Free Things to Do: History & Heritage in Washington, DC

Visit Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony is held every hour on the hour from Oct. 1-March 31, and every half hour from April 1-Sept. 30. Then, continue your exploration of the country’s largest military cemetery, where you can also visit the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

Reflect on the sacrifices of American servicemen and women at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed by sculptor Maya Lin. Etched into the memorial’s wall are 58,307 names of those who died or were lost, all appearing in chronological order. A short walk to the south will bring you to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which specifically honors the 265,000 women who served during the war.

At the National Portrait Gallery, marvel at the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside The White House. The impressive America’s Presidents gallery includes the addition of interactive touch screens that allow you to discover the context of each president and other visual materials.

Native American history is on full display at the National Museum of the American Indian. Explore a range of artifacts and exhibits that tell the Native American tale and how the culture still influences daily life in the U.S. today. One of its major exhibits, Americans, is a must-see, as is the National Native American Veterans Memorial, located outdoors on the museum's grounds.

Situated just to the west of the U.S. Capitol Building, this bronze and marble sculpture honors Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War Commander of the Union Armies and a President for two terms. The towering and majestic piece features Grant on horseback, making it the largest equestrian monument in the United States. The sculpture also faces the Lincoln Memorial, which is situated nearly two miles to the west. This symbolically links Grant and Lincoln, the general and President that saved the Union.

Founded in 1807, the picturesque Historic Congressional Cemetery became the go-to choice for interment of members of Congress and their families. The 37-acre still-active cemetery is the final resting place for many American luminaries, like composer John Philip Sousa and FBI leader J. Edgar Hoover.

U.S. Army

Enjoy a virtual rendition of Twilight Tattoo, an hour-long sunset military pageant at Summerall Field on the grounds of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. Different ceremonial units of the military, including the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Voices, perform a free concert beginning at 7 p.m. via livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

Trek among the 19 statues representing the American military servicemen who fought in the Korean War in this multifaceted memorial. There’s also a 164-feet mural wall which reflects the statues, creating a visual of 38 soldiers, a reference to the 38th Parallel that divided North and South Korea during the conflict. In addition, a granite wall displays the famous words, “Freedom is Not Free.”

The Star-Spangled Banner flag on display in the National Museum of American History was the same flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore on Sept. 13-14, 1814 as the British Navy attacked, inspiring our national anthem. The museum also features in-depth exhibits on American enterprise, transportation, religion, the presidency and much, much more.

National Park Service

This Frank Gehry-designed outdoor memorial was erected in honor of the nation’s 34th president and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II. The space became a spectacular addition to DC’s lineup of monuments in the fall of 2020. Located at 540 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, the site honors Eisenhower’s legacy in a four-acre urban park and features a variety of pieces that symbolize his inspirational feats.

President Abraham Lincoln’s unparalleled legacy remains alive and thriving at Ford’s Theatre. National Park Rangers provide free tours of the theater and the underground museum that explores events leading up to his assassination. You can also admire the incredible 34-foot Lincoln Book Tower.