Some of our group had the opportunity to observe the People’s March happening in D.C. before the inauguration. Watching people protesting next to iconic D.C. landmarks was a unique and powerful experience. To hear perspectives from those participating in the march, click here. Photo by Erin Nicklas.
Participants of the People’s March in front of the Lincoln Memorial. After walking from Franklin Park to the National Mall, the crowd listened to several speeches from the event’s organizers. Photo by Pat McCabe.
A few people in our group ate at GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar after the People’s March because it was recommended to us by a friend. We all really enjoyed our grilled cheese sandwiches and would recommend it to anyone in the area! Photo by Erin Nicklas.
Our group had the incredible opportunity to watch the confirmation hearing for Pam Bondi, Trump’s attorney general nominee. It was interesting to observe things in the hearing that you would not see on TV, such as the photographers sitting on the floor. To learn more about Pam Bondi, click here. Photo by Erin Nicklas.
One of my favorite sweet treats of the trip: the s’mores milkshake at Ted’s Bulletin! This restaurant is a D.C. establishment known for its all-day breakfast and amazing milkshakes!
Photo and caption by Hannah Goldsmith.
Despite what the movies might tell you, the Declaration of Independence does not have a secret map on the back. Trust me, I checked.
Caption by Elijah Alsop.Photo by Eve Loehrer.
A protester at the People’s March dressed up as the Dr. Suess character, the Lorax. The message “Unless” signifies that unless action is taken on the environment, it will only degrade further. | Caption by Elijah Alsop | Photo by Eve Loehrer.
Instead of just offering stickers and t-shirts, the gift shop at the National Museum of the American Indian sells pottery, beadwork, and more by Native American artists. Check out some of the items featured in the shop here. Photo and caption by Eve Loehrer.
National Archives Rotunda where the “documents of freedom” are stored, including the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Photo by Pat McCabe.
While walking to get coffee before the Women’s March on Jan. 18, I saw construction workers boarding up businesses along the march route.
Photo and caption by Eve Loehrer.
The “Where do words come from?” exhibit at Planet Word was one of my favorite parts of the museum! This wall of words is accompanied by narration that teaches visitors the history of languages, and how the words we use in our daily lives were formed. You can read more about Planet Word here.
Photo and caption by Hannah Goldsmith.
For dinner, a group of six of us shared this platter at Family Ethiopian Restaurant. Some of the dishes we had included doro wot, tibs, and tekil gomen, served with injera. Everything was delicious and we left nothing on the plate.
Photo and caption by Eve Loehrer.
Over at the White House interactive exhibit across the street from the real thing, Lily tried out the president’s seat. Photo by Pat McCabe, caption by Lily Wasserman.
The sunset over the Smithsonian Castle is gorgeous, as the city begins to light up. To learn more about the night sky, check out the exhibit at the Museum of Natural History! Photo and caption by Lily Wasserman.
After touring the Museum of African American History and Culture, Lily got a beautiful view of the sun setting over the Washington Monument. A perfect end to a great outing! Photo and caption by Lily Wasserman.
On Wednesday, January 15 we were able to watch the confirmation hearing of Pam Bondi, former president Trump’s nominee for Attorney General. Pictured are classmates Will B. and Raya H. listening in to the opening statements of President pro tempore of the Senate,Chuck Grassley and Senator Rick Scott. Photo and caption by Amanda Favazza.
After part of our class was able to listen to oral arguments at the Supreme Court, the rest of the class was able to explore the court. Group member Liv S. peered up the infamous spiral staircase.
Photo and caption by Amanda Favazza.
As the inauguration looms over Washington D.C., the city is preparing for large crowds and literally setting the stage for the event on Monday, January 20.
Outside of the AFL-CIO building, we saw crews building metal barricade walls.
Photo and caption by Amanda Favazza.
From left to right; Raya H., Liv S., Miguel A., Eli B., Cassie C-F, Nora M. Waiting to get into the Supreme court for lunch and to visit the exhibits on the first floor on Tuesday, January 14th. Member Eli B. had previously been in the Supreme Court that morning to hear oral arguments for two cases being heard that morning. Photo by Amanda F. and caption by Liv Swaney.
Members Liv S. and Raya H. got a clear shot of the capital after the Pam Bondi confirmation hearing. The east front is abnormally clear with the ongoing festivities around the Inauguration. Photo by Eli B. and caption by Liv Swaney.
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While visiting the Word Museum on Thursday, January 16th, Morgan R. was cheered on by local middle school students. The students were joining in on the fun and a unique memory was made in the most unlikely of places, a museum about language. Photo and caption by Liv Swaney.
On the evening of Thursday, January 16th, our group held one of our final dinners together. This was an amazing chance to connect with people in our large group where we might have not had the chance to spend significant time with. Thanks to RPC, Kristen and Amy for providing us with not only the meal, but the chance to get to know our peers better! From left to right, Chloe Gayer, Reid Stevens and Eli Benson. Photo and caption by Eli Benson.
During our fourth and final trip to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 14th, I had the opportunity to speak with two Texans who made the trip to D.C. to view the case the following day, “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas.” We held fantastic conversations about differing views, and learned that they had the opportunity to write an Amicus Brief for the Supreme Court! From left to right, Eli Benson, Kristine Ludwinski, and Christy Werner. Photo and caption by Eli Benson
Taken right as our final trek to the Supreme Court began, I reflected upon leaving the hotel at 6 a.m. for a chance to sit in on Supreme Court Oral Arguments. Despite the cold and long wait, the opportunity was well worth all adverse conditions, and I would do it again, no questions asked. Photo and caption by Eli Benson.
Alan Fox and Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA03) pose for a photo on the balcony of the Longworth House Office building in Washington, DC. Congressman Nunn was kind enough to meet with our class and talk about his life as our Congressman in Washington. Photo by Lily Wasserman and caption by Alan Fox.
Bonus picture! Group 1 made a collage of books that spelled out Drake during our Wayfinder activity on Wednesday, January 8th. It is not a normal picture or really pertains to anything but it is a cool image! Photo and caption by Liv Swaney.
Pictured in the photo (Left to right): Chloe Gayer and Professor Amy McCoy. Prof. McCoy joined us on the second half of the trip and we are so lucky to have her! While waiting in line to get into the Supreme Court, we were able to take pictures in front of the beautiful Supreme Court building. Picture by Chloe Gayer and Caption by Raya Hoppe
Pictured in the photo (Left to Right): Imman Yimer and Eve Loeher. As we adventure to new places and beautiful buildings, of course we have to take advantage of it! Picture by Chloe Gayer and caption by Raya Hoppe.
Our entire group got the amazing opportunity to meet with Congressman and Drake Alum Zach Nunn. He shared insights about his work in congress particularly about bipartisanship. To learn more about Congressman Nunn, visit https://nunn.house.gov/
Photo by Zach Nunn’s Staff and caption by Raya Hoppe
Pictured in the photo (left to right): Amanda Favazza, Nora Miller, Cassie Franco, Olivia Swaney, and Raya Hoppe
Our group got to visit the beautiful Library of Congress. The library is truly like no other and holds amazing history. For more information visit https://www.loc.gov/ Picture by Will Blevins and caption by Raya Hoppe
Pictured in the photo (left to right): Alan Fox, Miguel Abellan, and Torin Johnson
During our visit with Rep. Nunn, he allowed us to sit in the seats of the house agriculture committee. Alan Fox, Miguel Abellan, and Torin Johnson (left to right) sat in the vice chair, chair, and ranking member seats. Picture and caption by Raya Hoppe.
Students Michael Mitchell, Cassie Contreras-Franco, and Will Blevins (left to right) got the opportunity to go on the balcony of the Rayburn House office building. They met with Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-3) who is a proud Drake alumni.
Photo and caption provided by Will Blevins.
On the first full day of our J term trip to DC the group was walking around Capitol Hill. Here we stumbled across the United Methodist Building which as seen in the photograph was in mourning of former president Jimmy Carter. The following day Drake students gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to pay respects to the former president
Photo and caption provided by Will Blevins
Since arriving in D.C it has been amazing to see the abundant and colorful “row houses” that line streets in mostly every neighborhood in the city. For more information on the history of architecture in the city visit DC’s Row Houses: A Love/Hate Relationship – DC History Center
Photo and caption provided by Will Blevins
Local coffee shop and cafe, Tryst, offers a wide variety of coffee, pastries, and small bites. Located in the Adam’s Morgan neighborhood it’s a must see for those visiting the city.
Photo and caption provided by Will Blevins.
Pictured in the photo: Raya Hoppe
During our free time, we visited museums all over D.C. We stumbled upon the Planet Word Museum, a museum about language. The photo above showcases their library exhibit that brought back memories of childhood books we once read.
Picture by Cassie Franco and caption by Raya Hoppe.
Pictured above: Pam Bondi taking the oath
Our group got the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the Senate Confirmation Hearing for Attorney General Nominee, Pam Bondi.
Photo and caption by Raya Hoppe.
Religion is a huge part of the DC culture. From grand beautiful churches all the way to people spreading their message on the streets. Today I had the opportunity to speak with someone spreading the mission of the Jehovah witnesses. He declined to have his photo taken, but gave me a brochure including many things about their mission. Within the brochure and on their website their message is clear; how to get into paradise. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to see so many cultures, and communities blending into one place! https://www.jw.org/en/ Written by: Madilin Vrieze
Calling all foodies, the food in DC is amazing. With so many different cultures, communities, and ethnic groups the food in DC is so diverse. The food they are most known for is their Ethiopian food. With one of the largest populations of Ethiopian immigrants in the United States the food here is spot on. In this photo you can see a very traditional dish called doro wot, the flavors blend together perfectly with a hint of spice. This dish is packed with flavor. DC is definitely the place to get Ethiopian food! Written by: Madilin Vrieze
This image of historic protest signs was taken at the Museum of Natural History. Throughout our trip we have seen a number of protests on the streets of D.C., and while in this museum I formulated a question in my head; will the signs of protesters today be on display in this way in the future? Written by Nora Miller.
This image was taken in the Library of Congress David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery and depicts a test of one of the first nuclear bombs: the Trinity Test. I was struck by the fact that we have images of the most destructive creation in the history of man on display, and appear as simple stills, when in reality this technology devastated and decimated Hiroshima, Japan. It was an interesting moment to reflect on how so often we view the past as singular moments on a timeline as opposed to continuous moments that have all created our reality. Written by Nora Miller.
There was a select group of us who decided we wanted to go to the Supreme Court and hear oral arguments on the TikTok ban. That plan failed. But, because we missed a group breakfast that morning, we were able to make it up on Thursday before we started our day! Written by Sam Buegler.
Before this trip, I don’t think a lot of us knew very much about Export-Import Bank, however, we got the chance to meet with Jess and Ruth who work there, and hear their stories. The work of EXIM is incredibly important, and is vital to helping our nation’s economy. Written by Sam Buegler.
At our visit to Export-Import Bank of the U.S., the rapidly approaching inauguration looms large. As a government agency, EXIM’s chair is appointed by the president. I took this photo to commemorate one of the final days of the Biden-Harris administration and, therefore, the final days of these picture on this wall. By Morgan Ryan.
During a break between meetings, I visited Planet Word, an interactive museum about language near our hotel. As shown in this image, this section of the exhibit asks visitors to read a provided line from a book. Once I did, a miniature set appeared, depicting the scene in the book. By Morgan Ryan.
On the way to the Smithsonian Museum of American History, me and my group ended up in a Metro car all to ourselves! While we weren’t on the train for long, it was a cool but brief experience to have in the city. Written by Torin Johnson.
While at the National Portrait Gallery, I visited the display showcasing the portraits of all of America’s Presidents. Following the passing of Jimmy Carter at the very end of 2024, the city has been flying all its flags at half staff, which is expected following the death of a President. But it was interesting to see inside the gallery in this period of mourning, as on the top of Carter’s portrait, they had put up a small set of drapes at the top. A small way to continue mourning that you’d only see inside the gallery. Written by Torin Johnson.
Drake in DC 