, we hope that when you next visit the Parthenon in Athens or the Pantheon in Rome, you'll better appreciate the "mystic chords of memory" (President Lincoln, first inaugural address delivered at the US Capitol) that connect our contemporary experience on the National Mall to the peoples who lived in the Greco-Roman world many centuries ago. You are strongly encouraged to bring a pair of binoculars if you have one.

Tour Guide: Brian Wee; Science lead at the DC Bird Alliance

Ward: -2

40. Downtown Jewish Washington: A Changing Landscape
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Learn the story of one Jewish neighborhood in Washington, DC, and watch the neighborhood change with time as we move from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement to today. Walk into the historic heart of Jewish life along the Seventh Street, NW neighborhood that was once a hub of Jewish commercial and religious life in the nation’s capital. Hear about and examine cross cultural connections as you learn about the many communities that lived together in a neighborhood that was always changing.

Tour Guide: Jonathan Edelman; Collections curator

Ward: 2,6

41. St. Elizabeths East: A Campus Brought to Life
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital, St. Elizabeths East is a 183-acre historic campus transforming into a vibrant hub of opportunity. Once home to one of the country’s first psychiatric hospitals, the site now stands as a beacon of economic promise and cultural revival. This dynamic community blends restored historic architecture with modern innovation—serving as a gateway to federal access, local entrepreneurship, arts, sports, education and wellness. St. Elizabeths East is not just a place; it’s a living legacy being reimagined for future generations.

Tour Guide: Anthony Moore; Development manager and neighborhood aficionado

Ward: -8

42. Brushstrokes & Backstreets: A Walking Tour of Murals in NoMa
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour description:

Step into the vibrant streets of NoMa and see why this area is called the Mural Capital of DC. See more than 20 stunning large-scale works that transform walls, alleys and unexpected corners into a colorful outdoor gallery. Each mural was created by talented emerging and established artists during "NoMa in Color" — the neighborhood’s celebrated 10-day mural festival held every fall. In 2025, the festival marks its 10th anniversary, making this the perfect year to experience a decade’s worth of creativity, color and community.

Tour Guide: Sherri Cunningham; Communications director, NoMa BID

Ward: 5,6

43. Renewing Dupont Circle
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour description:

Dupont Circle is ever changing.  Come for a walking tour of the commercial areas and discover the changes planned for the area.  Learn about its glittering past, activist history and plans for the future.

Tour Guide: Bill McLeod; Executive director, Dupont Circle BID and professional tour guide

Ward: -2

44. The History, Art and Architecture of the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Discover the art and architecture that made the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building a "symbol of a new day" during the Great Depression. Designed by local architect Waddy Wood and completed in 1936, the Interior’s headquarters structure features more Public Works Administration (PWA) artwork than any other Federal building. An overview of the U.S. Department of the Interior past and present will provide context for the "Department of Everything Else" and explain how the agency has evolved since its founding in 1849. As part of this indoor tour, you will visit the museum and also see a selection of the more than 40 painted murals by New Deal-era artists, plus several of the 1941–1942 photomurals by Ansel Adams. For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired), please notify museum staff in advance; special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

Tour Guide: Jason Jurgena; Registrar, US Department of Interior Museum

Ward: -2

45. A Walk Through Time in Brookland
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tour description:

Walk back in time and contrast Brookland today with Brookland during five earlier historic periods: the Native American Woodlands Period, Washington County, the Civil War Era, Trolley Car Suburb and the City Neighborhood (1960 to today). Photos from the guide’s personal collection will show representations of neighborhood sites during these various periods. See the various architectural styles of Brookland’s buildings as well as those that are on the Historic Landmark registry and the sites and homes associated with such famous Brooklanders as professor and poet Sterling Brown, ornithologist Robert Ridgeway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling), botanist and Four H leader Carrie Harrison and US government executive Robert Weaver. The lives of Ralph Bunche, John Preston Davis, Walter and Jean Kerr and Bishop Fulton Sheen will also be considered with reference to their time in Brookland. The tour guide will point out in Brookland as well.

Tour Guide: John  Feeley; Longtime resident, local writer, co-author of Brookland and volunteer tour guide

Ward: -5

46. Scandals of Capitol Hill
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tour description:

This fully outdoor tour promises a unique blend of history, mystery and intrigue, providing an in-depth look at the vibrant tapestry of Capitol Hill. Join us as we wander through the echoes of time, unraveling the hidden stories that have shaped the political landscape of our nation's capital. Immerse yourself in the captivating narratives that breathe life into these historic landmarks.

Tour Guide: Andrew Hartsmith; Licensed tour guide and Operations Manager at Unscripted Tours

Ward: -6

48. Abraham Lincoln’sJourney to the Emancipation Proclamation

12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Tour description:

The April 1862 DC Emancipation Bill paid compensation to slave holders for taking their property. In July President Lincoln asked Congress to enact a national program of compensated emancipation. See his detailed proposal, written in the President’s  own hand, during a tour of Lincoln artifacts in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he worshipped regularly during his presidency. Hear about how, with the private counsel of church pastor Phineas Gurley, Lincoln decided to issue the January 1, 1863, Emancipation Proclamation with no offer of compensation.  The tour begins outdoors at the hitching post where Lincoln tied his carriage when he entered the church. The rest of the tour is indoors, ending with an easy climb into the bell tower to view the clockworks and chimes that are the only physical memorial to President Lincoln ever created and paid for by his family.

Tour Guide: Len Shabman; Chairperson, history program of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Ward: -2

49. Adams Morgan The Economics of Displacement and Moments of Resistance

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tour description:

Learn about bank redlining and community activism that contributed to riots and police occupation in the 1960s, as well as revolutions in Central America and the Horn of Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. Discover the cultural contributions of immigrants from Chile and Central America, and the displacement caused by the conversion of apartment buildings into condominiums in the 1970s and 1980s. Hear about the transformation of residential housing and local retail services into bars and nightclubs in the 1980s and 1990s, and how this process continues today with brief moments of pushback and resistance.

Tour Guide: Eddie Becker; Investigative researcher

Ward: -1

50. American Naval Heritage on the National Mall

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tour description:

How did Scottish-born John Paul Jones become one of the most renowned naval heroes of the American Revolution? How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt develop his love for the US Navy, and how did it change the course of history?  Why will tall ships visit five American cities next summer? Come explore our naval heritage at two National Park Service sites: the John Paul Jones Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Tour Guide: Joseph Mohr; National Park Ranger at the National Mall and Memorials

Ward: -2

51. We Are Still Here: Deaf Native Presence in DC

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

This immersive walking tour explores the intersection of Deaf history, Indigenous identity and cultural continuity in Washington, DC. Anchored by the current exhibition "We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here"! at Gallaudet University’s National Deaf Life Museum, the tour highlights the enduring contributions of Native Deaf people to Gallaudet’s legacy and Deaf culture.

Participants will explore historic landmarks on Gallaudet’s campus including Kendall Green, Chapel Hall, and surrounding neighborhoods, while reflecting on themes of language, education, survivance and self-determination.

This ASL-accessible experience bridges museum storytelling with the physical and cultural landscape of DC, inviting participants to consider what it means to be present and persistent in the face of erasure.

Please bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. QR codes will offer expanded content. Participants are welcome to wear items that honor cultural or community identity.

Tour Guide: Noel  King; Curator

Ward: -5

52. Abraham Lincoln’sJourney to the Emancipation Proclamation

12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour description:

The April 1862 DC Emancipation Bill paid compensation to slave holders for taking their property. In July President Lincoln asked Congress to enact a national program of compensated emancipation. See his detailed proposal, written in the President’s  own hand, during a tour of Lincoln artifacts in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he worshipped regularly during his presidency. Hear about how, with the private counsel of church pastor Phineas Gurley, Lincoln decided to issue the January 1, 1863, Emancipation Proclamation with no offer of compensation.  The tour begins outdoors at the hitching post where Lincoln tied his carriage when he entered the church. The rest of the tour is indoors, ending with an easy climb into the bell tower to view the clockworks and chimes that are the only physical memorial to President Lincoln ever created and paid for by his family.

Tour Guide: Len Shabman; Chairperson, history program of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Ward: -2

53. American Naval Heritage on the National Mall

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tour description:

How did Scottish-born John Paul Jones become one of the most renowned naval heroes of the American Revolution? How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt develop his love for the US Navy, and how did it change the course of history?  Why will tall ships visit five American cities next summer? Come explore our naval heritage at two National Park Service sites: the John Paul Jones Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Tour Guide: Joseph Mohr; National Park Ranger at the National Mall and Memorials

Ward: -2

54. The History, Art and Architecture of the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Discover the art and architecture that made the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building a "symbol of a new day" during the Great Depression. Designed by local architect Waddy Wood and completed in 1936, the Interior’s headquarters structure features more Public Works Administration (PWA) artwork than any other Federal building. An overview of the U.S. Department of the Interior past and present will provide context for the "Department of Everything Else" and explain how the agency has evolved since its founding in 1849. As part of this indoor tour, you will visit the museum and also see a selection of the more than 40 painted murals by New Deal-era artists, plus several of the 1941–1942 photomurals by Ansel Adams. For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired), please notify museum staff in advance; special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

Tour Guide: Tracy Baetz; Chief curator, US Department of Interior Museum

Ward: -2

55. Scandals, Murder and Politics: Lafayette Square Tour

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Join DC by Foot for a walk through the neighborhood around the White House to talk about presidential affairs, duels, murders and scandalous first ladies. Our guide will take you through this small park, known as Tragedy Square, for the true stories of some of the city’s darkest secrets.  This tour is designed for adults and, while you can decide what constitutes an adult, the stories will have scandalous content.

Tour Guide: Rebecca Grawl; Professional DC tour guide and co-author, 111 Places in Women's History That You Must Not Miss: Washington, DC

Ward: -2

56. Branching Out: Touring the Trees Brookland Can't Live Without.

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tour description:

Join DC Department of Transportation's Urban Forestry unit and Casey Trees for an immersive walking tour spotlighting the vital role trees play in Washington, DC's urban environment. Our guides will lead you through Brookland, highlighting the city's diverse tree species, their unique characteristics and their incredible ecosystem services. You'll learn how these living giants combat pollution, manage stormwater, cool the city and improve air quality, all while uncovering how your actions can ensure the urban forest's lasting survival.

Tour Guide: Alexander Grieve; Tree tour guides

Ward: -5

58. Silent Valor: Black History at Arlington National Cemetery

9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Tour description:

Walk among the heroes whose names are etched in both stone and history on this powerful Black history tour of Arlington National Cemetery. From Medgar Evers to Thurgood Marshall, the Tuskegee Airmen to the U.S. Colored Troops, this walking tour honors African Americans who served, sacrificed and helped shape the nation. Their courage and legacy come to life as we explore their stories—some celebrated, others long overlooked—within these sacred grounds. Black history is American history, and its presence here speaks volumes.

Tour Guide: Lauri Williamson; Local tour guide and author, 111 Places in Black Culture in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss

Ward: -2

59. Egyptian Symbols In Washington

9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Tour description:

The tour will explore the Egyptian buildings and symbols found in Washington DC. It will give an overview of Washington History and the influence of African culture.

Tour Guide: Wayne Griffith; DC Historian

Ward: 2;6

60. Hillcrest Architecture: Hidden Gems of SE

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Challenging popular assumptions about "East of the River” neighborhoods, this highly-rated tour offers lessons on the area’s history and its stunning houses. Many of the homes were  designed by such legendary architects as Wilfred V. Worland, A.H. Stoneman, Leon Chatelain and pioneering black architects R.C. Archer, Jr., Lewis W. Giles, and Yettikov Wilson. Also experience an interior tour of architect John Joseph Earley's Art Deco house. The tour will conclude with a stop at the Skyland Town Center, the first major retail development in Southeast DC in over three decades.

Tour Guide: Jim Byers; Neighborhood historian, host of WPFW 89.3 FM’s "Latin Flavor", featured guest on WETA's "If You Lived Here" segment that highlighted the Hillcrest neighborhood and renowed guide celebrating his 22nd year offering this dynamic tour

Ward: -7

61. St. Elizabeths East: A Campus Brought to Life

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital, St. Elizabeths East is a 183-acre historic campus transforming into a vibrant hub of opportunity. Once home to one of the country’s first psychiatric hospitals, the site now stands as a beacon of economic promise and cultural revival. This dynamic community blends restored historic architecture with modern innovation—serving as a gateway to federal access, local entrepreneurship, arts, sports, education and wellness. St. Elizabeths East is not just a place; it’s a living legacy being reimagined for future generations.

Tour Guide: Anthony Moore; Development manager and neighborhood aficionado

Ward: -8

62. A Walk Through Time in Brookland

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Walk back in time and contrast Brookland today with Brookland during five earlier historic periods: the Native American Woodlands Period, Washington County, the Civil War Era, Trolley Car Suburb and the City Neighborhood (1960 to today). Photos from the guide’s personal collection will show representations of neighborhood sites during these various periods. See the various architectural styles of Brookland’s buildings as well as those that are on the Historic Landmark registry and the sites and homes associated with such famous Brooklanders as professor and poet Sterling Brown, ornithologist Robert Ridgeway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling), botanist and Four H leader Carrie Harrison and US government executive Robert Weaver. The lives of Ralph Bunche, John Preston Davis, Walter and Jean Kerr and Bishop Fulton Sheen will also be considered with reference to their time in Brookland. The tour guide will point out in Brookland as well.

Tour Guide: John  Feeley; Longtime resident, local writer, co-author of Brookland and volunteer tour guide

Ward: -5

63. Art & History are Alive in the Cemetery: A Wandering Tour of DC's Oldest Burial Ground.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Historic Rock Creek Cemetery was established around 1726 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Mid-Atlantic region. The churchyard has a history dating to almost 75 years before the District of Columbia was established. Join this tour to wander through portions of this 86-acre Nationally Registered Landmark known for its beautiful parklike settings and magnificent pieces of funerary sculpture, including the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens Adams Memorial, nicknamed "Grief".  We will also talk about famous - and infamous - luminaries buried here who helped to shape not only DC, but very nation itself. Art and History are truly alive in the Cemetery!

Tour Guide: Donald Harrell; Former DC resident and content contributor to this cemetery tour

Ward: -4

64. Walk, Snap & Discover: Penn Quarter in Arabic

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Don’t miss the chance to explore Penn Quarter, the beating heart of Washington and one of its most vibrant neighborhoods! This walking tour, offered entirely in Arabic, takes you on a journey that blends history, culture and modern energy. From the iconic Friendship Arch in Chinatown to world-class museums like the National Portrait Gallery, through Ford’s Theatre where one of the most important chapters of American history was written, and on to lively landmarks such as the US Navy Memorial and Capital One Arena. Along the way, enjoy a wonderful mix of art, architecture and local flavor, all within a short and easy walking distance. A unique experience awaits you!

لا تفوّت فرصة استكشاف حي بن كوارتر، القلب النابض لواشنطن وأحد أكثر أحيائها حيوية! جولة ممتعة سيرًا على الأقدام تُقدَّم بالكامل باللغة العربية، تأخذك في رحلة تجمع بين التاريخ والثقافة والطاقة العصرية. من قوس الصداقة الشهير في الحي الصيني، إلى المتاحف العالمية مثل المتحف الوطني للصور الشخصية، مرورًا بمسرح فورد حيث كُتبت إحدى أهم صفحات التاريخ الأميركي، وصولاً إلى الساحات النابضة بالحياة مثل النصب التذكاري للبحرية الأميركية وصالة كابيتال وان أرينا. خلال هذه الجولة، ستستمتع بمزيج رائع من الفن والعمارة والنكهة المحلية—all في مسافة قصيرة يسهل التجول فيها. تجربة فريدة بانتظارك!

Tour Guide: Hanane  Nafidi; NO INFO

Ward: -2

65. Walking history and architecture tour of Chevy Chase DC

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tour description:

Take a 1.5-hour walking tour of the original sections of the Chevy Chase DC neighborhood. Visit the section of Connecticut Avenue, NW between the DC Line (at Chevy Chase Circle) and Livingston Street, NW including slected blocks on either side of the Avenue. Learn the history of the area, from indigenous peoples to the 20th century, with additional focus on the development and architecture of the neighborhood by the Chevy Chase Land Company.

Tour Guide: Keene Taylor; Board member of Historic Chevy Chase DC

Ward: -3

66. Queering Capitol Hill

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Tour description:

Capitol Hill has long been a social and residential center for Washington, DC’s gay and lesbian community. It has also been a neighborhood for bars and clubs, innovative women’s businesses and our federal government. Join this tour to hear stories of radical lesbian separatists, First Amendment fights, the underpinning of LGBT religious organizations, interactions with Marines and other tales from eight decades of gay and lesbian life in the shadow of the U.S.  Capitol.

Tour Guide: Philip Clark; Researcher and writer

Ward: -6

67. Battle of Fort Stevens Walk

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Tour description:

Fort Stevens is the site of the only Civil War battle fought in the District of Columbia. Here on July 11 and 12 in 1864, Union soldiers, with the support of comrades at nearby forts, stopped a Confederate invasion of Washington. It was here on April 12 that President Abraham Lincoln was shot at by Confederate soldiers while observing the battle from the fort’s parapet wall.

We will explore the fort and battleground, discuss the significance of the battle and visit the cemetery where forty-one of the city’s defenders are buried.

Tour Guide: Russ  Norfleet; Certified master guide withThe Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC

Ward: -4

68. Historic Foggy Bottom: Rowhouses, Alleys, Residents and Art

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Tour description:

Walk along shady tree-lined sidewalks as we tell the updated story of what made the Foggy Bottom neighborhood important in DC’s history. The four-block Historic District showcases a 19th century working class neighborhood, featuring 130-year-old brick alley dwellings and streets lined with 12-foot-wide distinctive rowhouses. We’ll share the area’s history, how it changed over time, what was lost and what remains – and why it’s called Foggy Bottom. Listen to stories of the lives of Irish, German and Russian immigrants and African American residents who made the area their home. Go back to a time when the neighborhood’s businesses – saloons, grocery stores, churches and even a funeral home – met its residents’ needs. See brewery worker houses, DC’s most notorious alleys and a 110-year-old livery stable. As a bonus, guests will view the 2025 biennial Arts in Foggy Bottom exhibits, featuring original creations by 12 artists, and Foggy Bottom’s flowering gardens.

Tour Guide: Frank Leone; Co-Chair Foggy Bottom Association History Project, licensed DC tour guide and Foggy Bottom resident

Ward: -2

74. Rediscovering the African American and Quaker Cemeteries in the Heart of Adams Morgan

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Tour description:

How were Washington's busiest Reconstruction-era Black cemetery and its only Quaker burial ground nearly lost to time? Walk through Walter Pierce Park in Adams Morgan and learn how grassroots activism spurred a 21-year project to document, protect and commemorate Mt. Pleasant Plains Cemetery, where more than 8,400 African American Washingtonians were buried following the Civil War, and the much smaller, much older Friends Burying Ground. Find out what the archaeology revealed about these invisible cemeteries. Learn about the cemeteries' connection to heroic men and women of the Underground Railroad. Finally, see the names of the buried at the Ancestors Pavilion, which descendants and their allies persuaded the city to create in 2024.

Tour Guide: Mary Belcher; Founding member of the grassroots Walter Pierce Park Archaeology and Commemoration Project

Ward: -1

69. Beyond the Closet: The Persecution and Liberation of Washington, DC's LGBTQ+ Community

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tour description:

Today Washington, DC, is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly jurisdictions in the country with gay-friendly laws, an inclusive school curriculum, anti-discrimination protections and marriage equality. But from the 1940s to the 1970s, this city was ground zero for actively uncovering closeted gay federal government employees and firing them without justification.  On this walking tour, see Washington's iconic government buildings through the eyes of the committed government servants who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation.  See the sites where the brave few chose to fight back and demand their civil rights. Also see where they built their own communities and paved the way for today’s more inclusive city. Our country chose fear over competence and denied the service of hundreds of eminently qualified researchers, diplomats and leaders.  But in the end, learn how this discrimination caused the LGBTQ community to organize, to unite and to emerge from the closet.

Tour Guide: Zach Patalingjug; Tour company owner and licensed tour guide

Ward: -2

70. Frederick Law Olmsted and the US Capitol Grounds

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tour description:

Commissioned by Congress in 1874 to design the grounds of the US Capitol, Frederick Law Olmsted created an innovative landscape, presenting the building to greatest visual effect while overcoming numerous design challenges. Explore the history and design of the Capitol grounds while learning about its intricate features: the Olmsted-designed marble terraces, brick Spring Grotto, masterful stone and ironwork and carefully crafted views and circulation paths. Presented by the Olmsted Network and the United States Capitol Historical Society; led by volunteers from the USCHS.

Tour Guide: Rose  Rakas; Licensed DC tour guide, and volunteer, US Capitol Historical Society

Ward: -6

71. Art & History are Alive in the Cemetery: A Wandering Tour of DC's Oldest Burial Ground.

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Tour description:

Historic Rock Creek Cemetery was established around 1726 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Mid-Atlantic region. The churchyard has a history dating to almost 75 years before the District of Columbia was established. Join this tour to wander through portions of this 86-acre Nationally Registered Landmark known for its beautiful parklike settings and magnificent pieces of funerary sculpture, including the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens Adams Memorial, nicknamed "Grief".  We will also talk about famous - and infamous - luminaries buried here who helped to shape not only DC, but very nation itself. Art and History are truly alive in the Cemetery!

Tour Guide: Donald Harrell; Former DC resident and content contributor to this cemetery tour

Ward: -4