Last week of the Civil War (Virginia)

Living in Central Virginia, Civil War history is all around us. With much of the war taking place in the area, there are many battlefields, historic homes, and museums with their own history from the war. This week marks the 155th anniversary of the end of the war - from the fall of Richmond on April 3rd to the last battle at Sailor’s Creek on April 6th to Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox on April 9th. Check out my new post about that week’s events and some spots to visit, both virtually and in person, to learn more about this important time period in our nation’s history.

Virtual Tours of Presidential and First Lady Sites

With our current quarantine situation due to the COVID-19 health crisis, no one will be traveling for a while. Hopefully the situation will improve shortly but until then, virtual travel is our best bet. In researching Presidential and First Lady sites for my checklist, I found that many sites have online virtual and video tours. It would be a fun project to tour each site with your kids! We are picking one a day to "tour." If we can’t check off the sites in person, we can at least visit virtually!

Library of Virginia (Richmond)

Virginia is the birthplace of our nation, and its state library, the Library of Virginia, was created in 1823 as a repository for all of its original documents and manuscripts, dating back to Jamestown’s founding in 1607. Its online resources are vast, and with the current health crisis keeping our kids from attending school, this is the perfect time to explore the documents, artifacts, and manuscripts available. There is even a way for your kids to potentially get their volunteer hours through the Library’s Making History: Transcribe program. Read my new review today about visiting the Library, both in person and virtually!

EPIC (Dublin)

If you are planning a trip to Dublin, one of the coolest new museums to see is the Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC). It opened in 2016 in a reclaimed 19th century warehouse near the docklands, just east of Dublin’s city center. On the banks of the River Liffey, it tells the unique story of the 10 million Irish citizens who immigrated to other countries and what impact they had on those countries. Not many countries can boast about their cultural influence like Ireland! This museum is a must-see attraction while visiting Dublin, particularly if you have any Irish ancestors!

Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Washington, DC)

If you are visiting Washington, DC, you will likely spend time in several of the Smithsonian museums, most centered around the National Mall. One of the most interesting museums is the National Museum of American History. This museum contains many priceless and meaningful artifacts from America’s past, and you can spend hours in its galleries. March is Women’s History Month, and with the museum’s new exhibit on the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, this is the perfect month to visit. Read my new review today!

The White House (Washington, DC)

The ultimate Presidential site to visit is the White House in Washington, DC. Every President since John Adams has lived in the White House, making it the most historic home in America. From its burning during the War of 1812 to its complete renovation in the 1950s, the importance of the White House building has remained constant. If you are planning a trip to Washington, DC, you need to take your family to see the “people’s house.” Read my new review today to learn how to visit with kids.

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (Richmond)

One of the best places to learn more about African American history in the Richmond area is the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This museum, located in the beautiful and historic Leigh Street Armory, is a thoughtful and educational place to learn more about the African American experience in Virginia and is an important place to visit while you are in Richmond. I love its mission “to preserve stories that inspire!” Read my new review today and learn why you need to visit before April 18th!