Ford's Theater and Lessons of the Week

This week was a great opportunity for me as I don't start my internship til Monday. I was able to visit many of the museums and monuments around Washington D.C. Friday was our first class and it was nice to be able to be back with many of the other students who I didn't see with the craziness of the first week. After class a few of us decided to visit Ford's Theater and the National Portrait Gallery.
   Visiting Ford's Theater doesn't just show you the theater, it also allows you to visit the Petersen House and Ford's Center for Education and Leadership. President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865 and was carried over to the Petersen House across the street where died the following morning on April 15. The museum in the basement of Ford's Theater had many amazing artifacts related to both Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, his assassin. 
Here are some pictures.

Presidential Box where Lincoln attended several plays and where he was shot. The picture of George Washington is the original that was displayed the night that Lincoln was killed.

Bed in the Petersen House where Lincoln died.

Ford's Theater (from the Petersen House steps).

Petersen House

Afterwards we went tot the National Portrait Gallery where they had a great exhibit on the American Civil War. The majority of the paintings were done during the war. Winslow Homer had some amazing landscapes of everyday army life on both sides. I really enjoyed it because of the feeling that many of the painters had been able to portray the war through landscapes, rather than by showing the battle. Natural elements like dark clouds and lighting contrasted against mountains or sunrises gave the feeling of conflict. It was wonderful. 

I've been in D.C. a week now and I have a few things I've learned.

1. Always carry your water bottle so you don't have buy the $2.50 water bottles at the Smithsonian

2. Always check the signs before getting on the train. (Not my mistake, someone else's)

3. Better dress up if there is any chance you'll be out later, because it gets cold quickly

4. Find a pocket for your Metro pass to fit in, so you don't have to take it out every time you get on the   Metro
5. If you ever need directions, ask with an English accent, everyone will treat you nicely.