If
you are planning a trip to the Washington, D.C. area, my office can assist you
with information about available public tours for popular attractions. See
below if you would like more details, or request more information by contacting
my office in Connecticut via phone or U.S. mail.
I suggest the Internet links below for planning your trip, and welcome you to Washington!
NOTE: Please contact my office at least 6-8 weeks in
advance to arrange a Capitol tour and 2-3 months in advance to arrange a White
House tour. Specific information on these tours as well as other tours
is described below. Space is limited and certain times of year are busier than
others, but my staff and I will do our best to make your trip to Washington
enjoyable. All tour information is subject to change, please contact my
Washington, D.C. office for the most up-to-date information.
The U.S.
Capitol
For information on visiting the U.S. Capitol Complex, including scheduling tours, please visit www.visitthecapitol.gov or call my D.C. office. My staff will be happy to assist you with scheduling a tour, give directions, or answer any other questions you may have.
The White
House
The White House re-opened for public tours in
September of 2004 to groups of 10 or more. Although my office works to combine groups of 10 or more, the groups with the best chance
of receiving a White House tour are those who call at least 2-3 months
in advance with 10 or more already assembled together. My staff and I
do our best to accommodate groups of all sizes.
An alternative to a White House tour is a visit to the White House Visitors Center. The Visitors
Center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture,
furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and
world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. It is located at the southeast
corner of 15th and E Streets (look for the three American flags and the blue
awnings) and is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For the most
up-to-date information, visitors are encouraged to call the 24-hour tour
information line at 202-456-7041. Additionally, the National Park Service can
provide alternative experiences at 202-208-1631.
The United States Supreme
Court
Tours are available when the Court is out of session each year.
Please contact my Washington, D.C. office to discuss availability.
The Smithsonian
Institution
From the Star-Spangled Banner to the Apollo Missions, from
Natural History to African art, the Smithsonian museums alone can occupy days
of your visit to Washington.
National Air & Space Museum
The National Air and Space
Museum is located on the National Mall at 7th and Independence Ave., S.W.,
Washington, D.C., just west of the Capitol building. The closest metro stations
are L'Enfant Plaza or Smithsonian. Information is available on Special Services
for disabled visitors. The Museum is currently undergoing renovation. Some
exhibitions will be closed temporarily. Please see the renovation information
& schedule of exhibition closings for more information.
State
Department: Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Take a virtual tour of
these stunning renovated halls. To visit the State Department in
person, please contact my office at least one month in
advance in order to schedule a tour of the Diplomatic
Reception Rooms. Please note that security information including
full names, birth dates and social security numbers is required in
order to reserve this tour. The State Department recommends this tour for those
12 years and older.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
As of August 30, 2002, tours of the FBI have been closed until further
notice for extensive renovations.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Please contact my office at least one month in advance
if you would like to visit The Bureau of Engraving in Printing. If your
schedule is uncertain prior to your visit, you can also go on a tour by simply
going to the Bureau and waiting on line for tickets. The Bureau's general tour
hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00AM until 2:00PM. We also schedule tours
of the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. However, we do need security information
including the full names, birth dates and social security numbers in order to
arrange tours in Philadelphia and Denver.
National Archives
Housing America's landmark documents, such as the
Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Newseum
See today's front page
from dozens of newspapers worldwide, or file your own on-camera story from the
anchor desk or lawn of the White House. Tour American history and popular
culture through the eyes of the media.
United States Holocaust Memorial
The Visitor's Guide and Permanent Exhibition Guide may be helpful to you in planning your visit to the Museum. On the day of your visit, please also check at the Information Desk, in the center of the Hall of Witness on the First Floor, for a listing of daily program offerings.
Mount Vernon
Explore George
Washington's beautiful estate, with many activities and seasonal events, along
the Potomac just outside of Washington.
Arlington National Cemetery
Located across the Potomac River in Virginia, visitors may witness the changing
of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame for John
F. Kennedy.
National
Cathedral
Only completed in the 1990's, this immense gothic cathedral
towers above Northwest Washington with some of the city's best views. The web
site offers more on upcoming events, history, architecture, and tours.