This was an obvious feature but crucial to visit. The critically acclaimed Smithsonian museum is the newest addition to the Smithsonian Institute, and one of the most popular by far. The NMAAHC guides visitors, in sequential order, of the African American experience, beginning with the introduction of the slave trade and slavery, and ending with present-day accomplishments from the black community. There are exhibits devoted to the Civil Rights Movement which would highlight the works of Dr. King. You can find several photos or artifacts taken from some of the most historic events, posters, banners, newspaper articles.
The DC Department of Public Works funded the DC Mural Project to beautify the city with murals painted by local artists. On the wall of Mellon Convenience Store is a mural of Dr. King created by Justin Poppe & Daniel Roncesvalles in 2013. The black and white depiction includes a portrait visual of Dr. King next to an overhead representation of the crowd at Lincoln Memorial during the famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. This serves as a cool photo opportunity for your next class trip visit.
The exhibit, “The Struggle for Justice”, features photographs, paintings, buttons and sculptures of the most reputable founders, advocates, trailblazers, and civil rights activists, such as Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, and, you guessed it, Martin Luther King, Jr.
We have an entire itinerary dedicated to class trips to Washington D.C. with an African-American history focus, if interested. If you wish to customize the trip to include specific sites and attractions that aren’t included in the provided itinerary, you can build your trip your way! Don’t worry, we have plenty of suggestions to offer if you wish to expand your trip longer than three or four days, too!