Smithsonian Trip Next Week...
Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:40 am
So, we're headed to Washington DC next week for a couple of days and this will be my first visit to the NASM. I've heard on here that tripods are not allowed, but I can't find anything about that on their website. Is that still a rule?
Also, it says that the Garber facility is no longer open for public tours. Is there any way a "private tour" can be arranged? Or is it totally closed?
Is there any other places of interest airplane-wise that I should stop at between here (Akron, OH) and there? We'll probably also stop at the Marine Museum as well and I've looked at some of the places on the aircraft locator. Just wondering if anyone had anything else!
Thanks!
Also, it says that the Garber facility is no longer open for public tours. Is there any way a "private tour" can be arranged? Or is it totally closed?
Is there any other places of interest airplane-wise that I should stop at between here (Akron, OH) and there? We'll probably also stop at the Marine Museum as well and I've looked at some of the places on the aircraft locator. Just wondering if anyone had anything else!
Thanks!
last I heard...
Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:40 pm
they did have a private tour situation but its on an "occasional" basis and you had to set it up well in advance. You might want to call them directly for the most current information
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/garber/
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/garber/
Re: Smithsonian Trip Next Week...
Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:01 pm
PhantomAce08 wrote:So, we're headed to Washington DC next week for a couple of days and this will be my first visit to the NASM. I've heard on here that tripods are not allowed, but I can't find anything about that on their website. Is that still a rule?
Also, it says that the Garber facility is no longer open for public tours. Is there any way a "private tour" can be arranged? Or is it totally closed?
Is there any other places of interest airplane-wise that I should stop at between here (Akron, OH) and there? We'll probably also stop at the Marine Museum as well and I've looked at some of the places on the aircraft locator. Just wondering if anyone had anything else!
Thanks!
Tripod information is buried on the NASM website: http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/pressroom/
Visitor photography is permitted in the museum. Visitor use of a tripod or lights is not permitted.
Garber is officially closed to visitors, with the Saturday tours ending prior to Udvar-Hazy opening. I've heard that some people have been able to arrange private tours through the office of their Congressman or Senator.
In lieu of going to Garber, I'd recommend going to the Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard ( http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg8.htm ). Be advised that since the museum is on an active military reservation, you need to call ahead for clearance to go aboard. Information on doing that is avail on the page I linked to.
Have fun!
Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:18 pm
I wonder if a monopod would be allowed? If it doesn't specifically say, why not?
Tommy
Tommy
Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:51 pm
HIGHLY recommend the Marine Museum in Quantico.
Like several 'modern" museums, you may occasionally experience a bit of sensory overload, but it is worth several hours of contemplation.
Like several 'modern" museums, you may occasionally experience a bit of sensory overload, but it is worth several hours of contemplation.
Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:32 pm
I walked into the downtown NASM with a monopod on Monday, and the security guards told me I could NOT use it. They said "No tripods, monopods, or camera stabilization devices of any kind," and if I was caught using it, I'd be "asked to leave." Probably because the crowds are so thick, there's no room to set anything up without somebody tripping over it.
We're going out to Udvar-Hazy tomorrow..I'll see what the rules are there.
SN
We're going out to Udvar-Hazy tomorrow..I'll see what the rules are there.
SN
Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:15 pm
THings that are MUST do's in DC:
Arlington at least once in your life, but plan on spending a day and walking the whole thing, especially Lee Mansion.
The Navy Yard Museum
Fort Mcnair if you can get onto it (no tours when I was stationed there)
Fort McHenry at Lucust Point Souith of Baltimore--Francis Scott Key was imprisoned on a british ship in the Chesepeake while the british fleet bombarded McHenry. And he wrote the star Spangled Banner. Very moving place.
Arlington at least once in your life, but plan on spending a day and walking the whole thing, especially Lee Mansion.
The Navy Yard Museum
Fort Mcnair if you can get onto it (no tours when I was stationed there)
Fort McHenry at Lucust Point Souith of Baltimore--Francis Scott Key was imprisoned on a british ship in the Chesepeake while the british fleet bombarded McHenry. And he wrote the star Spangled Banner. Very moving place.
Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:31 pm
Arlington is something every American should see.
Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:34 pm
mmm hmmmm. It's pretty humbling.
Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:59 am
We spent several hours at Arlington yesterday...it was incredibly moving. Ground doesn't come any more hallowed than that. It was especially humbling when we saw a full honors funeral procession pass by. Seeing that flag-draped casket on a horse-drawn caisson was just..well, I don't have words.
If you visit Arlington, you need to also see the Marine Corps Memorial..it's a short walk from the cemetary visitor center.
We wrapped up our D.C. odyssey with visit to the National Archives, where you can view the origingal Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It's rather crowded, and you have to stand in line for a bit, but it's more than worth it. I found it incredibly humbling to think that all those stones at Arlington represent individuals who gave their lives defending the principles put forth in those documents.
One thing I wholeheartedly recommend is using the Metro to get around. Being a semi-rural midwesterner, I was a little intimidated by the idea of using the subway, but it's clean, safe, inexpensive, and convenient..and far easier and cheaper than trying to find a place to park downtown. I've heard folks here talk about free parking at the NASM, but I have no idea where. Besides, trying to drive around downtown Washington at the hieght of the tourist season is an absolute nightmare.
That brings me to one last point..the D.C. "Points of Interest" (monuments, museums, etc.) are incredibly crowded, and kids are left to run amok while the parents yack on cellphones. We're planning to make a return visit sometime, but during the "off season" when (hopefully) the tourist mob isn't so thick.
Time to power down the laptop and hit the road for Udvar-Hazy!
SN
If you visit Arlington, you need to also see the Marine Corps Memorial..it's a short walk from the cemetary visitor center.
We wrapped up our D.C. odyssey with visit to the National Archives, where you can view the origingal Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It's rather crowded, and you have to stand in line for a bit, but it's more than worth it. I found it incredibly humbling to think that all those stones at Arlington represent individuals who gave their lives defending the principles put forth in those documents.
One thing I wholeheartedly recommend is using the Metro to get around. Being a semi-rural midwesterner, I was a little intimidated by the idea of using the subway, but it's clean, safe, inexpensive, and convenient..and far easier and cheaper than trying to find a place to park downtown. I've heard folks here talk about free parking at the NASM, but I have no idea where. Besides, trying to drive around downtown Washington at the hieght of the tourist season is an absolute nightmare.
That brings me to one last point..the D.C. "Points of Interest" (monuments, museums, etc.) are incredibly crowded, and kids are left to run amok while the parents yack on cellphones. We're planning to make a return visit sometime, but during the "off season" when (hopefully) the tourist mob isn't so thick.
Time to power down the laptop and hit the road for Udvar-Hazy!
SN
Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:48 am
[quote="Steve Nelson"]
"We wrapped up our D.C. odyssey with visit to the National Archives, where you can view the origingal Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It's rather crowded, and you have to stand in line for a bit, but it's more than worth it. I found it incredibly humbling to think that all those stones at Arlington represent individuals who gave their lives defending the principles put forth in those documents."
The Declaration and Bill of Rights should, IMO, should be displayed at Arlington in a hall at its very center, as one would have to walk through the Garden of Stones to see how we are privilaged to live in the land of the free while standing in the home of the brave. You find the cost of freedom buried in the ground. But, that is just my opinion.
"We wrapped up our D.C. odyssey with visit to the National Archives, where you can view the origingal Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It's rather crowded, and you have to stand in line for a bit, but it's more than worth it. I found it incredibly humbling to think that all those stones at Arlington represent individuals who gave their lives defending the principles put forth in those documents."
The Declaration and Bill of Rights should, IMO, should be displayed at Arlington in a hall at its very center, as one would have to walk through the Garden of Stones to see how we are privilaged to live in the land of the free while standing in the home of the brave. You find the cost of freedom buried in the ground. But, that is just my opinion.
Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:08 pm
Steve Nelson wrote:I walked into the downtown NASM with a monopod on Monday, and the security guards told me I could NOT use it. They said "No tripods, monopods, or camera stabilization devices of any kind," and if I was caught using it, I'd be "asked to leave." Probably because the crowds are so thick, there's no room to set anything up without somebody tripping over it.
We're going out to Udvar-Hazy tomorrow..I'll see what the rules are there.
SN
I've successfully used a monopod at the downtown NASM. Just when you walk in to the main galleries keep it stowed. There is enough light so you don't really need it there (if your hands are steady) you need it for the darker WW2 gallery etc... I wouldn't worry about using in them since we all know that there are no security walking around to keep people's grubby hands off Flak Bait!
When I transition from one gallery to the next I fold it up and no one ever stopped me.
Pete
Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:10 pm
What is all at the Navy Yard Museum? I checked out there website, but can't get anything to load.
Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:29 pm
OK, I just spent all day traipsing around Udvar-Hazy..here's the scoop.
The difference between U-H and the downtown NASM is like night and day. Tripods are still forbidden, but monopods are cheerfully permitted (even encouraged.) Security is everywhere, but quite freindly. The facility is spacious, spotless, and even reasonably well-lit. It's still a little dim in places though, and I found a monopod made a world of difference, especially if I was trying a zoom shot.
The facility wasn't very crowded, and most visitors were fairly well-behaved. I think the main difference in behavior is because you have to make an effort to get to U-H, and those who go there are likely to be "airplane geeks." Those who visit the downtown NASM are mostly just tourists dropping in to see one more museum, and have no real idea what they're looking at (or destroying.) I was a bit annoyed that they had to put up a plexiglas wall in front of Enola Gay and elevate her, to keep protestor types from defacing her (now if they'd just give Flak Bait some similar protection!)
In short, Udvar-Hazy is a fantastic, state of the art museum. I especially love all the multi-level elevated walkways, allowing overhead veiwing (I've been wishing NMUSAF would install something similar for years.) I shot close to 600 photos (something like 100 per hour,) and could easily have shot more except the place was closing.
SN
The difference between U-H and the downtown NASM is like night and day. Tripods are still forbidden, but monopods are cheerfully permitted (even encouraged.) Security is everywhere, but quite freindly. The facility is spacious, spotless, and even reasonably well-lit. It's still a little dim in places though, and I found a monopod made a world of difference, especially if I was trying a zoom shot.
The facility wasn't very crowded, and most visitors were fairly well-behaved. I think the main difference in behavior is because you have to make an effort to get to U-H, and those who go there are likely to be "airplane geeks." Those who visit the downtown NASM are mostly just tourists dropping in to see one more museum, and have no real idea what they're looking at (or destroying.) I was a bit annoyed that they had to put up a plexiglas wall in front of Enola Gay and elevate her, to keep protestor types from defacing her (now if they'd just give Flak Bait some similar protection!)
In short, Udvar-Hazy is a fantastic, state of the art museum. I especially love all the multi-level elevated walkways, allowing overhead veiwing (I've been wishing NMUSAF would install something similar for years.) I shot close to 600 photos (something like 100 per hour,) and could easily have shot more except the place was closing.
SN