Tour Washington DC With Ellen

02/10/2025

I attended the NFTGA Conference in Philadelphia in late January. In addition to some excellent presentations, we had the opportunity tour City Hall including the Supreme Court. I'm not a lawyer like my brother was or a judge like my dad, but I got to pose as both. Fun.

05/04/2024

05/04/2024

The Washington National Cathedral's annual flower market is always the first Friday and Saturday in May. It has wonderful flowers, crafts, performances and yummy food (especially the lobster rolls!). Here are some of the floral displays from different countries.

03/17/2024

Beautiful afternoon to take a walk around American University campus! We're lucky to live so close.

02/14/2024

I attended two special events in the past two days.

Last night, the National Archives celebrated 10 Years of the David M. Rubenstein Records of Rights Gallery. In addition, to a talk by David Rubenstein, there was thought-provoking panel hosted by the Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and including Julieanna Richardson, HistoryMakers; Elisabeth Griffith, historian and author; and Mark Updegrove, LBJ Foundation.

Today, I attended the United States Capitol Historical Society's 2023 Freedom Award honoring Cheryl L. Johnson, the 36th Clerk of the House of Representatives. Participating in the ceremony were Representative Troy Carter, Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarty and Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. It was a very special celebration!

01/13/2024

I was honored to receive the Jim Blakeman Award from the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC. The award honors those whose work best exemplifies the spirit of the Guild; who has made an original and significant contribution to the operations of the Guild; and who has advanced the guiding profession in some significant way. How satisfying to be recognized for doing the work I love..namely sharing my wonderful city with tourists from all around the US and world.

03/25/2023

It's Cherry Blossom season not only on the Tidal Basin but all around town. Here are scenes from both near the Jefferson Memorial and in front of the Japanese Residence.

10/30/2022

How wonderful to be guiding in DC in the autumn. So beautiful!

09/29/2022

After 2 1/2 years, the Senate Gallery is reopened to visitors! It was so great to be able to bring my clients there today.

09/21/2022

09/21/2022

I attended a celebration of the completion of Exhibition Hall Redesign Project at the US Capitol Visitors Center. After brief presentations by Beth Plemmons, CEO for Visitor Services, Carol Beebe, Director of Exhibits and Education, Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol and the primary curator, we explored the exhibits. The Hall is welcoming, informative and fun. You are greeted by a short video. There are lots of hands on and multimedia activities. The major themes are Congress Over Time, The Impact of Congress, The Nation’s Capital and What’s My Role? Students and children will certainly find lots to do in the hands-on Democracy Lab. Congratulations to all who were involved in redesign!