Weekend Guide: Explore Black History & Culture in Washington, D.C. CheapOair Staff February 12, 2019 Black History Month, Destinations, Travel Guide Washington, D.C. has a wealth of Black history. During Pre-Civil War times, the district was home to a growing number of free Blacks who made their livelihood in the region. After Emancipation, the nation’s capital continued to see the growth of a thriving African-American population that contributed much to its commerce, arts, and the advancement of civil rights. If you’re a history buff who loves learning while traveling, there’s enough to keep you busy for an entire week. But if you only have a couple of days to see what D.C. has to offer and soak up some Black history and culture along the way, here are some of the highlights to have a packed and informative weekend in the nation’s capital. DAY 1 Your first day touring in D.C. or in the surrounding areas can be spent at any one of the many museums in the area. In Washington, D.C., you can learn about Black culture and history from many different eras and from diverse viewpoints. Smithsonian Museum of African-American History [above image “National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington DC” by FaceMePLS on Flickr – licensed under CC BY 2.0] The first choice is the most obvious one and the reason why many people will come to Washington, D.C. for a weekend. The Smithsonian Museum of African-American History features one of the most extensive collections of any African-American museum in the country. There are seven floors for you to see, each with its own theme. The bottom floor is a sobering and gripping coverage of the history of slavery in this country. There are several other floors with historical artifacts before the museum devotes significant space to covering Black culture. If you only have one day to spend at the museum, you may need to prioritize what you wish to see simply because there is so much under one roof that it’s not possible to see it all in one day. In addition, the museum has several different food venues featuring cuisine from different regions of the U.S. and Africa. Even though the museum has been open since 2016, you’d be wise to book the free tickets in advance. There are some day-of-event tickets available if you’re willing to line up outside of the museum early. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial While you’re on the National Mall, there are several other different attractions of interest. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a newer monument paying homage to the memory of the great civil rights leader. Visitors can reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while reading various quotations of his that are inscribed into the statute. The memorial is close to both the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. While you’re on the National Mall, you can also visit the spot where Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Smithsonian Museum of African Art The National Museum of African Art is another Smithsonian museum that is worth several hours of your time. The museum focuses on both historical and contemporary African art. You can get a tour with a docent or take a self-guided tour. The museum has been a part of the Smithsonian for over 30 years and continuously adds new pieces to its collection. Anacostia Community Museum One lesser-known Smithsonian museum that isn’t on the National Mall is the Anacostia Community Museum, which is located in Southeast D.C. This museum has exhibits that are devoted to the history of the city, in particular, the African-American experience. The museum also shows numerous films and documentaries. Since the museum is not as well-known as other museums and is not on the Mall, it’s rarely crowded and will allow you to get your fill of history in an unrushed and quiet setting. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site If you venture to the Anacostia Museum, you should also take some time to visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, which is only a few minutes away. The statesman and abolitionist lived in a house on this site for 18 years in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Now, the house is a museum that’s devoted to teaching visitors about the legacy of Douglass. [Above image “Frederick Douglass House” by Ted Eytan on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0] DAY 2 On your second day in Washington D.C., you can devote the day to both African-American culture and cuisine. The U Street Corridor was once home to the nation’s largest African-American urban community. There were a large number of social clubs, music venues, and restaurants, many of which are still open today. Ben’s Chili Bowl [Above image “Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural: The Torch” by Daniel Lobo on Flickr – licensed under by CC0 1.0] No trip to D.C. is complete without a visit Ben’s Chili Bowl, an iconic food landmark. The restaurant has fed many major celebrities from Duke Ellington to former President Barack Obama. Diners flock to Ben’s for the “half-smoke” local sausage hot dogs, milkshakes…and, of course, the chili. This famous restaurant has been featured on countless television shows. The establishment is also famous in the annals of the civil rights movement as being one of the few places to stay open during the riots following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, providing food and shelter for activists, firefighters, and policemen alike. This is not simply just a place for tourists. Many D.C. residents eat here too, so you can chow down like a local when you visit. The Lincoln Theater Located on U Street, this theater served the African-American community in D.C. when they were not allowed to enter many of the major theaters in the city. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are among the many great musical acts to play here. Although this theater closed in 1968, it was restored in 1994 and is in use again. Luckily, the Lincoln Theater is right next door to Ben’s Chili Bowl so you can grab a half-smoke right after seeing this attraction. Howard University Howard University is one of the foremost historically Black colleges and universities in the country and has educated many of this country’s prominent African-Americans. Howard’s campus features numerous historical buildings of note. You can walk around the campus and get a feel for what life was like for generations of Howard students. Near the campus of Howard University is the historic Howard Theater, which has been entertaining guests for over 100 years. The Howard Theater has been recently renovated and continues to host a diverse variety of cultural and musical events. African-American Heritage Trail This is probably the ultimate self-guided tour around the city for visitors who’d like to understand more about African-American history. There are more than 200 sites that are significant to Black history that you can see on this tour, spread out across 15 different neighborhoods. Since the tour is self-guided, you can go at your own pace and see as much or as little as you want. You’ll also have the flexibility to construct your own itinerary and customize your day. In the meantime, you can arrange a stop at one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the city where you can dig into some amazing food. Related: Six Intriguing Places to Visit During Black History Month Oohh’s & Aahh’s You can finish your day by dining at Oohh’s & Aahh’s, the award-winning soul food restaurant. While this eatery is most certainly on the affordable side, both taste and quality are in abundance. This restaurant boasts some of the best mac ‘n’ cheese and chicken and waffles in town and has been featured on various Food Network shows. When you visit on the weekend, Oohh’s & Aahh’s is open well into the wee morning hours so you can go practically any time of the day. FAQs: Q: What are the opening hours for the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History?A: The museum typically opens from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but it’s advisable to check the official website for any changes or special events. Q: Is advanced booking required for the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History?A: Yes, advanced booking is recommended as it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Free tickets can be booked online. A limited number of same-day tickets are also available. Q: Are there any dining options available at the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History?A: Yes, the museum houses several food venues offering a variety of cuisines from different U.S. regions and Africa, providing a unique culinary experience. Q: How far is the Anacostia Community Museum from the National Mall?A: The Anacostia Community Museum is located about 5 miles southeast of the National Mall. It’s a short drive, or alternatively, you can use public transportation. Q: Can you visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site without a tour?A: While the site is best experienced with a guided tour, visitors can also explore the grounds and the visitor center on their own. Guided tours offer in-depth insights into Douglass’s life and legacy. Q: Are there any guided tours available on the African-American Heritage Trail?A: The African-American Heritage Trail is primarily a self-guided tour. However, you can occasionally find guided tour options through local tour operators or during special events. Q: What are the operating hours of Oohh’s & Aahh’s restaurant?A: Oohh’s & Aahh’s typically opens from 11:00 AM and stays open late into the night, especially on weekends. It’s recommended to check their current hours before planning your visit. Have you visited the nation’s capital to learn about Black history? Tell us about it in the comments below.
