Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Visiting Washington DC with groups

Every year 22 million visitors come to Washington DC. The spring is perhaps the busiest time of the year for school groups. If you can the fall would be better for your school than the spring for several different reasons.There  are less people . Second hotel rates and airline rates are cheaper .It is much easier to get into government building . For example if you bring your group in the spring you will need tickets for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing , Washington Monument, Fords Theater and the Holocaust Memorial museum . If you come in the fall you will not need tickets for any of them.
If you do visit Washington DC in the spring here are some tips. If you  would like for your group to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier it is a very easy way to do it.
 Wreath Laying Ceremonies: (Requests must be received in writing)
(703) 607-8559
*For school and civic organizations coming to Washington, D.C., that wish to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  A representative of the requesting organization must write to Arlington National Cemetery, Attn: Public Wreath Ceremonies, Arlington, VA 22211 on organizational letterhead.  The sender should indicate on the outside of the envelope that it is a "wreath-laying request."  The letter should indicate when the group is visiting, its schedule limitations, and complete contact information.  A representative of Arlington National Cemetery Public Wreath Coordinator will thereafter call to make further arrangements and provide further instructions should the date appear open.No fax or email accepted
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 National Archives. If you ever waited in the national Archives this link will help you.http://www.blogger.com/goog_1682204785
This link will help you reserve a space for a self guided tour of the Archives building. You will be able go into the special events entrance which is on the Constitution Avenue entrance.


The tickets for the the Capital can be obtain at www.aoc.gov. You will be able to order up to 10 tickets . I would advise you to allow at least 2 hours for the tour , going through security and picking up your tickets. You will be shown a video and a walking tour of the Capital.

The Supreme is across the street from the Capital. The tours of the Supreme are every half an hour beginning at 9:30am. Keep in mind during the spring the court will be meeting on Monday , Tuesday, and sometimes on Wednesday. When the court meets , tours are not conducted but you can you can see a hearing.

Washington dc is a great and interesting city . Come see for yourself