They have been threatening rain for the last 2 days. Well today, Monday, they got it right. Only sprinkling at the campground, but a pretty steady rain when we got to DC. We tested our skills in riding the Metro into DC. Actually worked out pretty well. We parked at a nearby station about 5 miles from the campground jumped on the silver line to the Smithsonian stop. About 45-50 min. total travel time. Cost round trip with parking was about $17 for both of us with our senior card. Our visit spanned 2 day and Tuesday was cloudy, but no rain.
Our goal Monday was the Smithsonian “Castle.” This was the first and original museum. It was designed to look like a castle and completed in 1855. It originally housed the entire collection that today is spread over 19 museums.
However, the interesting story is how it came about. The original funding came from James Smithson, an English scientist who lived between 1765 and 1829. He bequeathed his fortune to the US for creation of an institution for learning to be located in Washington, DC.
The interesting part is he never visited the US and never told anyone in the US of his plans. So upon his death, the US recieved information that they inherited a bunch of money. Nice surprise! With those funds, the Smithsonian Institute was off and runnning in 1846. Think about this. I doubt the opinion in England was very favorable toward the US after 1776 and 1812. So James must not have shared his intentions with his countrymen either; it was merely written in his will. Even then, the US was actually quite surprised when they got the money.
Today, the building houses the offices and a visitor center, but the architecture inside and out is beautiful. A couple of shots follow.
Because it is a visitor center, they have collections of items that hit the high points of the other museums. Check out some of the interesting old stuff.
The first Apple Computer
Howdy Doody
It’s really bad when you are old enough to actually own, have owned, or can relate to, items you see in a museum.
Now for the wierd part. James Smithson was originally buried in England, but they planned to move the cemetary he was in, so the Smithsonian managed to have his remains sent here and they are in a cyrpt in a wing of the Castle. He had no living decendants. So, what looks like a covered bathtub is where James now rests. Think he prowls the halls after closing?
We spent the rest of Monday and Tuesday exploring the American History and Natural History museums. No pictures to share, but take it from us, there was lots to see and some really unusual items. Probably our favorite was the gemstones in the Natural History Museum.
There was a makeover in process along the Mall, scheduled to be completed in December, so things were a bit of a mess around there. The weather even on Tuesday was still looking like rain at times, so we did not venture around much since we have both been to DC before.
We had a special treat on Monday night visiting some of Dan’s friends from his ExxonMobil days. A great time!
Wednesday we head into West Virginia to Seneca Recreation Area. Looking forward to some awesome scenery.
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