Our final day in DC offered perfect weather and an excellent opportunity to get outside and take in the sights.
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| Inspired by Dr. Milakovic's political candor, these students took their opinions to the streets. |
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| Moving exhibit at the Newseum about college students' role in the civil rights movement. A must-see for our class. |
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One of Prof. Winter's favorite spots is Villareal's LED tunnel at the National Gallery of Art.
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Human bone exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.
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Students had open travel time after the Newseum. What did you choose to see?
I chose to go see the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum. Although I only got to see a little bit of both, the Natural History Museum was my favorite. I never knew that so many ancient dinosaur bones were found in Kansas! It is fascinating to have something so old sitting in front of you. I really wish I would have had time to see the American History Museum, but now I have something for when I return to D.C.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that many bones were found in Kansas! That is simply amazing because I was born and raised there and having this surround me was just amazing. I too went to both of those Smithsonian's but wished I had gone to the American History Museum as well, but like you said it will be something for when I return (whenever that may be!).
DeleteI heard Air and Space was amazing and I wish I would have at least gone to see a little bit! I loved the Natural History Museum and it was great! I agree with you, its crazy to think something so old as these bones were just sitting right in front of me! It was nice getting to pick which museum we got to see because we all have different tastes!
DeleteFor day four, our group chose to spend the majority of our time at the Newseum. We all found it very interesting. I expected it to mainly be news papers and old databases to be honest, and I wasn't very excited at first. After visiting the Newseum however, it became one of the highlights of the trip for me. It was very interesting to see how news was displayed at the time the events happened. Most of them were before I was born or before I could realize what was really happening. When I viewed the exhibits, I felt like I was almost there when it happened. Again, 9/11 evoked the most emotion in me because it was one of the more recent events in my generation. Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed the Newseum.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of Janessa, Cheyenne, and Sarah for publicly sharing their opinion of genetically-modified food. Of what benefit is the right to free speech if citizens don't use it?
ReplyDelete"Make Some Noise" left me teary-eyed. Those young college students fought for civil rights with unbelievable courage and commitment--they're an example to us all. God bless them for their sacrifices in making this country more just and equitable. May we carry on.
It was inspiring. It made me feel that I could make a difference when faced with injustice. It reminded me how lucky I am to have the freedoms I have in my life; and what they had to go through for things as simple as walking into a segregated building.
Delete-Matt Werkowitch
Even though I was told to take my sign off every time we went into a museums I still felt like I was able to show my freedom of speech outside. I was reminded when going through the Newseum, people who fought segregation by making their voices heard and exercising their First Amendment rights.
DeleteI agree with Dr. Milakovic's comments. Make some noise was a reminder of some of the most courageous young people like yourselves who stood strong in the face of bigotry and inequality. I have respect for people like Diane Nash and Congressman John Lewis who was there with the President during the signing of the 1964 civil rights act.
DeleteI find it sad that many people that are around my age often think that their voice does not matter, and therefore they do not vote etc. I don't care how small I am, I'll use my facebook page, blogs, and other ways of media (and of course my voice) to get my message out. I am passionate and determined to be heard, you never know until you try right, and then why not try and try again? It was fun to see people's faces, and I was surprised by the people who knew who Monsanto was, and how they are truly changing our country and world.
DeleteI'm personally not someone to speak my mind, especially very publicly. This was a big step outside my comfort zone, but it felt very good to do it. After realizing that people do pay attention when they would come up to me and say "thank you" or "I like your sign" made me feel like even the smallest movements can make an impact.
DeleteCheyenne,Janessa,Sarah,
DeleteI appreciate your peaceful protest and the subject matter of your protest. I think it is very important for people to be free to speak their minds. I think that the way you executed your protest was simple yet powerful. Many do not even know that food can be genetically-modified. I am proud of you three for being able to speak out.
Thanks Cat! Although I wish I could have had a bigger sign! :)
DeleteOn the last day we had a little more freedom to do what we wanted and that is something I really enjoyed and took advantage of. I liked the Newseum, but the main part that I liked the most was about JFK and seeing his life layed out as well as Jackie's. Seeing her replica suit just screamed precision and class. After we left the Newseum we went to the Air and Space Smithsonian and the Natural History Smithsonian. My favorite part of that was seeing the Hope diamond. Lastly, we went back to the Holocaust Museum because we had missed the top floor and proportionally the entire museum. I am so happy that we went back because we missed the concept of it all together and it was so moving. At one point they had videos of the concentration camps and people trying to clean it up. It was absolutely sickening to watch. Seeing the bulldozers just plowing through hundreds of bodies and then people dragging these corpses through the dirt by their frail limbs was repulsive. That is a clear image that will forever haunt me and put me in tears every time I think of it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Jackie Kennedy is the definition of class. You took the words right out of my mouth. I watched many of the videos in the Newseum that showed how strong she was after her husband was shot, and how her strength kept the country together. I agree with you, the videos that were shown in the holocaust museum were rough, but I think they're important. All we have to do is watch them. In 1945, people lived them. It is important for us as a society to know exactly how disgusting and horrific things can be if we do not pay attention to what is going on. And so we don't become complacent when governments take a turn for the worst.
DeleteMatt Werkowitch
The video that you are talking about at the Holocaust Museum made me want to throw up. It was the most impacting part of the museum for me. I found it interesting that it is so graphic that it needs to have a wall around it so that young children cannot see it.
DeleteThe video was graphic, but the video was real footage. There would be no other way to show the evidence of the violence and to communicate what the discovery of the concentration camps was like. I do agree that the footage should be somewhat hidden from young children. It should be up to parents whether or not their children are able to see the footage.
DeleteMaddie, the JFK exhibit was extremely interesting to see. I spent a considerable amount of time here. The Holocaust was the most mind blowing museum I have ever been to. I agree with Cat, I definitely think it should be geared towards a more mature audience. Many of the actual footage clips were graphic and left nearly nothing to the imagination. I lost it when I saw the ghetto carts that Jews were piled up in like pieces of trash. This was definitely sickening to view.
DeleteDay four was the most productive day for my group and I. We started the day by going to the Newseum. I had mixed emotions about being at this place because of the efforts it took to get the shots that we were looking at. By efforts, I mean the photographers were capturing photographs of people during their darkest hours instead of offering them help. I understand that there were hundreds of other individuals able to help, and that journalisms are a vital source of information for the world. That being said, the power of the still shot left me feeling as if these journalists are no different than paparazzi chasing Justin Beiber around Hollywood in efforts to get the perfect shot for personal gain. Only in this instance, death is involved. After leaving the Newseum we went to the air and space museum. I felt like a little kid again looking at all the huge planes, and imaging the places they have been. My favorite part of the museum was looking at how far aviation has come in the last 100 years. It left me wondering how much more it will change in the future. After the air and space museum we went to the museum of natural history. This place was filled with animals and gems found around the world. I thought it was interesting how in this museum there was a special room with windows designed for paleontologists to work and for visitors to see what they were doing. I couldn't help but think about how awesome it must be to be a paleontologist at the smithsonian of natural history, and how in the world of paleontology, the smithsonian must be the big leagues. Moving along; we finished our day at the Holocaust memorial/museum. I would say that this was my favorite stop on our trip, but I don't believe that "favorite" is an appropriate word for a memorial like this. The design of the building is absolutely brilliant. Before we got in the elevator you are given a name and a story of an individual who was actually killed in the holocaust, and then we're shut in the elevator and shown a movie as we ride to the 4th floor. It was slightly erie when we were shut in the elevator. I felt that it symbolized riding in a rail car, I could be wrong. I don't know. Right when we got off of the elevator there is a large life sized, extremely graphic picture of some of the victims of the holocaust. It set the tone for the rest of the museum. Each floor has a meaning. It goes through the rise and fall of Germany as you spiral down to the first floor, and all of the horror in-between. When we left I felt like I had truly grasped how horrific it must have been during that time in Germany. I feel that it is highly important for everyone to visit the museum so they can truly understand what "We Will Never Forget," means.
ReplyDelete-Matt Werkowitch
In regards to the photographers and their amazing pictures I completely feel the same way. In one way I see the traditional paparazzi figure as they scrounge around for the perfect shot, but then I begin to think of them as our visual scribes. They are able to capture the moment so that the viewer can feel what they feel, can see what they see, and understand what happened. I agree that it would be hard to be in their position as they stare death in the face, maybe not their own but other people's death. I think one picture that especially captured this feeling was that of the vulture sitting to devour the corpse of the near death starved child.
DeleteI think it is also very important for every individual to visit the Holocaust Museum. The Holocaust Museum puts everything into perspective. We as a society complain and bicker over such trivial things.We complain about heat, lack of cellular service, being worn out. We have nothing to complain about in comparison with those who endured the Holocaust. I want every spoiled child to visit the museum and recognize how lucky they are.
DeleteI chose to stay at the Newseum most of the time. The JFK gallery was interesting to see because it shows youthful elegance that the Kennedy family brought to the White House. When going through the 9/11 exhibit it brought back memories of that day. It showed challenges that the journalists faced when they had to report the news to American. I have never seen the picture of the guy falling from the tower which made me sick to my stomach. The Newseum is defiantly a place to go to again when I go back
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Sarah. The Newseum was definitely my favorite. JFK's family was almost and iconic family for America to strive to live like. Even being in the White House and Kennedy's presidency, they seemed to welcome America into their personal lives. I thought the exhibit was very interesting.
DeleteThis day was mostly a history lesson for me. Between the newseum, and air and space museum. Of course I had to make a farewell tour at the Wall. Zedrick and I did a lot of walking, and a lot of reflecting on all we had seen together. A lot happened this weekend, it was wonderful taking a stroll from the capital to the Lincoln and revisiting many sights along the way. I was excited for this trip before we left, but it exceeding my expectations in every way. Educationally, I saw and learned about some of the most famous places, times, and people in our history. Emotionally I witnessed things that turned me into a slobbering mess. Personally, I built on some existing friendships and left with a couple new outstanding relationships.
ReplyDelete"I witnessed things that turned me into a slobbering mess."
DeleteEddie,
Remember when you were telling me what you witnessed at the Wall? I wish I could have been present to see the grandfather discover the men from his platoon and the Wall and share the experience with his grandson. I bet that was emotional for you. This trip was a history lesson for me as well. I am mostly fascinated with science and have not dedicated much time to learning about history, but now I realize how important it is. Not only did I learn things from the city, but I also learned things from you and the rest of our peers. You taught me more about the controversy of Kennedy's assassination and the architectural design within government buildings. I also learned that the scaffolding around the Washington Monument was a huge project that took many years. I am happy that I decided to go on this trip. I learned many things.
I agree with you Eddie. I experienced more emotions than I had planned to on this trip. However, I feel that the emotions affected me even more then the knowledge did.
DeleteI agree with you as well that this trip was much different than I originally had expected and it left me with experience, knowledge and a better understanding of our history. I experienced emotions of happiness, guilt, pride, and grief all at the same time for many of these places in which I felt connected to even though I truly had nothing to do with them at all. I also enjoyed being able to build upon friendships as I feel that our little group will have a better bond by spending so much time together. For me it is difficult to get out of my comfort zone and bond with people but am glad I was able to do so.
DeleteWell put Eddie. I could not have said it better myself. Thanks for make the trip that much more enjoyable.
DeleteI had the opportunity to see the Natural History Museum and even though I did not get to venture around and see absolutely everything it was amazing! The dinosaurs were my favorite part! And seeing that most the bones were from Kansas made me smile! This was a great conclusion to our trip it was relaxing with a sense of adventure and I enjoyed every second! When I go back to Washington D.C. I want to see Air and Space Museum I heard it was Outstanding!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the Air and Space Museum as well. I must have missed reading about the bones being from Kansas. I was distracted by the little furry animals in the Natural History Museum. Did you happen to look at the squirrel burrowing in the ground and then feel the metal sculpture of the squirrel? It was showing us how cold a squirrel's body temperature can get during the winter. It was freezing!
DeleteI loved seeing the Natural History Museum! Dinosaurs have always fascinated me and I felt like a little kid again exploring through prehistoric times. It reminded me of the excitement of learning and I can't wait to come back and explore through the other museums.
Delete-Alex
On the last day I ventured off to see the Newseum, the Natural History Museum, the American History Museum and the Space and Air Museum. At first, the newseum did not interest me whatsoever as I thought it would only entail old newspaper clippings and what not but I was really entrigued in seeing how media has changed over time and how photography has been used to tell a story. The pulitzer prize photos really made me emotional as I silently read their stories. Some gave you a warm fuzzy feeling, some intrigued you, while others tore your heart out. I think the worst for me was that of the starving child with the vulture just waiting for his death for his next meal. It was raw and eyeopening, tearing through your emotions. Moving on, I enjoyed seeing all of the big planes and shuttles in the air and space museum, the mammals and the fossils in the natural history museum and getting to see the progression of wars throughout history in the american history museum.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I agree I wasn't sure what to expect about the Newseum. It was actually extremely interesting seeing how the news media has changed over the years. I also enjoyed the Pulitzer prize photography at this museum. The main thing I took away from this area of the museum is that for a picture to be truly a prize photo, it almost has to be taken while history is actually taking place at the most intense time.
DeleteOn our final day in D.C. I visited the Newseum, the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and I revisited the Holocaust Museum. The Make Some Noise exhibit was my favorite part of Newseum. I also enjoyed the Pulitzer photography exhibit. The models within the National Museum of Natural History were on my list of things to see in D.C. I could not believe how life-like all of the taxidermy was. After viewing a few of the Smithsonian museum we headed over to the Holocaust Museum. I had missed the permanent exhibit on our second day. You could spend hours going through the four floors and still not be ready to leave. The physical artifacts of the survivors and victims impacted me the most.Shoes, hair, drawings of the children and their toys made the innocence of the victims even more powerful.
ReplyDeleteDay Four was a sad day because all good things must come to an end. I enjoyed spending time with my classmates and I learned a lot from the bus tour and I chose to spend day four at the Air and Space museum. I truly enjoyed the Kitty Hawk exhibit. I found out that Orville would ask his mother Susan for mechanical advice when Orville was working on a new invention. Did you know that Orville died of typhoid? The Wright Brothers compared flying to doing a wheelie on a bike.
ReplyDeleteDang! I didn't know they had a Kitty Hawk exhibit. That would have been awesome to see. Did they discuss the riots on the ship during the Vietnam War? There was just so much to see. I definitely need to go back several times to see everything. I too was sad to leave, but left feeling like I had seen some of the most incredible sites I had ever laid my eyes on.
Delete-Maggie C.
-Maggie C.
I would have to say I am glad that we spent the majority of our last day at the Newseum. While we did spend a lot of time there, we didn't get to see everything. I really enjoyed the FBI exhibit because of stories I had heard when I was younger but never got to research or investigate further of what was discussed in high school, so it was nice to see the organized history of it all. The Lindbergh baby story was one of the most fascinating to me, especially rereading it as an adult. As a kid I always thought, what kind of crazy person would take a baby! But stories like this one were more complicated,and trying to understand it as a kid was difficult but interesting. It was crazy to see part of the explosives that Timothy McVeigh used in the Oklahoma bombings too. There was some KKK propaganda as well... Shocking, but not surprising. I was surprised that we were also asked to take out signs off our backs, even though the Newseum had an exhibit about how college students stood up to inequalities during the civil rights movement, we can't stand up for what we believe in in a gallery where history and stories of triumph over obstacles have taken place?! Sounds a little contradictory to me...
ReplyDeleteThe Newseum is awesome! I feel like there is something in there for everybody. The museum features older historical events such as the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, and many other important events within United States history. Along with older events, the museum also highlights more recent events such as September 11th. I enjoyed looking at the different Pulitzer Prize photographs and reading the stories behind them. I was upset with one photograph of an emaciated, starving child hunched over in the grass with a vulture behind him. The photographer was told not to touch anybody from fear of disease, but I would have disobeyed. I learned that the photographer actually committed suicide a while after capturing that image. It was interesting to learn how much influence a photo can make on somebody. I really want to go back to D.C. soon because there are so many more things I would have loved to look at in the Newseum as well as other museums.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Newseum, I went to the National Museum of Natural History. I liked looking at mammals. I took many pictures of cute, furry creatures. I also saw dinosaur skeletons. I had never been to a museum like that before. There was so much to read and not as much time, so I would love to go back there in the future as well.
The Newseum was so cool. A lot cooler than I thought it was going to be. I loved looked the award winning photos. Listening to the photographers talking about what great lenghts they went through to capture some of those photos was them so much more relevant. I loved reading every caption underneath every item in the museum about JFK. I thought it was important to have him in the Newseum, because of his effect on the media and the way it shaped the Presidential position.
ReplyDelete-Maggie C.
The 9/11 exhibit really in the Newseum really hit home. It was the only time during the entire trip I felt myself tearing up. I was only in the 4th grade when the attacks happened. This exhibit allowed me to experience the tragedy with the maturity and insight that I have today. I finally truly understand the impact it had on millions of Americans.
ReplyDelete-Alex
The Newseum reminded me of Science City, but it was ten times better. There were so many interesting things on all the levels. I really enjoyed the view at the very top of the museum. The whiteness and beauty of the city could truly be seen from such a high view. The 9/11 video clips and seeing the top of one of the towers made me cry. My heart skipped a beat and I held my breath as I saw the second plane crash into the second Twin Tower. When I saw the people run in the clips I got a better glimpse of what actually occurred that day. It all felt so real hearing the news reporters and photographers talk about what occurred. It definitely was a reality check.
ReplyDeleteLater that day I went to the one of the Smithsonians showing a whole bunch of fossils and dinosaurs. This was extremely cool to see. I also got to go to the U.S. history museum and see Lincoln's top hat as well as the suite that he was wearing the night he got shot by Booth. I definitely want to go back to D.C. and spend more time in these museums. I could literally spend days embracing all of the information.