Everyone who visits the Capitol of the United States of America, Washington DC or DC for short, has an expectation of somehow getting inside the Capitol Building. I have been there and what a sight to behold. Time has not dimmed the beauty that was included in each bit or architecture, statue or portrait that the visitor gazes on during the tour. When your student group or adult group decides their destination is DC contact your Congressman’s office and let them know you, their constituent, will be in the city on specific dates and let them know you are interested in touring the Capitol Building and meeting them. A Congressman is very helpful to groups traveling for a few reasons. One reason is that they will often make time to meet and greet the group, shake a few hands, and allow a photo opportunity. Another reason is that they can actually schedule an appointment for your group with a staffer or other knowledgeable individual who can guide the tour for your group. Now, if your group is going through a travel company like Adventure Student Travel, they will make these calls for you and all you have to do is to go on the trip. But if your group is “on your own” in this area a call to your Congressman is your best bet. With a scheduled appointment your student or adult group won’t have to stand in line to get into the Capitol. There is a “public tour” available if you have not thought ahead and made the call to your representative. Show up early though because the line begins to form around 8am for the first tour of the day which is 9am. Tours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (the Capitol is not available for tours on Sundays). When ticket distribution opens at 9am the first 40 people in line get to begin their tour with a “red coat” guide. Entry into this United States government building is a bit time consuming in that security is tight and your belongings will be scanned. I recommend that students leave their backpacks locked on the coach when touring because going through security will slow you down if you have to be searched/scanned at every entry. If you decide to carry a backpack, purse or brief case here are a few things you cannot carry into the Capitol Building: aerosol containers, can and bottles, pointed objects like knitting needles or letter openers, food, knives, guns (even toy ones), fireworks, razors or box cutters. Students and adults should go online and get a complete list of prohibited items so you don’t end up getting detained because you were uninformed. All your group has done to get into the Capitol Building pays off once inside. Some of the things you may see are statues and portraits of our first Americans and founding fathers. You will see where the portions of the building were rebuilt because it was burned during the War of 1812. Bullet holes are still visible on columns and as your group tours you will be reminded that the United States has always fought to maintain their freedom, integrity and rights. No matter where you go remember to enjoy your travels.

Vickie Dodson