A Fascinating Day at the Newseum in Washington DC

Jess, aged 13, writes: We loved our quickfire visit to Washington DC. Over the course of three days, we saw lots of iconic monuments, visited four different museums, and discovered that some restaurants put sugar on bread! We spent an entire afternoon in the Newseum, and very much enjoyed it. It is such a unique and fascinating museum, all about newspapers and the media, and it is one of the best museums I've ever been to.

There is so much to do at the Newseum that it's difficult to mention it all! Firstly, our family walked around downstairs.

Robert, aged 10, says: I was able to explore an exhibition that included a large slab of The Berlin Wall and a stone guard tower. All the videos and pieces of text were about how lives were on both the left and right sides of the wall and the extreme measures they would go to get to the other side. It was fascinating as I had never learnt much about what happened in Germany at that time and I was amazed and quite sad to find out what happened.

[caption id="attachment_2274" align="alignnone" width="1200"] A part of the Berlin Wall[/caption]

I loved watching films about sport, people and other things in the many theatres including a great one in the massive 4D theatre which was about the most dangerous news reports and stories that ever happened. It was brilliant to see all the winners of The Pulitzer Prize Photograph award in a special gallery - some of the pictures made me feel quite emotional as they showed lives that were in no way as nice as ours.

Jess: Seeing all of these Pulitzer Prize photos was extremely haunting, and I will remember the accompanying video forever. I was astonished at the lengths photographers will go to in order to get a good picture. This was a recurring theme throughout the museum, especially in the section about the Twin Towers.

I must have spent over 40 minutes looking around the Twin Towers exhibit, as it was fascinating and very emotional. I saw the antenna on top of one of the buildings before the accident, and looked at the collection of papers from around the world reporting on the story. The part of the exhibit that struck me most was a video, showing real footage from the event, and interviews from people involved in broadcasting it to the public. I was amazed by how the number one priority on these peoples' minds was to get a good camera angle, take the best videos, and interview people, instead of running away and getting to safety.

[caption id="attachment_2275" align="alignnone" width="900"] Twisted antenna from the Twin Towers[/caption]

Next to the Twin Towers exhibit was a small room about the shooting of President Abraham Lincoln. The room looked at how the paper had reported the story, and the various updates throughout the day as more information was revealed.

There was lots in the museum about terrorism, and how it is reported. We also went through an exhibition about the Vietnam War, which interested me as I didn't know anything about it. They exhibition asked the question: "did the press lose the war?", and the powerful images, shocking posters, and provocative videos really made me think about the public's attitude towards war.

There were lots of interactive activities in the museum, and mum and I played lots of games to do with the ethics of reporting. We played quizzes and races which were all a lot of fun.

Mum also enjoyed the exhibits on race relations and the personal stories of journalists who literally put their lives on the line for a story.

[caption id="attachment_2272" align="alignnone" width="900"] Robert being a reporter at the Newseum[/caption]

Robert says: I really enjoyed taking the role as a reporter in the Interactive Newsroom where you picked a subject and was then videoed while reading a text on that topic. I did it around three times.

There were also lots of funny videos about politics, and I watched them with dad. There was such a variety of things to do, from learning the history of some famous cartoons to finding out all of the American presidents' pets.

Jess writes: The entire museum was fascinating, as it included so many things I had not thought of before. We were asked questions on events such as 7/7, learnt about the First Amendment and how it relates to the press, saw the day's front pages from every state and across the world, and saw a memorial to all the journalists who had been killed while reporting.

[caption id="attachment_2276" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The Newseum is right next to the Canadian Embassy and in a great spot![/caption]

Something that stood out to me was the World Press Freedom Map. It is a massive map, with countries coloured red, yellow, or green, depending on how free their press is. I was shocked to learn that only 17% of the world's population live in a country with a free press, and that not all the countries in Europe were coloured green. I was amazed that the only countries with a free press in Asia were Japan, Israel, and Taiwan, and was surprised that Mexico did not have a free press at all.

Overall, the Newseum is such an interesting, exciting, and shocking museum which really made me think about the power and impacts of the press. It is a perfect visit for all the family, as there is such a diverse range of activities. If you are in Washington DC, I definitely recommend a visit. In fact, you may need to go more than once as there is just so much to see!

The Newseum is open. It has regular special events, so it's definitely worth checking out its website. It's located in a brilliant spot, between the White House and Capitol, at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 20001. We went via the metro (details are here). It's open daily from 9am to 5pm and costs $22.95 per adult (aged 19 to 64) and $13.95 for 7 to 18 year olds. Children younger than that are free. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days and there are refunds if you book online.

Watch our video of our stay in Washington!

[kad_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW13vZlCLtM" width=200 height=100]

More by us on Washington DC

What to do in Washington DC with kids

Becoming super-sleuths: visiting the Spy Museum

Go on an amazing holiday and help a charity!

If you haven’t booked your summer holiday yet or are interested in something that bit different, then you might want to take a look at these! They may end up costing you a little more than usual, but you’d be having a terrific sounding experience – and helping a very important charity too.

[caption id="attachment_1419" align="aligncenter" width="940"] You can bid for a trip to Disneyland in California![/caption]

CharityStars is holding an auction with proceeds going to the Anthony Nolan Trust, which saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders, and conducts research into stem cell matching and transplants.

The holidays on offer include a seven night trip for up to eight people on Bali, a four night Disneyland trip for a family to California (staying in the Hyatt Regency no less - the reserve price is £2,000) and a four-night stay for up to four people in the Tribeca Loft in new York.

[caption id="attachment_1420" align="aligncenter" width="940"] The loft apartment in Tribeca is owned by an international art collector![/caption]

Mind you, I think my husband would prefer the five night Ryder Cup break for two at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. This really does sound amazing, as it includes the chance to enjoy the pre-Ryder Cup dinner and get in some golf coaching. It takes place next September (2016) and has a reserve price of £7000.

You can find out about the other sports offers via the website. The auction is open now, so take a look and pop in your bid before it's too late!

Great family fun, from star gazing to Horrible Histories - coming up soon...

[caption id="attachment_1298" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Thames and The Shard, London[/caption]

I'm often told about family friendly events and activities, but I've been particularly taken by four I've come across recently and which I think you will enjoy. In fact, I think they'd be enjoyed by all the family. What do you think? I'd like to try them all out......(if only I had endless time!)

1) Glamping with the stars

I have a son who wants to be an astronaut, so I'm always attracted by anything space-related and this sounds fantastic.

The National Space Centre, based in Leicester, is going on tour with its new astrocamps. They will combine workshops, rocket building challenges stargazing. They sound good, don't they?

Their first destination is the Dandelion Hideaway in rural Leicestershire which has six cottages and take place on June 6th. It sounds right up our street.

2) Free half-term admission for kids at the Shard

Talking of up, the Shard is offering free admission for children during May half-term (bank holiday week). It's a glorious place to enjoy sky high (well, almost, as it is the highest vantage point in Western Europe) views of London and they are also running a special Top Trumps London landmark "game" where you need to pick out London landmarks from the viewing gallery.

Tickets for adults cost £24.95 and as kids' tickets are usually £18.95, this is a rather attractive offer.

3) The W Factor at Warwick Castle

This is another which is right up my son's street as Warwick Castle challenges kids (and their parents) to take part in Wicked Warwick, a show from the makers of Horrible Histories.

It's X Factor meets Horrible Histories, in fact, as you enter (via the Warwick Castle website) and then audition live during half-term, on 27th May. Everyone who registers will receive a 2-4-1 voucher, but the winners will perform in live shows at the castle in June!! Such fun, especially for aspiring actors.

4) Storytelling at the Tower Bridge Exhibition

If you've got younger children, you need to head to the Tower Bridge Exhibition this weekend (16th May) where they are running free family learning events, including storytelling performances and art activities.

There is even the special tale - based on a true story no less - of the double-decker bus which jumped the Bridge as it opened in 1952. This will be performed four times throughout the day, from 11.30 to 3pm.

It's perfect for kids aged around 5-8 years old, but adults will enjoy it too. Make sure you take in the Glass Floor which gives you a remarkable view of London, from 42 metres above the Thames.

An Underground Film Club in the heart of London

London has a famous underground train system, known worldwide as "the Tube." It dates back well over a hundred years to 1863 when the world's first underground railway, the Metropolitan, opened between Paddington and Farringdon and it now boasts 270 stations (there's a quiz question if ever I've heard one) and 11 lines.

But while there are many thriving stations across the capital, there are around 40 which are no longer used - the so-called "ghost stations". Some of these were closed due to low passenger numbers, others because lines changed their routes. Some also have fascinating histories (Aldwych station, on The Strand, which has been seen on screen in films such as 28 Weeks Later, was used to house the National Gallery's collection during World War I and the Elgin Marbles, among other artefacts, during World War II).

One of the most recent ghost stations is more of a ghost concourse! Charing Cross, not far from Aldwych, still functions as an overground station and also as part of the Northern and Bakerloo Lines. It was also, for many years, the final stop on the Jubilee Line, but that ended in 1999 when the line was extended and trains began to bypass Charing Cross, going from Green Park to Westminster. In other words, the Jubilee Line platforms were no longer used - or needed (except for filming - it's where the James Bond film Skyfall was shot, even though that was supposed to be at Temple tube station...)

Until now film fans! Because a unique festival is to be held right on the platform and concourse, with screenings of a number of films at the end of this month. The screenings begin on May 27th with Strangers on a Train (the perfect choice) and include Paddington, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Birdman. But be quick - they're going fast...

There are 100 tickets on offer for each screening, with prices at £14 for adults and £7 for children. There's even going to be hot dogs on sale beforehand (you won't get told off for eating at the station this time). You can find out more at Underground Film Club's website.

We are so happy to have been shortlisted for the Bibs (Brilliance in Blogging Awards) for 2015, but we really need your help to get through to the final 5. Please could you visit this link and then scroll down to travel and then us (Family Travel Times)? We’d be so grateful. You don’t have to vote in all categories, though there are lots of great blogs in there!

 

Winchester, Wolf Hall and more

[caption id="attachment_1015" align="aligncenter" width="363"] The Nave of Winchester Cathedral[/caption]

We had a terrific time when we went to Winchester a few years ago, particularly enjoying the Science Centre, but also doing some brass rubbing and trying on some armour at the Westgate Museum (a former debtors' prison), having a lovely mooch around the city and standing in awe at the incredible cathedral (which had its own children's trail, as well as the grave of Jane Austen, which meant two extra-good reasons to visit).

Now the city has found a new way to market itself, in connection with Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel's book, which is currently being screened on BBC 2. As a Tudor aficionado (I studied Tudor history at school and then at university too), I am really enjoying my Wednesday night treat, even if I was never particularly sympathetic to Thomas Cromwell before now, so I was intrigued by this new Wolf Hall trail. And I have to say it might require another trip to Winchester!

The revamped trail (which you can see here) has been launched in response to many enquiries about the Tudor attractions in Winchester and includes The Great Hall and Winchester Cathedral. If you are a hard-core fan, and want even more, you can also take a walking trail which connects filming locations for Wolf Hall with Tudor landmarks.

Other properties connected with the television seriesl include the gorgeous Barrington Court in Somerset (which represents York Place/Whitehall, the home of Cardinal Wolsey) and Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, which not only represents Wolf Hall itself, but has also appeared on the small and big screen before, including in Pride and Prejudice and two of the Harry Potter films.

Read about our trip to Winchester

Watch our video of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn

See castles, forts and prisons at the Landmark Trust Open Weekend

[caption id="attachment_992" align="aligncenter" width="940"] The Martello Tower[/caption]

Last year we stayed in a prison and Jess thought it was possibly the best place we had ever visited! The trip to the House of Correction in Lincolnshire was courtesy of the Landmark Trust which “rescues” historical buildings and opens them up to the public. Now they have announced 50 free open days at Landmark properties across England, Scotland and Wales, in order to celebrate their 50th birthday. And the House of Correction is one of them!

This “Golden Weekend” is to take place from 10am to 4pm over 16-17 May and you are all invited to come along to some remarkable properties. Antony Gormley has designed some special sculptures for the occasion and they will be at five of the open landmarks, the Martello Tower in Aldeburgh, Suffolk (which you can see above); Saddell Bay in Mull of Kintyre, Scotland; Lengthsman’s Cottage at Lowsonford, Warwickshire; Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel and Clavell Tower at Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset. The life-sized cast iron sculptures, together entitled LAND, will be Gormley's only solo outdoor installation in the UK in 2015. They will have full public access and be free for everyone to enjoy until May 2016, not just on the Golden Weekend.

[caption id="attachment_993" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The gorgeous House of Correction, where we stayed[/caption]

The Landmark Trust have rescued nearly 200 significant buildings since 1965, and this is a great way to see see some of its forts, castles, prisons, even an old railway station. Those open on the day include Morpeth Castle in Northumberland, Auchinleck House in Ayrshire, an 18th-century country villa and former home of James Boswell, Clytha Castle near Abergavenny, which dates back to 1790 and overlooks the Usk Valley, The Grange, designed and lived in by Augustus Pugin in Ramsgate, Kent and Alton Station in Staffordshire, where the former ticket office is now a bedroom!

There will even be a “Golden Moment” at 3pm on Saturday 16 May, when local musicians will perform a piece of music at all of the 25 open Landmarks.

Full details of all Landmark’s 194 buildings are available on their website

Read about our trip to the House of Correction.

A present for Christmas babies!

[caption id="attachment_847" align="aligncenter" width="256"] This gorgeous Christmas decoration comes courtesy of Penny Alexander at A Residence[/caption]

Celebrating your birthday on Christmas day can be a trial (although you do share it with Humphrey Bogart and Annie Lennox), but help is at hand! I was amused to see that Hotels4U has a gift for all Christmas babies, a free hotel stay. I wonder, do they know how expensive this may get? Around 2,000 babies are born in the UK each day...

The idea is that the gift will make up for having your birthday overshadowed year after year. So, if you were born on 25^th December, call 0844 875 3455 before 31^st January 2015 and quote the promotional code "H4uXmas14".

“Christmas should be all about sharing – unless that's sharing your birthday!" said Tim Bekir Commercial Manager at Hotels4u.com. "That’s why this year we wanted to give Christmas babies a special treat so they can celebrate their birthday in style.”

There are 8,000 hotel rooms to choose from and you can find out more via their website.

Happy birthday (oh, and merry Christmas!)

Who wants to be a Roman gladiator? (Me please!)

[caption id="attachment_817" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Pic by Sandro Bedessi, from Fototeca ENIT[/caption]

As the kids get older, city breaks seem like a great idea for a short holiday. The problem is which city to choose? I'd love to go to Scandinavia (Oslo or Stockholm, for example) and I know that my daughter is desperate to go to Rome. My son, however, does not appear to be particularly in favour of a trip to Italy's capital. But a new offering could change his mind....

I was fascinated to hear about the new Gladiator Weekends at the Rome Cavalieri hotel. Aimed squarely at families (parents in search of culture and kids in search of fun), it includes a Gladiator lesson where you will learn ancient combat techniques along with details about the life and times of the gladiators. You even get the right kit, plus a guided tour of the Coliseum (where, of course the gladiators fought for their lives).

The hotel itself looks super luxurious, and families booking a deluxe room get another for half-price. The kids are even offered pizza making sessions (someone has done their homework on what children enjoy doing.....)

Prices start from 1960 Euros per family for two nights, which is around £1,550, so it's not cheap. However, it does sound terrific fun and it is part of the Waldorf Astoria group so you'll be enjoying luxury!

Nasa countdown clock to be retired!

[caption id="attachment_635" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Copyright: NASA/Jim Grossmann[/caption]

Talking of Space (which we were, with both Robert and Brian's posts on the Kennedy Space Center or KSC, and Space Camp), you may be interested in the news that Nasa's hugely famous countdown clock is ticking down.

In other words, countdown has begun for the replacement of the iconic launch clock which the boys saw at KSC. The Apollo-era digital clock is heading for retirement (well, none of us stay young forever and it has been on site for more than 40 years).

You would definitely recognise the clock, which ticks down the hours, minutes and seconds to the next launch. It used 40 watt light bulbs to form digits and a plus or minus sign to count up (or down) but those parts are dated and difficult to replace, so the clock is now to be replaced with something more up to date, such as the one in Times Square.

"We are looking at [installing] a bigger screen that will look more modern," said Lisa Malone, director of public affairs at Kennedy Space Center. "It will be more flexible, so we'll be able to show the countdown, as well as have additional room to show NASA TV programming, too."

But the clock isn't going to the scrap heap - have no fear of that. Instead it will be removed intact and plans are to send it either the Smithsonian in Washington DC or keep it on display at KSC.

You can see the clock here.

Read Robert's account of his trip to Space Camp

Let Brian tell you what you should be doing if you visit Kennedy Space Center

The Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios in Orlando is to close

[caption id="attachment_621" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Us by the tram we took on the Backlot Tour[/caption]

Last year we had a wonderful holiday in Orlando, where we took the kids to Disney World for the first time. We absolutely loved the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but we were also surprised by how much we enjoyed Hollywood Studios - with its Indiana Jones show, Muppets film, Star Wars ride and Backlot Tour where you were able to see how special effects in films were made. We all really enjoyed this tour (the kids described it as a "must see" in a piece they wrote for Britmums) and that's why we were sad to see that the tour is closing - permanently, on October 5th.

[caption id="attachment_623" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Robert by the gushing water on the tour[/caption]

We thought this attraction was great fun, taking us "behind the scenes" at the movies, through a series of special effects (explosions and more via the "Harbor attack" which you would walk by), plus the chance to see movie memorabilia and props (like the marionettes from the Sound of Music!) and a tram tour to the movie set of Catastrophe Canyon where we experienced an earthquake and then water gushing down right next to us. All of it was terrific, especially Catastrophe Canyon.

[caption id="attachment_624" align="aligncenter" width="300"] These are the famous marionettes used in the goatherd song from the Sound of Music[/caption]

The Backlot Tour was actually one of the original attractions at the studios when it opened in 1989. It was originally much bigger than it is now, but it was still well worth a visit - although apparently new demands suggest that its popularity must have been on the wane.

It had been altered/refurbished many times over the years, including the removal of its residential area (which made way for the Lights, Motors, Action show) nearly a decade ago).

There are suggestions that some of the space which will now be free will be used for some festive Frozen activities, or for some Pixar fun. Interestingly it's not the first attraction to close at the park recently as the American Idol experience was also voted off.

We're sorry to see it go.