Travelsmartplanet

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Though foreigners flock to see the Mona Lisa, to the French, the most important painting in the Louvre – the unofficial national painting of France is this one, Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix. The bare-breasted female figure, who is called Marianne became a symbol of Liberty for the French Republic. Though Delacroix painted the July Revolution of 1830, the broken bodies beneath the flag depict the 40 years of civil war, political and social upheavals necessary to conquer the monarchy in order to win a representative government. The huge 8′ by 10′ scale adds to the dramatic patriotism.

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Les Invalides or Hôtel des Invalides is a vast complex of buildings in Paris including museums and monuments relating to the military history of France. As per its name it was originally built by Louis XIV as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans. Pictured here is the Dôme des Invalides, a large church, the tallest in Paris which contains the tombs of some of France’s war heroes, most notably Napoleon.

The complex had 15 courtyards for military parades. At the church, attendance was mandatory. Louis XIV also commissioned his architect Mansart to construct a separate royal chapel referred to as the Église du Dôme from its most striking feature (pictured). By combining a royal chapel with a veterans’ chapel, the King and his soldiers could attend mass at the same time while entering the place of worship though different entrances, as prescribed by court etiquette at that time.

I’d like to think the gentleman sitting there (in the wheelchair and on the bench) are two of our veteran heros..

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Yup, the symbol of France is still there and still majestic. The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is situated at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Etoile means star and that refers to the twelve avenues which radiate from the arch.
The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in wars so it became the rallying point of French troops who paraded through it after successful military campaigns and for the annual Bastille Day Military Parade. After the interment of the Unknown Soldier from WWI, however, parades have avoided marching through the actual arch and go around its side, out of respect for the tomb and its symbolism. Both Hitler in 1940 and de Gaulle in 1944 observed this custom. After WWI, in an event captured on newsreels, Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane under the arch’s primary vault.

The bas relief shown in pic 2 represents Liberty under the figure of a winged woman pushing against the enemy invasion.

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How delightful to walk into living history at the Tower of London. It’s so much more fun when you learn the stories of the people who “lived” or were imprisoned there. Did they lose their heads?

Tags: Britain, British, captive, castle, city, England, Europe, fortress, Great Britain, Her Majesty, historic, History, imprisoned, landmark, living history, London, London City Pass, London Pass, London view, reenactment, River Thames, Royal Palace, sights, sightseeing, sttory, tour, tourist, tower, Tower of London, Trafalgar, travel, Travel blogger, UK, United Kingdom

Do you have what it takes to lead like Washington? Visitors to his Mount Vernon Estate now have a chance to put themselves in Washington’s boots and experience first-hand the leadership challenges that he faced on the battlefield and in the presidency.

“Be Washington: It’s Your Turn to Lead” is a new first-person interactive experience that allows visitors to  come face to face with a leadership challenge that George Washington also confronted as commander in chief or president. Listen to advice from his most trusted sources and make your decision.

Inside the immersive 1,200-square-foot Be Washington theater, participants take the role of George Washington as they seek to solve one of four crises that Washington faced. Events of the Revolutionary War and presidency come alive on a massive 30-foot 6K-resolution screen. Chris Jackson, the actor who played George Washington in the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” will introduce each of the plots onscreen and will later describe the course of action that General or President Washington took. Each scene takes about 18 minutes to complete.

Featured scenarios include the Battle of Second Trenton, the Whiskey Rebellion, the Genet Affair and the Newburgh Conspiracy. As you learn about the situation, participants hear insights and opinions from some of the same historical advisers that Washington would have had access to, such as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox. As they sift through differing recommendations, they are asked to rate each adviser’s persuasiveness.

At the end of each segment as Washington, the participants have seconds to vote for which course of action they would take to solve the crisis.  All votes are then tabulated and shared on the main screen. Washington’s decisive actions at key moments helped to shape our history. Discover if you would have made the same tough choices.

Entry to the Be Washington theater is free when you purchase a general admission ticket to Mount Vernon. You can try the web-version of “Be Washington” at: play.bewashington.org

Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Date: until – Dec 31, 2018
Time: 9am – 4pm
Tel: 703-780-2000
mountvernon.org/site/bewashington
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitalexandriava.com

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On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by the dashing young actor, John Wilkes Booth, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington City. While Lincoln lay dying, his assassin was making his escape into Southern Maryland.

Over the next twelve days, Booth and his accomplice, David Herold, were tracked through the lower counties of Maryland and across the Potomac River into Viriginia. They were finally trapped at Garrett’s Farm near Bowling Green, Virginia, where Herold was taken prisoner and Booth was shot and killed by federal troops. Herold was hanged along with Mary Surratt on July 7, 1865.

 John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tour – The Surratt Society sponsors tours each fall and spring along Booth’s escape route. Many of the same roads and houses used by Booth are still in existence and are visited on this excursion which is narrated by nationally-recognized authorities on the Lincoln assassination and John Wilkes Booth’s flight.

Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. to his death near Port Royal,  Virginia. Relax and enjoy the history and scenery on this
12-hour, fully narrated bus tour. The cost is $85 per person ($80 for Surratt Society members). Proceeds go toward the preservation of the Surratt House Museum which was the first stop on Booth’s flight south.

To reserve your spot fill out this form.

Location: The Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Dates: Sat, September 8, 15 & 22, 2018
Time: 7 am –7 pm
Tel: 301-868-1121
surrattmuseum.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitmaryland.org

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Join Savannah Scavenger Hunt author, Chris Sergi, to discover the wonders of the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark District.

Sergi pulls together little-known facts, visual treats, and enticing tidbits of history in this scavenger hunt designed for all ages to enjoy.

From underground tunnels used by pirates for treasure transport to mausoleums and stained glass windows, the city abounds with secrets and trivia for all to discover.

Great family fun. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For Tickets: Add to cart

Location: Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens, 123 East Broughton St, Savannah 31401
Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2018
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Tel: 912- 234-8054
savannahtourofhomes.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitsavannah.com

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The 33rd Annual Whitehall Lecture Series, Heroes of the Homefront: World War I and the Faces of Wartime America, commemorates the roles of American soldiers and supporters during World War I.

Each lecture will provide a unique range of historical perspectives, including those of political and military leadership, the Doughboys on the front lines, minority infantrymen conscripted to battle, and women on the homefront and abroad.

Heroes of the Homefront will evoke a new appreciation for America’s participation in World War I and address the ways in which American culture was changed forever because of it. When possible, a book signing with the speaker follows each lecture. All lectures start at 3:00 pm.

February 18
The Last of the Doughboys:
The Forgotten Generation and Their Forgotten War
by Richard Rubin
February 25
World War I:
The American Soldier Experience
by Dr. Jennifer Keene
March 4
The Second Line of Defense:
American Women and World War I
by Dr. Lynn Dumenil
March 11
Uncle Sam Wants You: World War I
and the Making of the Modern American Citizen
by Dr. Christopher Capozzola
Online visitors can experience each lecture via a free Livestream broadcast at http://flaglermuseum.us/programs/lecture-series where visitors may listen live, see the presentation and ask the lecturer questions.

Location: The Flagler Museum, One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Date: See Above
Time: 3pm
Tel: 561-655-2833
flaglermuseum.us
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: thepalmbeaches.com

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As you enter the side door of the Surratt House Museum you are walking in the path of John Wilkes Booth the night he killed President Lincoln, since he came here to retrieve a rifle, field glasses and supplies for his run from the law.

Built in 1852, this was a tavern, an inn, a post office and a polling place. It was a safe house for the Confederate underground. The massive search for Booth led them here to Mary Surratt’s house, and as a result she was tried in a military court and convicted of conspiracy to assassinate the President. On July 7, 1865 Mary Surratt was the first woman to be executed by the federal government.

In your visit to this famous house, a docent in 1860’s period clothing walks you through the typical middle class home.  History buffs can make reservations for the 12-hour “Escape Route” bus tour. Many of the same roads and houses used by Booth are still in existence and are visited on this excursion which is narrated by nationally-recognized authorities on the Lincoln assassination and John Wilkes Booth’s flight.  Tour Dates for 2018: Apr 14, 21, 28 and Sept 8, 15, 22.

If you’re in the Clinton area Sat, Dec 2 – Sun, Dec 10, stop by the Surratt House Museum for their special Christmas program- An Old Fashioned Holiday: Bringing Christmas Past to Christmas Present, celebrating the Christmas of yesteryear amid period decorations, special exhibits and seasonal histories. On the weekend of December 9 and 10, return to enjoy special activities for all ages, cookies, cider, and holiday discounts in the museum’s gift shop.

Location: Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Hours: Wed – Fri 11am – 3pm, Sat -Sun 12 – 4pm
The Surratt House Museum is closed from Dec 12th to Jan 17th.
Tel: 301-868-1121
surrattmuseum.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitprincegeorgescounty.com

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Presented by Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the first museum exhibit devoted to the image of the World War I pilot-hero, Knights of the Air honors the daredevil pilots who risked everything for the cause at the dawn of aviation.

Imbued with a sense of adventure and fierce patriotism, aviators became the face of the War efforts back home. Works of art, souvenirs, postcards, and newspapers celebrated their valiant efforts. After the War, the romance of flight was embodied in new types of daring aviators, such as barnstorming aerial acrobats, air mail pilots, and bootleggers.

Popular pulp magazines such as George Bruce’s Squadron and Hollywood films like Wings (1927) capitalized on the appeal of the brave World War I aviator, inspiring many future pilots who would serve America in commercial aviation and future military conflicts.

Organized by the Flagler Museum in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I in 1917, Knights of the Air features works of art, artifacts, and printed materials on loan from the private collection of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf, and other private and public collections.

Guided exhibition tours will be offered Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., beginning October 25. The exhibition and tours are free with Museum admission. The Flagler Museum will offer free Museum admission to active duty, reserve, and retired U.S. Military each Wednesday for the duration of the exhibition (proper identification required).

Illustrated Lecture
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017
Free with Museum Admission
Space is limited, reservations are required.

Join exhibition curator Janel Trull on Veteran’s Day for an illustrated lecture about Knights of the Air: Aviator Heroes of World War I, to learn about these heroic pilots and their lasting legacy.

Image: Collection of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf

Location: Henry Morrison Flagler Museum,One Whitehall Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Dates: until Dec 31, 2017
Hours: Sun – 12pm – 5pm, Tues – Sat – 10am – 5pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Tel: 561- 655-2833
flaglermuseum.us
For Regional accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: thepalmbeaches.com

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