Another lazy(ish) day in the books. I got the best night of sleep last night, probably because I was still tired from a late Friday night, early start yesterday, walking around most of the day, and then not going to bed until late. And I didn't have to set an alarm either, so sleeping in was nice.
I went with some friends to see Ford's Theater. I have been there once before, to see To Kill a Mockingbird. But I have never done the tour. It was well worth the time. They have a fantastic museum in the lower level to the Civil War and the events of April 14, 1865. It was a fantastic insight to Abraham Lincoln, a President that I am sad to say I don't know as much about as I should. The one negative about not teaching US History is that I don't delve into a lot of the particularly fascinating stories about the great men of our nation's history beyond Washington's presidency. I'm not looking to sign up for it because of how North Carolina's curriculum (currently) works with teaching all of US History in one semester, especially since the emphasis is misplaced IMHO. So this was a great delve into history that I really enjoyed.
The tour took us into the theater itself where you can walk around and take pictures. I got the same chill as I did on my last visit to think that it was in this very theater that the assassination took place. The tour then continued across the street to the Peterson house, where Lincoln was taken and where he ultimately died. There is an Education Center in that building too, and it is a worthwhile stop if you are ever in DC.
Following Ford's Theater, we made a quick stop in the Hard Rock Cafe gift shop, then headed towards Chinatown to the National Portrait Gallery. This is another under appreciated museum. It is full of, yes you guessed it, portraits of America. If you take the American History Museum and just focused on the people, that is essentially what the Portrait Gallery is. I love their exhibit of the American Presidents. Another place that should be a must see.
We ate lunch at Fuddrucker's before heading back to Georgetown. I have had to make myself start getting back into class mode after a weekend of no classwork. It has been very hard though.
Tomorrow is not only a new lecture, but a trip to Mount Vernon. I have heard wonderful things about it, and can't wait to see it.
MEET THE FELLOWS: Stephanie Walsh is our Fellow from Denver, Colorado. Fortunately, the Colorado fires have not affected her house and family, and we pray that it doesn't. I met Steph the first night we played basketball. She definitely mixed it up with the guys and had quite the impressive post game. I knew she was a serious competitor when I got switched to guard her and she made me look foolish in the paint. I also got to spend valuable time picking her brain about teaching AP Government. She has been an AP reader for the last few years and imparted some valuable knowledge on me that will make my students better.
TOMORROW: Mount Vernon tour... I'm sure I will have a few things to talk about.
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