The Great Tours: Washington D.C.

Uncovering the origins of the District of Columbia; how the location for the national government is chosen; the original design and vision for the city by artist and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant; the creation and history of the National Mall.

Tracking the history and fortunes of the White House; visiting the White House, beginning with the Oval Office and Cabinet Room; visiting the parks adjoining the White House; the Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials.

How the Capitol building is designed, constructed and expanded in the early years of the nation; touring the architectural and artistic wonders of the building; concluding with the House and Senate Chambers; the surrounding parks and gardens.

Studying the founding and history of the Supreme Court; touring this structure, its interior features, court facilities and artistic decoration; exploring the Court in action, which encompasses courtroom procedure and how cases are processed.

Visiting the world's largest library; the story of the library's creation in the 18th century; beginning with the Jefferson Building; the facilities of the Adams and Madison buildings; visiting the Folger Shakespeare Library; the Eastern Market.

The origins and functions of the State Department; the United States Diplomacy Center; the Federal Reserve buildings; the Treasury Building; the operations of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; the history and headquarters of the FBI.

The story behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall; how this once controversial monument is now considered a masterpiece; taking account of the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the World War II Memorial; its tribute to the "Greatest Generation".

The historic connections between Arlington National Cemetery and the American Civil War; visiting some of the grave sites of famous citizens; the former mansion of Robert E. Lee; seeing landmark sites at Arlington, such as the Memorial Amphitheater.

Tracing George Washington's early life; his inheritance and expansion of the plantation now known as Mount Vernon; touring the estate; visiting historic sites associated with the life and career of George Washington in Alexandria.

How the Civil War and the Lincoln presidency transform the city; exploring key sites of the era such as the Willard Hotel, the Clara Barton National Historic Site and President Lincoln's Cottage; visiting the site of the Lincoln assassination.

The impact of the civil rights movement on Washington, D.C.; the life and work of Frederick Douglass; the historic site of his home; touring the National Museum of African American History and Culture, its major galleries and 36,000 artifacts.

The background of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; the movement to memorialize these events through a museum and education center; how the museum evokes pre-war Jewish experience, the horror of the Holocaust and its aftermath and legacy.

A panoramic overview of the Smithsonian Institution; the National Museum of American History; the National Museum of Natural History; the National Museum of the American Indian; the National Air and Space Museum; the National Mall's art museums.

The history of political scandals in Washington D.C.; how the nation comes to terms with them; the 19th-century Burr Conspiracy; the scandals under President Ulysses S. Grant; the Teapot Dome scandal; the Watergate scandal; finishing at the Newseum.

Visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; learning about the National Theatre; the Shakespeare and Folger theaters; Washington D.C.'s regional theaters; music offerings from the National Symphony Orchestra.

Washington D.C.'s Northwest Quadrant is home to some of the city's oldest neighborhoods; the architecture of Embassy Row and two nearby mansions; the Dupont Circle neighborhood; the George Washington University; the history and culture of Georgetown.

Beginning at the pre-Revolutionary colonial building of the Old Stone House; discovering three mansions in Upper Georgetown; visiting the Octagon House; the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden of Marjorie Merriweather Post; Woodlawn Plantation.

The religious institutions in Washington D.C.; the role of faith in the city's history; St. John's Episcopal Church; Washington D.C.'s Catholic churches; Jewish and Muslim houses of worship; the treasures of the Washington National Cathedral.

The history and mission of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park; the National Zoo's exhibits of zoological rarities; the National Zoo's approach to recreating natural habitats; the institution's involvement with animal research and conservation.

Discovering two of Washington D.C.'s longstanding food traditions; visiting historic restaurants around the city; delving into the city's world cuisine; taking note of food festivals that take place in Washington D.C. throughout the year.

Investigating the history of Washington D.C.'s riverfronts; stopping at Kingman and Heritage Island Park; Anacostia Park; visiting National Harbor, District Wharf and the Georgetown waterfront, with their many offerings.

The backstory of baseball, football and basketball teams in Washington D.C.; where to watch and play these sports; delving into the city's hockey and soccer scene; the abundance of "imported" sports in the capital.

The story and amenities of Rock Creek Park; the riverfront walks and outdoor activities along the Potomac Heritage Trail; visiting Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, with its variety of wildlife; the botanical riches of the United States National Arboretum.

Learning about the treasures within the National Archives; revisiting the history of Washington D.C.; unrealized city plans; "disappeared" Washington D.C.; proposals for the city's future; thoughts on the dynamic environment of Washington D.C.