Spotlight: Washington DC - The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Spotlight: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is a government agency within the National Department of the Treasury. Its main purpose is to print Federal Reserve Notes - more commonly known as the almighty dollar. However, it also produces Treasury securities, military commissions and award certificates, official invitations and admission cards, various forms of official government ID, and special security documents for a variety of government agencies. For many years, the BEP produced U.S. passports and until 2005 was the sole manufacturer of U.S. stamps. The BEP has two production facilities (the other is in Fort Worth, TX), neither of which produce any coins.

Who's on $1, What's on $2, etc.

     The BEP was created in 1862 to help fund the Civil War by printing paper money instead of coins so that the metal could be used in the military effort. The paper notes were essentially IOUs called Demand Notes. These notes were originally printed by a private firm which sent the printed sheets to the Treasury Department where clerks signed the notes, and cut them by hand. These currency notes experienced a major overhaul in 1929 when the BEP standardized note design and size, making the notes smaller and harder to counterfeit.

We went in 2012, for the 150th anniversary of the BEP

Location: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is located at 301 14th Street right next to the Tidal Basin.

Cost: free (ironically)

Time: The free tour is 40 minutes, and runs every 15 minutes from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. from Sept. - March. Evening tours (until 6:00 pm) begin in late March and run through late August. Plan on spending another 30 minutes exploring the Visitor Center (open from 8:30-7:00 daily).

Description: The tour teaches you everything you wanted to know about how they print money, precautions they take to avoid counterfeiting, etc. The highlight of course is walking by the production room as millions of dollars are being printed on the other side of the glass. It also includes an interesting introductory film.
     One of the more fascinating things at the BEP Visitor Center is a giant ruler that measures your height in money. For example, using $100 bills, I am approximately $1,700,900 tall. There are also other fun exhibits, like $1,000,000 in $10 bills, a giant $100 bill (about 6 feet long), and examples of all the different federal bills printed over the past 150+ years. They also have plenty of currency products for sale.

1 million dollars in $10 bills

Rachel's height in $100 bills

Several Federal Reserve notes issued over the past 150 years

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Although admission is free, you need to reserve a spot on the tour ahead of time between March and August. The Ticket Booth, located at Raoul Wallenburg place (formerly 15th St., SW) opens at 8:00 am daily and stays open until all the tickets for the day are gone. The tour entrance is on 14th St. SW.
- The Bureau is closed for all federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Years.
- Older worn out bills can be redeemed at the Bureau for newer currency at face value only.

Nearby: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Tidal Basin Paddle Boats, National Mall, Washington Monument

Spotlight: Salt Lake City - This Is The Place Heritage Park

Spotlight: When the Mormons pioneers traveled to Utah, their leader was Brigham Young. At the time of their exodus, their destination was the Rocky Mountains, but they hadn't decided on the exact location where they would build their Zion. Brigham Young informed the other church leaders that he had seen a vision in which he saw the Mormon people make the desert bloom as a rose. The advance pioneer party arrived in present day Salt Lake county in July, 1847. On the 24th of that month, Brigham Young, who was ill with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, was driven up Emigration Canyon in the back of a wagon. As they crested a hill and looked over the valley, Brigham asked to see the view for himself. After gazing out over the valley, President Young declared, "It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on." With those few words, Salt Lake City became the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, resulting in the arrival of thousands of immigrant believers from around the globe into the Salt Lake Valley. This Is The Place Heritage Park was established to commemorate that event, as well as the other people and events that helped shape the cultural landscape that exists in Utah today.

Location: This Is The Place Heritage Park is located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in East Salt Lake City. The address is 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave.

Time: Open from 10am-5pm daily. Plan on spending 4-6 hours.

Cost: $11 (adults), $8 (seniors & children 3-11), free (children 2 & under); Sundays - $5 (adults), $3 (children & seniors)

Description: This Is The Place Heritage Park helps visitors learn what life was like in Utah Territory during the mid-1800s. A "train" tour starts at Eagle Gate and takes visitors around the village to give them an overview of the village and the various activities that are available. Most workers/volunteers are dressed in period appropriate attire - even on the hottest of summer days. The different buildings highlight typical homes, businesses, and community centers that would be found in the average Utah town. Volunteers and workers perform typical duties that the residents of Utah would have performed in their homes - such as baking bread in a cast iron stove (heated by a wood burning fire) without air conditioning. One of the most popular activities is to tour the Brigham Young Farmhouse and Barn, which displays many authentic items from the Young family home as well as some replicas. On the other end of the spectrum are the row of pioneer cabins, which show the rustic side of life.

Ashby dugout

     The businesses either have displays or workers that teach visitors how different trades were accomplished using nineteenth century materials and tools. Some even have crafts that children and adults can do and take home. Some of the businesses include the: shaving parlor, bank, saddlery, livery stable, blacksmith shop, print shop, furniture store, wheelwright shop, drugstore, cabinet & chair shop, tinsmith shop, boot shop, and telegraph office.

     There are plenty of activities for kids. Some of these include: panning for gold, playing on a replica boat, the mini train ride, pony rides, the petting corral, the Native American Village & dance show, the Children's playground, attending school in the old school house, and playing in the splash pad at the Irrigation Station.

panning for gold

Native American dance show

mini train ride

splash pad at the Irrigation Station

pony rides    

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: -The park stays open until 6 p.m. from June-August. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
- The Visitor's Center opens at 9 am.
- Price of admission includes any combination of 3 additional activities such as: take-home crafts, mini train ride, and pony ride.
- Sundays have reduced admission because most activities and programs aren't available that day.
- Entrance fees are for admission to the village. The Statuary Walkway outside the village is free. It leads from the giant This Is The Place monument, past several other pioneer era monuments, including the Mormon Battalion Monument, and ends at the National Pony Express Monument.
- The current monument was dedicated in 1947. A small, stone obelisk to the east of the current monument marks the place where Brigham Young made his original pronouncement.
- Special events throughout the year include: Huntsman Day (free admission), Mountain Man Camp, Liberty Day (July 4), Pioneer Day (July 24), Witches' Ball, Haunted Village & Little Haunts, Christkindlmarkt, and Candlelight Christmas.
- During the summer and seasonal events, you can buy lunch at the Huntsman Grill. There are also yummy snacks at Brigham's Donuts, the ZCMI store and the Ice Cream Parlor. You can also bring your own snacks into the park.

Ice cream break

- You can schedule special activities such as birthday parties, weddings, receptions, and corporate parties. For more information, call 801-924-7507.
- Occasionally, you can buy some crafts at the various shops - for example, pottery at the pottery shop.

Nearby: Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, Park City

Spotlight: Washington DC - The White House and Visitor Center

Spotlight: The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. The building was designed in the Neoclassical style by James Hoban, and took 8 years to construct. Every president since John Adams (1800) has lived there. Although part of it was torched by the British during the War of 1812, it was reconstructed in time for James Monroe to move back in in 1817. By the end of the century, the Executive Residence was growing crowded. In 1901, all offices were moved to the newly constructed West Wing. Eight years later, President Taft expanded the West Wing, creating the first Oval Office. An East Wing was later added to serve as a reception area for social events. During the mid-1900s, the interior rooms were completely dismantled in order for an internal load-bearing steel frame to be constructed within the walls. The White House currently contains six stories (two are basements). The complex includes the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (which houses offices for the President's staff and Vice-President) and the Blair House (a formal guest house). The White House is a National Heritage Site and the focal point of the President's Park. In 2007, it ranked second on the American Institute of Architects' list of "America's Favorite Architecture."

Location: The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC; the most famous address in the nation. The White House Visitor Center is nearby at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave.

Cost: Self-guided public tours are free. The White House Visitor Center is also free.

Time: Public Self-guided tours take place Tues.-Thurs. from 7:30-11:30 am.; Friday & Sat. from 7:30-1:30 pm. (excluding public holidays). The Visitor Center is open daily from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Description: The White House was originally open to the public. In fact, Inauguration Day parties were held in the White House throughout most of the 1800's, in which thousands of revelers partied on the grounds and in the house with the new President. By the early 1900's, however, safety concerns have continually curtailed access to the House and its grounds. Public tours are still given, as they have been since its construction, but tour passes are hard to obtain. Public tour requests must be submitted through your state's Congressmen or Senators. They are available up to three months before your tour date, and must be obtained at least 21 days in advance. Since the demand for tour requests is much higher than the available slots, the White House has created a digital virtual tour of the White House available to anyone with access to the internet.
     Another option is to visit the official White House Visitor Center. Since we couldn't get passes to a public tour, this is what we did. Visitors can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House and view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection. The Visitor Center also shows a 14-minute film entitled "White House: Reflections from Within." At the information desk, visitors can attend a Ranger program or find out information about other special events occurring with President's Park. Also part of President's Park is the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion Complex.

White House china

The Secret Service is on duty

Replica desk at White House Visitor Center

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: -Since public tour requests are distributed on a first-come, first serve basis, you will want to submit your request as soon as they become available (three months before your tour date). Be aware that all public tours are subject to last minute cancellation. Visitors should call 202-456-7041 to learn if any last minute changes have been made to their tour schedule.
- Foreign visitors should submit public tour requests through their nation's embassy.
- All guests 18 years or older to the White House complex will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Foreign visitors will be required to present their passports for inspection.
- Since public parking is not available near the White House, visitors are encouraged to use the Metrorail. The closest stations are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, and red), and McPherson Square (blue and orange).
- The following items are prohibited on White House grounds: video recorders, handbags, book bags, backpacks or purses, food or beverages, tobacco products, personal grooming items (i.e. makeup, lotion, etc.), strollers, any pointed objects, aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.

Nearby: Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The National Theatre, Archives-Navy Memorial, Washington Memorial

Spotlight: Washington DC - U.S. Capitol Building

Spotlight: The Capitol Building in Washington D.C. is the seat of the United States Congress - both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Prior to establishing Washington D.C. as the nation's capital, the U.S. Congress had several homes - most notably in Independence Hall (Philadelphia) and Federal Hall (New York). The Capitol Building's original architect was William Thornton, whose neoclassical design and simplistic white exterior was chosen in a design competition proposed by Thomas Jefferson. Construction began in 1793, following a cornerstone ceremony presided over by George Washington. The Senate north wing was completed in 1800, and used by both the Senate and House of Representatives until the House of Representatives southern wing was constructed (1811). Although part of the building was burned by fire during the War of 1812, repairs were completed by 1819. As the nation grew, the number of state delegates grew too. In the mid-1800's the Capitol Building was expanded, including a new dome and the addition of the colossal Statue of Freedom. Later expansions were added during the 20th century, which necessitated the removal of the Corinthian columns - which are now displayed as the National Capitol Columns at the National Arboretum. The building was ranked #6 on the American Institute of Architects' "America's Favorite Architecture" list in 2007.

Plaster model of the Statue of Freedom

     In its early years, the Capitol Building was used for religious services on Sundays. On the roof of the Senate and House Chambers, flagpoles fly the U.S. flag when either is in session. In 2008, the Capitol Visitor Center was opened

Location: Although the Capitol Building isn't in the geographical center of the city, it forms the origin point for the District's street-numbering system and the Districts four quadrants. The official address is East Capitol Street NE & First St. SE, Washington D.C.

Cost: entrance and tours are free

Time: The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Saturday except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Inauguration Day.

Description: You should begin your visit to the Capitol Building in the Capitol Building Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. There you will find the Exhibition Hall, gift shops, and a restaurant. Exhibition Hall displays several articles and documents that are important to our nation's culture and history. All guided tours start here, and usually begin with a 13-minute film entitled "Out of Many, One."
     On our tour, we got to see the inside of the dome, which was very impressive. We also got to see the old Supreme Court Chambers and the old congressional rooms - one of which is now Statuary Hall. The building has two statues per state to recognize famous and important individuals from each state who have contributed to the development of our nation, but due to limited space, only one from each state is displayed within Statuary Hall. While visiting each, we were told several interesting stories about events or policies that occurred there - such as the clocks being set 5 minutes early in the Supreme Court Chambers, and the acoustics that allowed John Quincy Adams to listen in, while sitting as his own desk, when the southerners huddled together to discuss their plans.

Old Supreme Court Chambers

Statuary Hall

Old Senate Chambers

The Vice-President's seat

     The Capitol Building is replete with classical murals painted by Italian/Greek American Constantino Brumidi, particularly in the Brumidi Corridors. They reflect great moments and key people in United States history, as well as animals and flora native to the United States. Perhaps his most famous mural is "The Apotheosis of Washington" beneath the top of the dome. He also started the "Frieze of American History," which depicts events such as the landing of Christopher Columbus, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Wright Brothers's Flight in Kitty Hawk, the Moon landing, etc. Four different artists have each painted scenes on this mural, including Filippo Costaggini, Charles Ayer Whipple, and Allyn Cox. Within the Rotunda, there are eight large paintings about the development of the United States.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln and painting of Yorktown

TheApotheosis of Washington under Rotunda Dome

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) - although that rating can drop if your tour guide arrives 16 minutes late.

Things You Should Know: - Make sure you arrive early for your tour appointment so that you have enough time to pass through security.
- In order to keep visitors and staff safe and secure, as well as preserve the collections inside the building, please refer to the prohibited items list on the official website before going.
- You may bring your camera, but its use is prohibited in Exhibition Hall.
- To tour the historical areas of the Capitol Building beyond the Visitor Center, you must participate in a guided tour. Advance reservations are strongly recommended since same-day tour passes are limited and go quickly - particularly during peak visitation periods. U.S. residents can book a tour directly through the offices of their Representative or Senators. Many offer their own staff-led tours of up to 15 people, or can assist you in reserving a general tour.
- The Visitor Center is usually less crowded on weekday mornings when the Capitol first opens.
- The Senate and House galleries are open to visitors whenever either legislative body is in session. The galleries are not included as part of the U.S. Capitol tour. Passes are required to enter either gallery at any time. You may obtain gallery passes from the offices of your Senator or Representative.
 - There is very little public parking available near the Capitol. Three subway stops are within walking distance of the Capitol Building: Union Station, Capitol South, and Federal Center SW.
- Visitors may request listening devices for foreign-language versions of the films and Exhibition Hall at the Information Desks.
- There are several memorials around the Capitol building recognizing important events relating to the Capitol.

Memorial to passengers of Flight 93 (9/11)

Nearby: Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building, United States Botanical Garden, National Mall

Spotlight: Washington DC - The National Archives Building

Spotlight: Do you remember the movie National Treasure? When Ben Gates declared that he was going to steal the Declaration of Independence, it was right after visiting the Rotunda in the National Archives Building to see the Declaration of Independence that is displayed there. The National Archives Building was also the building that Riley declared would be impossible to break into while trying to dissuade Ben from his objective. In any case, the National Archives Building is located in Washington DC, just north of the National Mall. It houses the official original copy of Declaration of Independence - the one that was engrossed on parchment. The other "original" copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed on paper to be read aloud throughout the colonies. There are 26 known copies in existence - such as the one exhibited in Liberty Hall in Philadelphia. In order to see the official one though, you'll have to visit the National Archives Building on Pennsylvania Ave, where it has been housed since 1952.

Location: The National Archives Building is located at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. The Rotunda entrance though is on Constitution Ave.

Cost: free

Time: Rotunda and Exhibit Hall hours are 10:00 am - 5:30 pm (except Christmas and Thanksgiving). Allow about 60-90 minutes to wait in line and peruse the exhibits.
The Research Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm. except federal holidays.

Description: In addition to the Declaration of Independence, the Rotunda also houses several other important documents. They include: the official original copy of the Constitution of the United States of America, the official original copy of the Bill of Rights, and an original copy of the Magna Carta (1297 AD). These documents were placed in hermetically sealed encasements filled with inert helium gas to better preserve them. The building also houses other important documents including the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, the Emancipation Proclamation, and collections of photography and other historical and culturally significant artifacts.
     Before the National Archives Building was approved by Congress, there were no set guidelines for preserving historical documents. For 150 years, many important documents were destroyed due to accident, neglect, or oversight. In 1926, Congress approved the construction of the National Archives Building as part of a project aimed at beautifying central Washington DC, and providing office space for a growing federal bureaucracy. John Russell Pope designed the building with a neoclassical temple style befitting such an important building within the Federal Triangle. By the late 1960's, the building began reaching its storage capacity limit and a second National Archives building was designed and built in College Park, Maryland.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Although the Rotunda is open until 5:30, no one is admitted after 5:00!
- The three principle documents in the Rotunda (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights) are collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom.
- There is a long line to get into the Rotunda. However, once inside, there are no lines. You are free to wander from one exhibit to the next and examine the exhibited documents and paintings at your leisure.
- Although the Constitution is still quite legible, the Declaration of Independence is severely faded, particularly the signatures.
- In order to help preserve the original documents housed there, photography is not permitted in the National Archives Museum. Photography with original light is permitted in research rooms.
- Interestingly, the Bill of Rights contains 12 amendments instead of ten. Evidently, two of the amendments were never ratified.
- The Cafe in the National Archives Building is open from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm.
- For information on parking or transportation to the National Archives Building, go to The National Archives website.

Nearby: Smithsonian museums, International Spy Museum, White House Visitor Center, U.S. Capitol Building