The Fellows Go To Washington D.C.!

The Junior Elizabeth Edwards Fellows took a trip to Washington D.C. for Spring Break.   For many of us, it was the first time in our nation’s capital.  The trip was a great opportunity to learn about American history, politics, and the importance of social activism.  Although our feet were definitely tired by the end, we had a great time visiting the famous D.C. sites.  Read on to learn what we did!

Ty'Shae' at the Woolworth's Lunch Counter

We started the trip with a visit to the Smithsonian museums.  Some favorite exhibits included the Edgar Degas sculptors at the National Art Gallery and the Woolworth’s Lunch Counter at the American History Museum.   Of course everyone was excited to see Dorothy’s red slippers from the "Wizard of Oz" too!

 Meaghan, Mercedes, and Ahyanna go undercover at the Spy Museum

We learned what it takes to become a spy and complete a mission at the International Spy Museum.  The museum features the largest display of international espionage artifacts ever exhibited, as well as, details behind the history of espionage and its impact on important world events.  

Meaghan and Ms. Peabody at the Holocaust Museum

We were extremely fortunate to hear a first person account from a Holocaust survivor at the Holocaust Memorial Museum.  Ms. Halina Peabody was a Polish Jew who was forced to live in a ghetto with her mother and little sister after the Germans invaded the Soviet Union.  Her family survived the war by purchasing false papers declaring them to be Catholic.  This presentation was truly a one of a kind experience!     

The Fellows at the Kennedy Center

One of the fellows’ favorite activities was seeing the show “Shear Madness” at the Kennedy Center.  This comedic play allows audience members to participate as detectives to help the police solve the mystery surrounding a murder at the Shear Madness Hair Salon.

  

Ty'Shae' with the pandas at the National Zoo

Mercedes and Ahyanna paddle boating in the Tidal Basin

We had a great time seeing the animals at the National Zoo.  The highlight was seeing the adorable panda bears, Mei Ziang and Tian Tian.  We also had a lot of fun paddle boating around the Tidal Basin where we had a magnificent view of the Washington and Jefferson monuments

The Fellows at the White House

Of course no trip to D.C. is complete without a trip to the White House and Congress.  We were able to walk through the elaborate rooms in the East Wing of the White House, and take a tour of the Capital with its impressive rotunda and statues.  

The Fellows at Cantina Mexicana 

Lastly, you cannot go to D.C. without eating some amazing food.  We had dinner at Hard Times which features world famous chili and chili macs.  We also had some tasty Indian food at Merzi, and finished up the trip eating delicious desserts at Captain Cookie and the Milk Man.