Amazing Historical Attractions for School Trips
Not sure where to go for your next field trip? Washington, D.C., and Baltimore offer historical attractions for school trips to enthrall students and parents alike.
Top Historical Attractions for School Trips to Washington, D.C.
Why not load your students on a bus and take them on a field trip to Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital? Here are some of the top sites to inform and entertain your students and teachers:
- U.S. Capitol & White House – Two must-sees. The Capitol has guided tours that will lead you through the Senate and House chambers. Home to every U.S. President since 1800, the White House has endured as the symbolic heart of the nation. Self-guided tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Lincoln Memorial – The Lincoln Memorial stands as a monument to the 16th president. Along with its iconic statue, the memorial also houses inscriptions of Lincoln’s second inaugural speech and the Gettysburg Address. You can also find meaningful murals and architecture.
- Library of Congress – It’s called the most extensive book collection globally. But more than that, the Library of Congress has thousands of multimedia resources that cover history, arts, and humanities. America’s oldest federal cultural institution is home to nearly three million books and rare manuscripts.
- War Memorials – Pay respect to the veterans who fought to keep democracy alive at the many war memorials in the nation’s Capitol. For example, visit National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, etc.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opened in 2011 to honor the African American leader. As a visitor, you’ll pass through the granite Mountain of Despair to the pale pink granite Stone of Hope. These reference King’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech.
- Smithsonian Institution – Part of the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum and research center globally. The Smithsonian has a wealth of artifacts from the worlds of art, history, culture, science, and nature.
Top Historical Attractions for School Trips to Baltimore
Baltimore is a vibrant city teeming with museums and monuments. Here are some that can get you started learning more about Baltimore and its history.
- Fort McHenry – Located in Baltimore Harbor, Fort McHenry was a crucial battleground in the War of 1812. This is where U.S. soldiers repelled the invading British. It’s also where Francis Scott Key saw a British navy attack in 1814, inspiring the composition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- B&O Railroad Museum – The most extensive collection of railroad relics in the Western Hemisphere can be found at the B&O Railroad Museum. You’ll find hundreds of cars, engines, and other artifacts related to the railroad trains that shaped American commerce.
- The Lewis Museum – This is the most prominent African-American museum in Maryland. Named after an American businessman, Reginald F. Lewis, this museum offers educational programs around African American history and culture in Maryland. In addition, they provide interactive theme tours, living history performances, and more.
- Federal Hill – A site that has served many functions in Baltimore history, Federal Hill is a neighborhood south of downtown where citizens gathered to celebrate the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It also includes the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park.
- The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House – This museum is where the flag that inspired the national anthem was made. It includes several period artifacts in its collection. This includes fragments of the original flag sewn by former resident Mary Young Pickersgill.
- Eubie Blake Cultural Center – Born from an after-school arts program in Baltimore, they center on performance and visual arts education. Eubie Blake Cultural Center offers extensive programs, including activities, events, and performances for all ages.
Plan Your Trip with Chesapeake Charter
Contact Chesapeake Charter today for help planning your school field trip or requesting a quote! We have worked with many Maryland school systems, educators, and home school groups. Have other historical attractions in mind? We can still help. We are experienced in logistics, safety measures, and more. Contact us today.