A national landmark, the Riversdale House was built in 1801 by a Flemish aristocrat, Henri Joseph Stier, who had fled from Europe. When Stier returned to Europe two years later, he gave the house to his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband, a member of Maryland's founding family, George Calvert, who completed construction of the house.
It still stands today in the middle of Riverdale Park, and with the help of local volunteers and supporters, the grounds are maintained and renovations are made. There is a community garden on grounds that is open to the public daily, while there are also sponsored events on site.
The house is now a museum which is open to the public on weekend afternoons with an admissions fee. However, private group tours, consisting of 10 or more people, can be requested at anytime with two weeks advanced notice.
Samantha Ferris, spokeswoman for the museum, said that camps are arranged for area children, and that the museum works regularly with Riverdale Elementary School.
This is the home of the Louisa May Alcott and her family from 1858 to 1877. This is the home where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set her classic story Little Women. The home hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion currently functions as both a museum and an event space. Built during the Civil War, it was the first mansion constructed in the entire Northeast. It boasts al fresco ceilings commissioned by the most popular artists of the time. And here's another interesting fact: The mansion had hot and cold running water (complete with an indoor bathroom) which not even the White House had!
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and operated by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy. The site was built between 1836 and 1842 and epitomizes country life in the area during the 19th century. It was opened as a museum in 1946, offering visitors of all ages a look into a distinct time period through its landscape, gardens and the mansion itself. The site is the last remaining country house in the area, offering visitors a chance to see Greek Revival interiors and a collection of paintings, furniture and decorative art from the period. Classes, tours and public programs are offered to children and adults. The museum also offers two spaces for private events and meetings and a backdrop that can be used for commercial photography. Call or email the museum through its website to inquire about rates, information and to book any of the three listed locations.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.
Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.
Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.
Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.
Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.
Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.
Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.
Before it was designated a national historic site, the Hampton Mansion was actually home to the prominent Ridgely family for 200 years. The Ridgelys once owned an area roughly equal to half the size of Baltimore City, and today a road in Lutherville and a middle school carry the family's name. When completed in 1790, the mansion was the largest house in America. Today, visitors can explore the massive Georgian manor house and surviving buildings, including a farmhouse, ice box and slave quarters.
Located in Philadelphia, Wyck Historic House and Garden is an 18th century home with grounds that include a nationally recognized garden with more than 30 varieties of roses. The Wyck House offers guided and self-guided tours, programs and events, summer camps and more. For registration, volunteer and donation information, be sure to call the telephone number provided or visit the Wyck Historic House and Garden website.
