At 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, in the heart of Washington, DC’s museum district, is a unique building housing history and current events, even as they happen.
The Newseum Concept
A group known as the Freedom Forum, consisting of news organizations and private individuals, conceived the idea of a museum celebrating First Amendment rights. The Newseum opened in 1997 in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac from Washington. It was intriguing to walk through the exhibits and re-live the great moments as seen in print, video, and audio.
Larger Quarters Needed for the Newseum
It was soon obvious that more space was needed for all the exhibits that could be connected with the news business. Thus, a new home was created in 2008 on Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of Washington, DC. The larger quarters and state of the art displays at the Newseum brought millions of visitors to its new home.
On the outside façade, the entire First Amendment is carved into stone reminding all who see it of the Freedom of the Press. That freedom is interpreted in many ways within the Newseum.
Exhibits, Headlines, and Artifacts
The Newseum consists of seven levels, each with a theme. A highlights guide is provided that leads the visitor to the major exhibits. Beginning with an orientation film, the guide then proceeds to walk the guests through special exhibits, including an overview of the work of the FBI and artifacts from the Berlin Wall.
On the top floor, there is a balcony with an outstanding view of the capitol building and the route along Pennsylvania Avenue used by the Inaugural Parade. Special exhibits are arranged along the interior walls. In September 2011, the images from Hurricane Katrina and the devastation in New Orleans and Biloxi were featured.
Other levels include sections with famous headlines, such as the Titanic Sinking or Dewey Defeats Truman. The actual pages from these historic newspapers can be seen encased in glass. There are famous newspapers from around the world, documenting world history.
But news is found not only in the written word. So the Newseum has extensive displays of radio, television, film, magazine and Internet news sources. There are opportunities to hear broadcasts with headsets or in listening booths. There are walls of television sets showing famous newscasts.
Artifacts include September 11, 2011 memorabilia: a mangled piece of the World Trade Center antenna, a cornice from the damaged Pentagon building, and a section from United Flight 93. The cabin of the so-called Unabomber is on display as is the door from the Watergate complex break-in. Many historical and newsworthy items are found throughout the building.
Photo Journalism Abounds at the Newseum
If the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds true, the wealth of photos found at the Newseum document the history of the world and its peoples in thousands of images. From the horrors of war and inhuman conditions to the beauty of nature or laughing children, photos tell the story of news and events.
There are many photo sections, some with commentary, some without. One area involves the photographer explaining exactly how the particular shot was created. Another area features Pulitzer Prize winning photographs, many of which are instantly recognized such as the sailor and nurse in Times Square at the end of World War II.
Every area of the world or of life is documented at the Newseum. There are features from the world of entertainment, sports, politics, nature, travel, education, science or any subject that affects humanity. The wealth of historical material at the Newseum makes for a fascinating visit. The various reporting stations throughout the building also display breaking news as it happens. The Newseum is, indeed, “all news, all the time.”
Source: Newseum brochure and tour
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
Join the Conversation