Washington, DC

First Lady's Inaugural Gown Arrives at Smithsonian

Michelle Obama donates her Jason Wu gown to the First Ladies' Collection at the National Museum of American History
March 09, 2010 | By Beth Py-Lieberman

How Dolley Madison Saved the Day

As invading British troops approached in August 1814, the first lady coolly took command of the White House
March 2010 | By Thomas Fleming

The Scurlock Studio: Picture of Prosperity

For more than half a century the Scurlock Studio chronicled the rise of Washington's black middle class
February 2010 | By David Zax

Tai Shan Will Return to China

The panda who has the distinction of being the first surviving cub born at the National Zoo will be returning to China
December 04, 2009 | By Jesse Rhodes

How Arlington National Cemetery Came to Be

The fight over Robert E. Lee's beloved home—seized by the U.S. government during the Civil War—went on for decades
November 2009 | By Robert M. Poole

The Rescue of Henry Clay

A long-lost painting of the Senate's Great Compromiser finds a fitting new home in the halls of the U.S. Capitol
November 2009 | By Fergus M. Bordewich

From the Castle - FDR's Stamps

FDR's Stamps
November 2009 | By G. Wayne Clough

Drawn From Life

Artist Janice Lowry's illustrated diaries record her history—and ours
November 2009 | By Owen Edwards

What's Up

November 2009 | By Abby Callard

Dan Brown’s Smithsonian: Fact or Fiction?

October 14, 2009 | By Megan Gambino

Anne Truitt’s Artistic Journey

Balancing the two lives of a Washington, D.C. sculptor—1950s hostess and emergent artist
September 30, 2009 | By Katy June-Friesen

Leonardo’s Horse?

New research may shed light on a nearly century-old theory that a sculpture thought to be ancient Greek may be da Vinci’s work
September 18, 2009 | By Marian Smith Holmes

Feeding the Animals at the National Zoo

After hiring the first animal nutritionist 30 years ago, the National Zoo prepares specific, well-balanced meals for each animal
April 08, 2009 | By Joseph Caputo

Energy Efficiency at the White House

How environmental change can begin at the president's home
March 02, 2009 | By Sarah Zielinski

A Capitol Vision From a Self-Taught Architect

In 1792, William Thornton designed America's defining monument, where a new visitor center opens in December
December 2008 | By Fergus M. Bordewich

44 Years Later, a Washington, D.C. Death Unresolved

Mary Pinchot Meyer's death remains a mystery. But it's her life that holds more interest now
December 2008 | By Lance Morrow

A Brief History of Pierre L’Enfant and Washington, D.C.

How one Frenchman’s vision became our capital city
May 01, 2008 | By Kenneth R. Fletcher

Washington, D.C.

April 01, 2008 | By Smithsonian.com

Washington D.C.

Washington is best known for its wide array of cultural and historical attractions, and its historic monuments and memorials, most of which are free to the public and open seven days a week.
November 06, 2007 | By Smithsonian.com

The Lost Symbol's Masonic Temple

Conspiracy buffs, including author Dan Brown, tour the lavish Washington, D.C. temple of the Freemasons
April 2007 | By David A. Taylor

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