[SkateDC] Inauguration Day at the Newseum

[Emily Bennett]

After weeks of discussion with the United States Secret Service, the Newseum management is fairly confident we will be open on January 20 from 10 am 'til 10 pm.
 
Almost certainly against my better judgement, I have placed my name on the list of Newseum staff "volunteering" (we're not volunteers, and they are paying double wages) to work that day.
 
And I'd like to invite all y'all to join us.
 
Tickets will cost the usual $20 for adults, $18 senior, $13 children 6-17.  That $20 ticket will guarantee you ... well on that day there are no guarantees.  Our outdoor terraces have been reserved for security and media personnel and gear, and will be unavailable to the the general public for the entire day.  We have three broad balconies and a staircase with great overviews of the parade route, nearly certain to be jam-packed with people for the duration.  We will be broadcasting the parade live in two locations in the Newseum - the giant screen in the Atrium, and the 90-foot long "Big Screen Theater".  And when you get bored/tired of looking over/under/around people, you will have DC's niftiest new museum to explore.  Plus you'll be out of the weather.  With clean comfortable restrooms, and tasty (if pricey) Wolfgang Puck food available in the cafeteria.
 
The Newseum is recommending that you purchase and print out your ticket(s) in advance online at www.newseum.org. Their policy is that if you cannot use your January 20 ticket on that day for any reason (weather, hassle factor, the Secret Service changes its mind, etc.), they will honor that ticket through December 31, 2009.  We will have a special line set up for folks who have bought their tickets early, but there will be plenty of people in that line with you.
 
Note: Newsum visitors will have to go through the same screening checkpoints as the other parade-goers.  That means you will not be able to bring backpacks or strollers.  The Newseum has strollers available at no charge in our coat check area.
 
The closest metro station is Archives/Navy Memorial, but it will be closed that day.  The two next closest stations are Gallery Place and Judiciary Square, both on the Red Line.
 
If all this sounds like too much hassle, you are most likely right.  But hey, it is History.  You might as well see it at the Newseum.
 
Inaugurally yours,
 
Emily