Smithsonian Museum of American History Guided Tour – Semi-Private 8ppl Max

The Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the nation’s rich history through a semi-private guided tour. With a maximum group size of 8 people, this 2.5-hour experience provides a more intimate and personalized exploration of iconic American artifacts, from Thomas Jefferson’s desk to the Greensboro lunch counter. Guests can expect a professional and informative guide to bring these historic treasures to life, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the country’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the stories behind these remarkable objects, this tour promises to be a memorable and enlightening experience.

Key Points

• This guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History lasts for 2.5 hours and is semi-private with a maximum group size of 8 people.
• The tour highlights several iconic American artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk, George Washington’s sword, and Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or gratuities, but it does include a professional guide for an in-depth exploration of the museum’s highlights.
• The meeting and end point for the tour is the fountain in front of the Constitution Ave entrance, and the tour is not accessible for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
• The booking process involves selecting the desired date and time, providing the number of guests and any special requests, and completing the payment to secure the reservation and receive the confirmation.

Tour Details

The guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC lasts for 2.5 hours and is a semi-private experience with a maximum group size of 8 people.

The tour highlights several iconic American artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk, George Washington’s sword, the Star Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and the Greensboro lunch counter from the Greensboro sit-ins of the 1960s.

Led by a professional guide, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or gratuities, and it’s not accessible for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Inclusions and Exclusions

In the Smithsonian Museum of American History Guided Tour – Semi-Private 8ppl Max, the tour includes a professional guide, but it doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or gratuities.

Plus, the tour isn’t accessible for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

The guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the museum’s highlights, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk, George Washington’s sword, the Star Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers, and the Greensboro lunch counter.

With a maximum group size of 8 people, the semi-private tour offers a more personalized experience.

Guests can expect the tour to last approximately 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the museum’s rich American history.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests meet at the fountain in front of the Constitution Ave entrance of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which serves as both the starting and ending point for the tour. This central location ensures a seamless experience for participants. After gathering at the agreed upon spot, the group will embark on their 2.5-hour journey through the museum’s fascinating exhibits.

Meeting Point	End Point	Duration	Group Size
Fountain in front of the Constitution Ave entrance	Same as meeting point	2.5 hours	Maximum of 8 people

The tour concludes back at the fountain, providing a convenient departure for guests at the conclusion of the enriching experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring guests have all the necessary details to plan their museum visit.

The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if the experience is cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the start time, providing flexibility for participants.

The booking process for this Smithsonian Museum of American History Guided Tour is straightforward:

1. Select the desired date and time for the 2.5-hour semi-private tour.
2. Provide the required information, such as the number of guests and any special requests.
3. Complete the payment to secure the reservation and receive the confirmation.

This attention to detail and customer-centric approach ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Museum Highlights

The guided tour highlights some of the museum’s most iconic and significant exhibits, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk, George Washington’s sword, the Star Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and the Greensboro lunch counter from the Greensboro sit-ins of the 1960s. These displays provide a captivating glimpse into America’s history, showcasing the stories and artifacts that have shaped the nation. Visitors can expect to be transported through time as they explore these remarkable exhibits.

Exhibit	Significance
Thomas Jefferson’s Desk	Used by one of America’s Founding Fathers
George Washington’s Sword	Carried by the first U.S. President
The Star Spangled Banner	Inspired the national anthem
Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers	Iconic symbol of ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Greensboro Lunch Counter	Represents the Civil Rights Movement

Accessibility Considerations

Unfortunately, the guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History isn’t accessible for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. This is an important consideration for anyone with mobility challenges who’s interested in exploring the museum’s vast collection.

Some key accessibility details to be aware of include:

1. The tour covers a significant amount of ground within the museum, with limited seating available.
2. Navigating the museum’s exhibits and galleries may pose difficulties for those with reduced mobility.

While the museum itself is wheelchair-accessible, the guided tour may not be able to accommodate all visitors’ needs.

Individuals with accessibility requirements should explore alternative options to ensure they can fully engage with the museum’s rich history and artifacts.

Arrival and Departure

Visitors will meet at the fountain in front of the Constitution Ave entrance to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which also serves as the end point for the 2.5-hour guided tour.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the museum’s main entrance, making it easy for participants to find.

Once the tour concludes, guests will return to the same spot where they started, ensuring a seamless experience.

The meeting and end point’s central location allows visitors to easily access the museum’s other exhibits and amenities after the tour.

With the starting and ending point being the same, the tour provides a well-organized and straightforward experience for all participants.

Collections and Policies

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History houses an impressive collection of artifacts that span the nation’s history, from the founding fathers’ belongings to iconic pop culture items.

Visitors won’t be allowed to bring large bags or suitcases into the museum due to security policies, but small handbags and thin backpacks are permitted. Some exhibit areas within the museum may enforce stricter volume guidelines to preserve the visitor experience.

On top of that, the museum’s exhibit offerings can vary throughout the year, so guests should check for any closures or changes prior to their visit.

The tour highlights include:

1. Thomas Jefferson’s desk
2. George Washington’s sword
3. The Star-Spangled Banner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Museum?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, though visitors should check for any specific restrictions in certain exhibit areas. Flash photography may be prohibited to protect the museum’s collections.

Is Food and Drink Allowed Inside the Museum?

Food and drink are generally not allowed inside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Visitors are advised to consume snacks and beverages outside the museum to preserve the artifacts and maintain a clean, quiet environment for all guests.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Visitors should dress comfortably and appropriately for the museum setting. Casual attire is acceptable, but travelers may want to avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Museum Gift Shop?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the museum gift shop. The gift shop offers a variety of items related to the museum’s exhibits and the Smithsonian institution, such as apparel, books, and other memorabilia.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Questions Throughout the Tour?

The tour guide is available to answer questions throughout the guided tour. They provide detailed information about the museum’s exhibits and artifacts, and can address any inquiries visitors may have during the 2.5-hour experience.

Recap

The Smithsonian Museum of American History’s guided tour offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore iconic American artifacts in a semi-private setting.

With a maximum group size of 8 people, the tour provides a more personalized experience.

Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility.

The tour is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and culture.