Good News to all the World

April 8, 2009 • 8:51 pm • POSTED BY sriddle

This past weekend my family and I all gathered in Washington, DC to experience some Cherry Blossom Festival excitement. I didn’t quite make it to the acutal festival though, as I opted for the life altering event of visiting the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Now, the Newseum (which is all about the news as the name only slightly hints) has positioned itself at the top of my list of favorite museums I have ever been to. And since family vacations always consisted of being dragged to museum after museum, I have been to my fair share. So to claim such a prestigious spot is quite a feat. 

So, here are a few reasons why the Newseum is so grand:
Lovely typography on the outside of the building, in all of the exhibits, and signage.
Beautiful view of the capital (supposedly the best in all of DC).
Large piece of the Berlin wall.
Moving September 11th exhibit with the front page of each state’s paper (plus some from other countries) reporting the aftermath.
Exhibit on the hunt for Lincoln’s assassin, and as bad as this may be, I couldn’t help but think a couple of the conspirators were kind of good-looking in a rugged McDreamy way.
Letterpress, yummy!
But, this doesn’t even begin to describe everything to do and see. It would be terribly easy to spend an entire day, no a few days, just to take in everything. See for yourself.

Fun.

A sign made completely out of duct tape (I’m a big fan for duct tape goods) from the exhibit on the First Amendment. Would this be Freedom of Religion or Speech?

This belonged to Benji Franklin. Sorry, I’m lying.

One exhibit featured old newspapers from historic events. Look! Side by side, a paper from the state I was raised in (SC) and another from my current home. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I know it sounds like I’m just talking up the place but only because it really was a fascinating and inspirational experience. However, I have to admit, I have yet to go to any Philadelphia museums (on my to-do list for this weekend). So, if anyone has any suggestions of the greatest ones in the area, I would love to hear them. Maybe Philly can offer an experience that will trump the Newseum. But for now, it remains the happiest place on Earth.