It’s a great time to travel, explore and fall in love with America again. Also with the political climate, it’s a fantastic time to share with your kids the history of America, some of our successes as well as failures to use as teachable moments. One great program that is going on right now is the partnership between the historic (and absolutely gorgeous) Jefferson Hotel in Washington and Susan Sullivan Lagon, Ph.D., the hotel historian and a Senior Fellow with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, where she teaches Constitutional Law.
In a gorgeous partnership that makes my historian heart happy are the Summer of American Democracy Packages. Dr. Sullivan has crafted three one-to-two-day, complimentary, educational itineraries downloadable at the hotel website to follow at leisure. Each are family friendly and great for educational experiences.
- America: The Pursuit of Justice: Be the first to view the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s new exhibit,American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, featuring pieces that were instrumental in shaping the country, including Jefferson’s portable writing desk that was used to draft the Declaration of Independence and the inkstand Lincoln used when crafting the Emancipation Proclamation. View the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Find out why the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial remains unfinished.
- How Women Shaped Life and Culture in America: In the hotel view Abigail Adams’ letter of 1776 to her husband, John, asking for women’s rights. Tour the home of Dolley Madison, who is credited with creating the First Lady role. Walk in the footsteps of the 1913 Suffragette Parade.
- America’s Best Friend: Famous Dogs and Animals in American History: Find out what animals were loved by presidents. Learn why President Theodore Roosevelt earned the nickname “Teddy.” Note: Lord Monticello (“Monti”), a rescued beagle that became the hotel’s Executive Canine Officer in 2014, is happy to share his map of good dog-walking routes and dog parks near the hotel. Ask the front desk or the concierge for a copy.
Guests can also curl up with one of 26 titles on a fascinating subject about or giant figure in American democracy and government in one of the overstuffed chairs in The Jefferson’s wood-paneled Book Room.
The Skinny of the Summer of American Democracy Package
Starting at $305/night and bookable now through September 7th, it includes:
- Five-star overnight accommodations surrounded by original art, historic documents and décor relating to Jefferson’s admiration of music, books, and horticulture.
- Food and Beverage credit of $30/day for a standard room and $150/day for a deluxe or executive suite to be used for breakfast or brunch in Greenhouse, craft cocktails in Quill, or dining in-room or at Michelin-starred Plume Deluxe or Executive Suite
- Welcome amenity reflecting the National Museum of American History’s new exhibitions.
- An inspirational quote from a famous American each night. Also included is where to find the historical figure in the Summer of American Democracy itineraries.
*To book, insert “Summer” in the Corporate/Promotion Code space at www.jeffersondc.com/special-offers. Package is based on availability; blackout dates apply, and Plume is closed Sundays and Mondays.
