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

They sort through millions of dollars worth of diplomatic gifts on behalf of the government.

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

Art deco landmark on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

Senators used to relax in the nearly forgotten marble tubs now hidden in the U.S. Capitol Building's basement.

An easily overlooked memorial to a Ukrainian famine-genocide that killed over 4 million people.

Obscure Freemasons still live in D.C.’s largest private residence.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

Home to a vast and influential collection of Shakespeareana.

A haunting tribute to pioneering photographer Clover Adams.

An obscure public service from the U.S. government that redeems burnt, moldy, and soiled old greenbacks.

The first purpose-built art gallery in the United States is once again open as a center of craft arts.

The famous abolitionist’s preserved estate is one of Washington's finest monuments to its great Black citizens.

An Industrial Revolution-era public work that purified water using nothing but sand.

A nostalgic bibliographic gem.

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

The Byzantine, pre-Columbian, and medieval art at this stately mansion are some of the most under-appreciated collections in D.C.

People escaping slavery may have hidden inside a corpse vault.

The country's oldest continually-operated mini golf course lies hidden in plain sight, eclipsed by one of D.C.'s most popular tourist attractions.

A historic estate packed with George Washington's heirlooms, and its own nuclear bunker.

The winding route passes through an enclosed alleyway, two tunnels, and leads to the White House basement.

Fittingly, America's museum of architecture is itself a magnificently designed old building.

A hidden gem on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.