BradJill

Review of National Society of the Daught...

The Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) Museum on 17...

The Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) Museum on 17th Street is a very good attraction for those with an interest in American history. Opening Hours are 8.30am-4pm (M-F) and 9am-5pm (ST). The museum is closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays.

Here you can explore three floors with 31 rooms, each individually decorated by DAR members from various States. Each room focuses on a designated time period and includes furniture and historical items of that era, allowing visitors a glimpse into the American household past, across the country. Rooms come with panel information and brochures pointing out important items you can view within.

There is a collection with revolutionary war items at the DAR as well. One of the most interesting things to see at present is the rare Broadside of the U.S. Constitution (until 9 July). Of the approximately 200 of these documents which were created back in 1776, only 26 are known to have survived.

Surrounding this Broadside are drafts of the constitution with side notes. The condition of these drafts is superb, penmanship and ink are easy to read. In all, the Broadside of the Constitution and the various drafts are remarkable items to see if you have any interest or even a mild curiosity in the founding of the United States as well as its early history.

I very much enjoyed the 90 minutes spend at the DAR Museum viewing the many State period gallery rooms and Declaration of Independence document that were on display. This was a surprisingly high impact (and free) museum, a place I look forward to visiting again during future visits to D.C.