Experience American History Today

Dear Pop,

I love American History, but I can’t motivate my children’s interest. They won’t watch the History Channel with me nor are they interested in the books I bring home for them to read. What can I do?

History Buff

Dear History Buff,

When my daughters were growing up, I made it a point to take them on at least one trip a year where we could bond and enjoy a common experience. Washington DC would be a great place for you to start so your children can actually see history in action.

First, contact your congressman or congresswoman. In the Los Angeles Area, that would include Congressman Brad Sherman in Congressional District 30, Congresswoman Maxine Waters for the 43rd District, or Adam Schiff for the 28th District.You can check this URL for your US congressional representative. Let your representative in Congress know you’re planning a visit and provide dates in advance. That way he or she can reserve tickets for you to tour the Capitol Building and the White House.

While in Washington, make sure you see all the sites—Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial, to name just a few. While your strolling along the Washington Mall, make sure you visit some of the amazing museums of the Smithsonian. I’m sure the American History Museum would be your favorite, but the kids would also enjoy the Air and Space Museum, the National Zoo, and the Postal Museum. There are over 20 museums to see with the African American Museum being the newest addition. 

After you’ve walked your feet to the bone, plan a few trips to Virginia. Either rent a car, hail an Uber, or hop a bus to visit George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon.  A few hours ride away is Williamsburg, a colonial village. Both sites have actors reliving the past so your children can enjoy the experience today.

Take plenty of pictures, bring comfortable walking shoes, and when you get home, download those photos onto your computer and discuss what you learned and relive the experiences you shared together.

Bon Voyage,

Pop

Have a concern regarding your child’s education? Write Pop at [email protected]