A historic cemetery with unique artwork, a Civil War fort, and also happens to be the site of the Battle of Bladensburg.

The first memorial dedicated solely to the Black troops who fought for the Union.

A hoard of sky catalogs, astrophysical journals, even the works of Galileo and Copernicus.

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.

For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.

An overlooked memorial honoring the local Washington residents who died in World War I.

There’s a hidden military meme engraved on the World War II Memorial.

A computer bug so primitive it was an actual insect.

Home to items never before seen by the public.

This unique museum cafeteria showcases the history and regional diversity of African American cuisine.

Seemingly unremarkable items like empty sushi trays, chef hats, and freshness stickers are being preserved so future generations can look back on this beloved cultural import.

A heroic pigeon that, through a barrage of gunfire, delivered a message that saved over 100 lives in World War I.

This taxidermy horse was a Civil War hero.

Perhaps the most scandalous statue of America's first president.

The most decorated dog of World War I is preserved in the Smithsonian.

This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.

The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact.

The remains of Martha, the last known passenger pigeon, serve as a tool to educate about conservation.

Washington's iconic carousel has a nice piece of Civil Rights history.

In the basement of the U.S. Capitol Building is a hidden storage room full of ornate floor tiles leftover from the 1850s.

The walls of the iconic dome are hollow and have a secret stairway.

Housing the National Women's Party since 1929, this historic house is now a monument to the fight for gender equality.

A nostalgic bibliographic gem.