Last trip here, I got to see the Newseum for the first time. It is a private venture, rather than a Smithsonian Institute production. Alternatively, the Spy Museum is also a private venture, but did not seem to have much substance. Newseum was outstanding, earning a second visit on this trip.
These are the Newseum “Top Ten” things to see:
1. Berlin Wall Twelve foot high sections of wall are on display. A small section is located in the men’s room at the Main Street Station Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Sorry ladies, it is located in the men’s room. Only problem here is that I not only saw the Berlin Wall when it divided East and West Berlin, I spent the day in East Berlin, having entered the Wall at Checkpoint Charlie!
2. 9/11 Gallery I cannot say I enjoyed this very much. I never really entered the World Trade Center buildings when they were still alive. Going by Ground Zero in NYC, and having my cousin working next door to the WTC are vivid reminders of this awful catastrophe in American History.
3. Water Gate Door This is the legacy of Tricky Dick Nixon. I went by the Watergate Apartments today on the Number 80 bus, on my way to the Kennedy Center. If you read my FB notes, I explained this as a very strange juxtaposition.
4. Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery Truly impressive, but hard to really embrace it all. But I love a great photo, and still hope to make a few of my own, perhaps in Africa this summer.
5. I-Witness a 4D Time Travel Adventure Kind of freaky!
6. The Unabomber’s Cabin I found it rather uninteresting, though they have over 200 artifacts from Ted Kaczynksi. Why glorify the guy?
7. Bloomberg TV, Internet and Radio It traces the evolution of broadcast news. As technology improved, so did the speed of news.
8. NBC News Interactive Newsroom This is a chance for all of us to play reporter or photog. I choose photog.
9. The Knight Studios A real, live TV studio, often used “for real”. 10. Greenspun Family Terrace Great view, but a top ten?
My personal highlights:
1. First Dogs Presidential pets, four legged of course, not Monica.
2. Tim Russert’s office His “Meet the Press” office, much like it appeared when he died in 2008.
3. Sports photography of Neil Leifer Covers some of the greatest moments in sports history.
4. Andy Rooney’s desk and typewriter I actually met him in San Diego. I think his eyebrows are better known and respected!
5. Women and Politics Thankfully, not about Sarah, the Pale One, but Presidential wives.
6. JFK’s handwritten notes from a 1960 debate with Tricky Dick Nixon.
7. Costumes worn by Tina Fey as Sarah Pale One, and Amy Poehler as Billary Clinton.
8. “Prez” guitar played by President George H.W. (41) Bush at a 1989 Inaugural Ball.
9. Edward R. Murrow’s army uniform.
10. James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour
Bottom line is that this Newseum museum is the type of place that needs to be seen. The things that excite each of us are so different. But if you love history, and historical artifacts, this is a must do when you are in the DC area. Buy your tickets online and get a 10% discount. The address is 555 Pennsylvania Avenue.
