Learning Beyond the Classroom: HDC Eighth Graders Experience Washington, D.C.

Historic Downtown Campus 8th Graders embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Washington, D.C., filled with exploration, discovery, and reflection.

The trip began with lunch at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, where students experienced the city’s lively atmosphere before spending the afternoon at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There, they explored powerful exhibits on resilience, innovation, and the stories that have shaped our nation’s history. After taking photos at the Washington Monument, the group enjoyed a family-style dinner at Asia Nine and stopped outside Ford’s Theatre, where their guide shared the story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, bringing history to life in the very place it happened.

As night fell, students participated in a moving twilight tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Under the glow of the city lights, they reflected on the courage and sacrifice of those who came before them.

The second day began with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where the pandas, elephants, and tigers captured everyone’s attention. After lunch, the group stopped for a photo in front of the White House and gathered on the Capitol lawn for an engaging discussion on checks and balances and the history of the Capitol’s iconic dome.

Some well-deserved free time followed, with students joining a lively game of touch football on the National Mall or exploring the National Museum of Natural History. Later in the day, visits to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial invited students to reflect on leadership, perseverance, and the lasting impact of words and ideas.

Dinner in Crystal City and a peaceful evening visit to the World War II Memorial brought a thoughtful close to the day, as students reflected on the courage and unity of a generation that helped shape the world.

On the final morning, students explored the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, home to historic aircraft and spacecraft that captured imaginations and curiosity alike. A stop for lunch at Shake Shack, and a bit of souvenir shopping, was the perfect way to conclude their D.C. journey.

As the group returned home, their trip stood as a powerful reminder of how learning extends beyond the classroom, through shared experiences that connect history, curiosity, and community in true Moravian Academy spirit.