Museums and Historical Sites in Washington DC, and Maryland

When tourists think of Washington DC and Maryland, they automatically picture popular sites such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Baltimore Aquarium and the National Zoo. However, there are far more museums and historic places to see when visiting the Washington metro and Baltimore area. Here, you will find a list of some of the other big tourist sites with a small description that are sure to make your visit to Washington, and Maryland a memorable one.

African American Civil War Memorial
U and 10th streets, Washington, DC 20009
202-667-2667

This monument recognizes the roles of Free and enslaved African Americans during the American Civil War. The monument is opened daily to the public. The nine foot sculpture named "Spirit of Freedom" bears the names of 208,943 black soldiers and their white officers.

Babe Ruth Birth Place and Official Orioles Museum
216 Emory Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-1539

This Museum is the house where the great Bambino was born (1985). The shrine/museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm and 10am to 7pm on the days of the Oriole home games. Admission prices for the Museum ranges from $3 to $6. The house holds some old artifacts of Babe Ruth such as Ruth's childhood bat and the scorebook from his first professional baseball game. The rest of the house is a tribute to the Baltimore Orioles and Cal Ripkin's pursuit of Lou Gherig's record of 2,131 games played.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C streets SW, Washington, DC 20228
202-874-2330
http://www.bep.treas.gov/

Come see where all the money is made. Over 541 Million dollars is produced every day. You are allowed to watch as the Federal employees make the paper money. This museum is located on the Mall and is open Monday thru Friday from 9am to 2pm (Free Admission).

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 W. St. SE, Washington, DC 20020-4813
202-426-5961
http://www.nps.gov/frdo/freddoug.html

Come and see the last home of one of the greatest abolitionist of American History. Inside the home you will see a 17 minute film on the life of Douglass and his struggles in the battle of freeing his people from slavery. The museum displays the everyday a century with items such a kerosene lamps, chamber pots, and washbasins. The Historic site is open from 9am to 5am and is $2 for Adults and Children.

Great Blacks in Wax Museum
1601 E. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213
410-563-3404

This great Museum brings some of the most prominent African and African American figures to life with real like wax sculptures. There is a re-created slave ship that shows the tragedy of the Middle Passage during slavery. Admission for this museum ranges from $4.30 to $6.80.

International Spy Museum
800 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
202-393-7798
http://www.spymuseum.org/index.asp

This fascinating museum offers a glance into a world of espionage. Here, you will learn a little about the history of espionage and the many spies all across the world. This is one of the coolest places to visit in Washington, DC. The Museum is open all year, and its base hours of operation is 9am to 8pm, 8am to 8pm, and 10am to 6pm. Due to a large number of visitors it is encouraged to pay for tickets in advance by calling or going to their website to avoid waiting in a long line.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
South of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC 20242
202-619-7222
http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/

Known as the forgotten war, this memorial/monument honors the fallen soldiers that loves their lives and to those who suffered through severe conditions in Korea. A kiosk is available to search the database of the American Soldiers that served during the Korean War. This Historic site is open daily from 8am to Midnight.

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Druid Park Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217
410-366-5466
http://www.marylandzoo.org/

This zoo is known as one of the nation's best for children. Besides the wide range of animal attractions, there are tons of activities for children. The Zoo is open daily and admission varies from $10 to $15.