Architecture – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Making the Most of a Dark and Stormy Day

Yes, Tropical Storm Albert is encroaching on the Gulf of Mexico, but duty beckons. The LEAP Ambassadors are representing SHSU and the City of Huntsville in the TCMA‘s annual “Intercollegiate Bowl (ICB),” in which University programs compete for the title of the “Best Public Administration Program in Texas.”

But to participate, we first had to get there, and this involved loading up a 12-passenger van, and driving the eight hours to South Padre. Eight hours is a long time, but it’s especially a long time when it involves navigating a tropical storm.

University of St. Thomas

In our typical LEAP fashion, however, we made the most of our travels by learning as much as possible. Thus, we did a bit of homework on modern architecture and, specifically, Philip Johnson, whose buildings dotted our travels.

Our first stop was the University of St. Thomas, where we saw Johnson’s beautiful “St. Basil Chapel.” This post-modern design features a sphere (the dome), a cube (the chapel proper), and a plane, the latter of which cuts through the structure.

The front, made of concrete, is marked by a conspicuous cleft on the right side.

This is the entrance, designed to resemble a tent’s entrance, and it serves as a transitional space, ushering visitors in from the outdoors, but not quite indoors.

From this de-facto foyer, doors then lead into the interior, which is as beautiful as the exterior.

The Ceiling of the St. Basil Chapel (*Olivia Discon)*

Along the wall was an etching of the stations of the cross…

Victoria Medrano following the Stations of the Cross (*Olivia Discon*)

… a beautiful sculpture served functionally as the alter; and a pipe organ loomed large on the front-right wall.

The interior was illuminated through three openings, providing a diffuse and ethereal lighting of the chapel.

The chapel is the culmination of an “academic village,” which Johnson modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s design of the University of Virginia (which we visited in March!). In Johnson’s case, the chapel is at the north end of the campus, with the library on the south end, and academic buildings on the east and west sides.

And, interestingly, in one of those buildings, we saw the artwork of an old friend, David Adickes!

Smither Park

Although it rained for about 90 percent of the day, the precipitation courteously stopped or slowed at key points along our journey, including a stop at Houston’s Smither Park.

Recycled mundanities are placed in ways that create patterns which, in turn, can create beauty.

Thus discarded tiles turn into a river; old SHSU pins turn into a bright sun;

and broken glass, old signs, and other odds and ends turn into a “Fish Amphitheater.”

And have you ever seen a gecko playing the piano?

Corpus Christi

A few hours later, we rolled into Corpus Christi, where we resumed both our Philip Johnson tutorial and our refresher in Huntsville natives central to the Texas art world. Although the Art Museum of South Texas, showing much less resilience than SHSU students, closed for the day owing to the storm, we stopped by to see Johnson’s design.

The building, which has been expanded by Ricardo Legorreta, is stark white, with clean lines. It is perched on the seawall, and from the interior, at times provides a bunker like view into the harbor, where the USS Lexington serves as a historic artifact and museum.

Although we could not enter the building, we did peek through the windows, seeing a Dale Chihuly, Jesus Moroles, and Charles Pebworth. The real treat, however, was on the Museum’s lawn, where a large James Surls welcomes visitors.

The highlight for this group, however, was the Selena Memorial, which is on Corpus Christi’s Shoreline Drive. The site features a statue of Selena looking to the sea…

… a white flower facing west, and a cupola atop the memorial–which is titled “Mirador de la Flor,” or “Overlook of the Flower.”

Despite the rain, there were half a dozen people paying respects and taking selfies at the Memorial, us among them.

It was an interesting experience, interacting at a space designed to memorialize Selena’s tragically early death, while also capturing some of the hope and beauty reflected by Selena’s music.

And it was somewhat appropriate for the occasion, as our bi-cultural group returned to the car, slogged through torrential rains to South Padre, with hopes of a sunnier tomorrow and a bright future ahead.

A Day With the Founding Fathers

It’s difficult to see everything in Washington, DC. Knowing we would have limited time, we wanted to prioritize, and we made a “Founding Fathers” tour a priority. Fortunately, there are a lot of presidential homes in this area, and we were able to see Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Monticello.

Mt. Vernon

Olivia Discon

Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon stands as a testament to the life and legacy of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Visiting this historic estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Father of the United States. After all, we had to see for ourselves what compelled President Washington to remark “I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and Representatives of every Power in Europe”.

As you approach Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate emerges, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Potomac. The estate’s centerpiece, the mansion itself, is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, with its iconic cupola and striking symmetry. Interestingly enough, the structure was entirely crafted with wood and painted with sand to make the exterior appear as stone.

Before our tour, we witnessed a performance on the field, where a group of volunteers played “Grand Old Flag” and “Star Spangled Banner.” The music filled the air, creating a sense of reverence and patriotism that was truly moving. The crowd, including us, thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful moment!

Stepping inside the Home, you are transported back in time to the days when Washington called Mount Vernon home.

The mansion’s interior reflects the elegance and charm of the period, with meticulously restored rooms that offer a glimpse into Washington’s life as a plantation owner, military leader, and statesman.

The 9 guest rooms, in particular, are stunningly beautiful, showcasing the luxury and comfort that guests of Mount Vernon would have experienced.

During the tour, we also had the opportunity to see George Washington’s place of death, adding a poignant note to the visit. Standing in the room where Washington spent his final moments was a powerful reminder of his humanity and longstanding impact on the United States of America.

We also had the honor of participating in a ceremony for George Washington at his tomb. It was here that we were able to pledge allegiance, listen to a piccolo rendition of “Taps” before our President.

The ceremony was a beautiful and respectful tribute to Washington’s memory, highlighting the reverence with which he is still held by many Americans today.

In our short time in D.C., we had the opportunity to witness both our first and current U.S. President’s firsthand. These experiences have very built on top of each other to reinforce and contextualize the future experiences we will make both in the rest of our time in D.C. and beyond.

Montpelier

Olivia Discon

In the midst of exploring the foundation of our country (and its various presidential residences), it seemed only fitting to add another to our list: James Madison’s “Montpelier.” The home of the founding father was a testament to his remarkable intellect, his refined attention to detail and his dedication to serving others.

The elegance of the mansion was immediately noted upon entry.

The grand foyer, with soaring ceilings and an immediate immersion into fanciful busts and portraiture, welcomed us into the home with a sense of grandeur. The parlors and sitting rooms, with their period furnishings and delicate decor, spoke of a time when entertaining was an art form.

My favorite room in President Madison’s lavish home was his study. His desk was littered with papers…

…and the room’s walls were lined with books.

It was here that he spent hours contemplating the future of the nation. The study opened into one of the most intriguing features of the home, which would be President Madison’s final resting place. Even as President Madison continued to grow sick, his sharp wit and intellectual curiosity never faltered. Though he laid in bed sick, there was a door that connected the bedroom to the dining room, allowing him to engage in conversations with guests and work late into the night without disturbing his wife, Dolley.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Montpelier was its gardens. Similarly to Madison’s Presidential counterparts, the gardens were a testament to his desire to create a retreat from the demands of such a highly publicized life. We spent a bit of time here enjoying the serene landscape and botanical design.

It was easy to imagine James Madison himself walking these halls, pondering the future of the young nation he helped create…

…and we were immensely grateful to be guests—albeit a couple of centuries late!

Monticello

Michelle Cardenas

After visiting Washington’s Mount Vernon and James Madison’s Montpelier, we were eager to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. His beautiful estate is located in the rolling hills of Virginia.

I was extremely excited to visit Monticello, especially after my recent viewing of “Thomas Jefferson” by Ken Burns, a documentary that gave me a little bit of insight into Jefferson’s life and his home. Jefferson inherited thousands of acres from his father after he passed away. He had high hopes of one day building a home and with that the idea of Monticello was born.

Thomas Jefferson was incredibly intelligent; he was a man knowledgeable of many disciplines. He served as the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. However, he also had an incline toward architecture, engineering, innovation, and design. His love for Greek and Roman architecture influenced his design for Monticello as well as his admiration for the works of Andrea Palladio.

The home is incredible, the elements of the exterior are incredible, showcasing symmetry and one of the most famous Jeffersonian features, the dome. However, it does not compare to the interior of the home. Each room showcased amazing pieces that were collected by Jefferson and put on display for guests to observe and indulge in. Clocks, hunting trophies, animal skins, and fossils were on display.

The Parlor, which was my favorite room, was adorned with several paintings, portraits, chairs, Jefferson’s gadgets…

…beautiful drapery, chess boards, and maps.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Monticello is Jefferson’s inventive spirit. He wasn’t just a statesman; he was a visionary inventor. Jefferson created ingenious devices to make his daily life easier and more convenient. Amongst these inventions was the polygraph, a machine capable of making three copies of a document simultaneously. His home was adorned with various pulley systems, orchestrating tasks like serving wine with remarkable efficiency.

Construction of the home began in 1769 and concluded over 40 years later. The residence includes multiple guest bedrooms and cellars for food and wine storage to accommodate guests. Additionally, the home also included living quarters for servants, a blacksmith’s workshop,…

…a kitchen area, stables, and extensive farmland surrounding the main residence.

Walking through the halls of Monticello, there was something to admire in every corner. Jefferson held Monticello near and dear to his heart, it was his haven from his hectic career and political efforts. The home is a true testament to his brilliance and creativity. As we explored the grounds, we were reminded of the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation’s past and left an incredible mark on its future.

On the Outskirts of DC, the Center of Education

Cinthia Villarreal

To experience DC fully, we thought it important to visit just outside of the nation’s capital and explore a work by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Pope-Leighey House, and Old Town Alexandria.

Interestingly, Old Town Alexandria was, for many years, part of Washington, DC, but it was ceded back to Virginia in 1846. George Washington had a house in Alexandria, and he, in fact, surveyed the streets, which are laid out in a grid pattern.

It was a pleasure to see the historic buildings, the red-bricked streets, and the beautiful harbor area while learning more about the nation’s history and George Washington.

We also had the opportunity to see history of a more recent version: the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Pope-Leighey house is the essence of what Wright believed a home should be. It is a “Usonian” home, so designated by Wright to reflect its fundamental democratic and American nature. Like almost all of his houses, it embodies a horizontal motif, embodying, Wright believed, the non-hierarchical society in the United States. Moreover, as a Usonian, it was designed to be affordable.

To keep them affordable, Wright kept them small, while still incorporating his unique touches.

Wright was a firm believer that a home’s first purpose is to provide shelter from the outdoors. He exemplified this by having a low roof as one entered the house, in order to transfer the person to a sense of confinement and safety–shelter.

Beyond the entrance, however, the interior opens in the central living area, where the need for mere “shelter” gives way to higher order needs of family togetherness. This sense of “compression and release” was central to Wright’s architectural philosophy, and this has been, over the decades, adapted to the “open-floor concept” of today.

Another aspect of huge importance for Wright is connection with nature. He wanted his design to blend with the outdoors, to be one with its surroundings, which he achieved at times by using materials from the immediate surroundings for the material structure of the home.

He also utilized “transitional spaces” to usher people from the outside of the home to the inside. So, the outside eaves might provide light, similar to outdoor windows.

The indoors, too, might have windows in unusual places, to allow for light from the outdoors.

And, in the “community spaces,” the windows would be large (and they often opened, as doors) to allow full interactivity with nature.

Wright’s Usonian designs definitely stand out to us compared to the historical houses we have visited and will visit throughout this week. Nonetheless, this was a great opportunity for us to expand out limited knowledge in architecture and see how history, art, and social living interact.

Shear Madness is Sheer Fun!

by Cinthia Villarreal

As LEAP Ambassadors, we do our best to maximize our experiences. This means taking as many opportunities as possible in a given location. So, following a day of conference sessions, we took advantage of a free evening to see “Shear Madness” at the beautiful Kennedy Center.

As we entered the building, a majestic, jaw-dropping hall with worldwide flags hung from the tall ceiling greeted us…

…and at the end, windows from top to bottom with a red dragon on it allowed us to see into the Potomac River.

To add to it, the sun setting on the other side of the building gave us an amazing reflection inside the hall and an awesome view of the D.C. skyline.

While wandering around the building, we were able to recognize the artists of the various art pieces at the patio. Throughout the trip, we have seen numerous works of Lichtenstein so, even though not a fan favorite, we still felt proud to recognize his art.

This trip we have learned and gotten to know the work of Joel Shapiro. Using rectangular abstracts of human figures, Shapiro captures movement of the human body.

Olivia and I saw Debra Butterfield’s work on our Southwest trip at the Texas Tech campus and were ecstatic to see her work again, and in the other side of the country, too.

As we entered the Kennedy Center’s lobby, beautiful chandeliers showed the way into the theatre…

…and we were ready for the play to begin.

The play takes place in a present-day Georgetown in retro styled beauty salon where Tony Whitcomb and Barbara DeMarco, the hair stylists; Mrs. Shubert; Eddie Lawrence, an antique dealer; and Nick O’Brien, an undercover police officer, are introduced to the public.

As Tony and Barbara are at work, they get sidetracked and wrapped in current gossip, frequently unbothered about their costumer’s time or even safety. Suddenly a piano starts playing and Tony begins to complain about Isabel, the upstairs elderly neighbor who is also a worldwide recognized pianist.

Suddenly, the group is told that Isabel has been mysteriously murdered and everyone becomes a suspect to an open crime. As the interrogations begin, the crew starts acting suspiciously and begin to throw each other under the bus with the police in order to not be the main suspect.

What truly made this experience one-of-a-kind, is when Officer O’Brien turned to the public for their insight on the case. With this, the play became interactive, and the crowd begins calling the actors out for lying, covering each other, or acting suspicious. He then invited the public to ask questions, which forced the actors to come up with the answer impromptu, and consequently, start improvising with jokes about current affairs and even about the audience.

Being new to the theater world, I never thought I would find the theater so captivating and humorous. It was amazing to witness the true skills needed for improvisation and I seriously admire the actor’s professionalism and readiness for staying in character without knowing what was to come.

In a small way, it’s like being a LEAP Ambassador, grabbing opportunities as they come, even when we don’t know what might be around the corner!

Monticello: An Afternoon at Thomas Jefferson’s Home

Cinthia Villarreal Carrillo

My first time to travel to Washington, DC was earlier this month, when I traveled to the nation’s capital for the Congressional City Conference. It is an understatement to say that I learned a lot: in a three-day period, we saw President Joe Biden, Mt. Vernon, and on the last day, Monticello. It was a LEAP-worthy experience:

It was a beautiful day, perfect for the great tour that was offered.

As we walked along the grounds, we noticed a reflecting pool under a tree that is hundreds of years old. It looked like a perfect opportunity for a photograph.

I got as low as I could to maximize the reflection, and I got the photograph I wanted, just in time for our photography exhibit!

DC Institutions: A Capitol, A Court, and a Library

For three pre-law students who are considering legislative internships in Austin, and who (mostly) enjoy reading, you couldn’t ask for a better afternoon than seeing the US Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the US Capitol building. All three were amazing.

Supreme Court

Cinthia Villarreal

As we walked to the Supreme Court, we absolutely marveled at the building’s architecture, which was designed by Cass Gilbert. The building greeted us with a long hallway which had panels describing the judicial branch’s history and responsibilities.

This is a great introduction for anyone who is not familiar with the functionality of the Supreme Court, since it went into detail from the Court’s jurisdiction to landmark cases that we rely on to this day.

Personally, I was able to identify various cases I have read and briefed for my Constitutional Law course with Dr. Domino. This feeling of excitement overtook me as I was able to put my studies into practice and make connections from the textbooks to real life.

The end of the entry way included a statue of the Chief Justice John Marshall, the fourth and longest serving Chief Justice of the Unites States.

Chief Justice Marshall is known for his famous decisions that established not only key legal precedents, but also precedents for how the court would operate.

The main hall intersections with another hall that held some of the former Justices’ portraits. Including, of course, well-known Justices such as William Rehnquist, William Howard Taft (the only Justice to also be a President!), and Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female to be a Justice.

At the other side of the hallway, we were greeted with the special exhibition: “The Rise of Women Attorneys and the Supreme Court.” For aspiring women attorneys like ourselves, it was truly significant to learn about the women that began this movement. Reading their stories helped us put into perspective achievements and the work they undertook to be taken seriously in the field of law. They are the reason we are able to even imagine being attorneys.

We were also able to witness the Court’s spiral staircase, which is an architectural marvel, a mysteriously self-supporting elliptical five-story staircase. Moreover, the staircase’s railing were adorned with a series of rich symbols highlighting the care that builders put into their work, the classical influences on our government, and the beauty of the building.

We exited the building with more knowledge and respect for the Judicial Branch, excitement for our future as women in law, and further admiration for the beauty of the American government.

Library of Congress

Olivia Discon

Walking through the grand halls of the Library of Congress is like stepping into a literary treasure trove. As the world’s largest library, it houses millions of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and recordings, making it a pilgrimage for scholars, researchers, and book lovers alike.

Entering the Thomas Jefferson Building, the primary building of the Library of Congress, felt like walking into a palace. The grandeur of the Great Hall, with its marble columns, ornate decorations, and stunning dome, left us completely in awe. Some of the world’s greatest minds are featured along the walls, such as Shakespeare, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Homer, and Petrarch.

One of the most fantastic sights was the Gutenberg Bible, the first printed books in the world. To see this meticulously crafted book was a profound moment.

Jefferson’s initial donation to the Library of Congress included his personal collection of over 6,000 books, which he had spent years acquiring.

This collection covered a wide range of subjects, reflecting Jefferson’s diverse interests in philosophy, science, literature, and history. Among the books were rare and valuable editions, some of which were the only copies in North America at the time. Notable works included Shakespeare’s plays, Sophocles’ tragedies, Plato’s “The Republic,” and many other classical and contemporary works. I couldn’t help but comb through the titles and geek over Jefferson’s vast collection!

The Library of Congress is not just a repository of books, it is also a beautiful exhibit space. In fact, we were able to revisit some of our previously studied Dorothea Lange in one of their exhibits on photography.

it is also a place of artistic beauty. The stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and colorful murals that adorn the walls and ceilings of the building are a testament to the contribution of art and culture to our society.

Visiting the Library of Congress is an experience like no other. It is a journey through time and space, a chance to immerse oneself in the richness of human creativity and ingenuity. This was, by far, my favorite experience of the trip thus far!

US Capitol

One of the benefits of visiting DC during Spring Break is that we don’t miss any classes. One of the drawbacks is that we are in DC at approximately the same time as 1,000,000 eighth graders. Despite this deterrent, we trudged to the US Capitol for a bit of much-needed lunch (the Cafe was much better than the one at the Holocaust Museum) and to do a short tour.

The tours are not extensive. It involves watching a well-done film that lasts about twenty minutes, followed by visits to Statuary Hall and the Rotunda. Both of these are magnificent, if crowded.

Statuary Hall has an eclectic display of statues. Each state is allowed to choose two statues to be in the Hall, and we such interesting figures as Amelia Earhart (KS), Senator Barry Goldwater (AZ), astronaut Jake Swigert (CO), Robert Fulton (PA), and, of course, Sam Houston!

At the risk of delaying the tour, we rushed to the statue and took our photo. The statue was designed by Elizabet Ney, and we’ve seen it before; it is also in the Texas Capitol.

We also had a chance to see the beautiful rotunda, which is highlighted by the “Apotheosis of Washington,” by Constantino Brumidi. It is 4,664 square feet, and it’s a good thing, because it has to be seen from about 180 feet away.

The mural took almost a year to complete, and it was completed when–like now–the nation needed a unifying figure: 1865, the end of the Civil War.

Concluding Thoughts

Our afternoon tour ended with the Capitol Building, and it is appropriate. Washington, DC is divided into quadrants, a feature of Pierre L’Enfant’s design. And in the middle of those quadrants is the people’s branch: the US Congress.

Today, with changed voting laws and immediate communications, we may take interaction with elected officials for granted. But when the government was established in 1789, US Representatives were the only federal officials elected directly by the people. Today, of course, this would also apply to the US Senate and, aside from pro forma technicalities, the President as well. So, it was an appropriate place for us to end our tour. But as aspiring attorneys and newly-formed fans of architecture, it is really tough to beat the awe-inspiring majesty of the Supreme Court and the beauty of the Library of Congress.

A Monumental Day in Washington, DC

Following an epic day in the National Gallery of Art, we wanted to also fit in a trip along the National Mall. Given the size of the Mall, we knew this would be a challenge. But we were motivated, and we were determined, so we looked back on the Capitol–the major site we could see looking East…

…and set out for the first stop on our Mall tour: The Washington Memorial.

Washington Memorial

Cinthia Villarreal

The Father of His Country, The American Cincinnatus, and the Sage of Mount Vernon. These are all nicknames that George Washington has been called throughout history. For millions of Americans, the prestige for Washington does not stop at his title as first president of the nation or as commander of the Continental Army. For millions of Americans, Washington represents freedom and courage, and he was a trailblazer. It was an honor to witness the monument built in remembrance of the man that founded the nation.

The Washington Monument towered over the busy city as we walked to it.

As we got closer to the memorial, our excitement grew and our ability to form sentences vanished.

From up close, the 555-foot marble obelisk is absolutely incredible and left all of us in awe.

The monument was built in two phases, starting in 1848, the use of different types of bricks is visible from afar.

Around the obelisk, dozens of American Flags decorate the exterior of the monument, flapping through with the wind’s breeze, reminding us of Washington’s central role in forming United states.

Vietnam Memorial

Olivia Discon

Making our way further down the Mall, we took a stroll through the Vietnam Memorial. The structure is not without controversy, especially at its inception. Like all commemorative art, there is incredible importance in doing the subject justice, and when it comes to the perils of war, honoring the lives of those who have fallen is a difficult task. To learn more about the origins of the Vietnam Memorial, I read “A Rift in the Earth” by James Restin Jr. prior to our trip. The title is extremely fitting, as both the appearance of the memorial and the Vietnam War caused a rift in many senses of the word.

Designed by Maya Lin, the striking memorial has numerous symbolic elements. The granite sculpture protrudes from the ground in the shape of a ‘V’, with the 58,000 names of the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War (in chronological order). The mirrored nature of the 200-foot-long memorial evoked a profound sense of loss in what felt like a never ending list of soldiers. This monument is paired with two other sculptures, “Three Servicemen” by Frederick Hart and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial by Glenna Goodacre.

Walking through the list of names, we saw a small crowd of people surrounding part of the display. As we approached the scene, we quickly realized that Maya Lin herself was at the memorial!

To hear from the artist regarding some of the triumphs and struggles she endured while working on this project was a surreal, completely unexpected moment.

We were extremely grateful for the rare opportunity to speak with the artist alongside her work. And also, to snap a quick photo with her!

The odds of such a meeting were astronomical, and the excitement of meeting Ms. Lin combined with the sobering substance of the Wall was overwhelming.

Lincoln Memorial

At the far west end of the National Mall–we had made it half way!–we met with what turned out to be one of our favorite monuments: the Lincoln Memorial.

Architect Henry Bacon designed the memorial, drawing inspiration from the Greek Parthenon. The giant temple form is adorned with 36 Corinthian columns–one for each state in the Union at the time of the Civil War.

Daniel Chester French designed the actual statue that looms so grandly in the Memorial’s interior. It is 19-feet tall, and it’s impossible to walk into the temple without feeling small in the face of the statue and all that Lincoln meant to American democracy.

The view from this Memorial is amazing…

…and, in fact, this was such a momentous experience for us, we returned to the Memorial after dark.

Korean War Memorial

Cinthia Villarreal

The Korean War took place from 1950 to 1953, where 36,574 Americans and more than 7,200 members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army gave their lives for democracy. In commemoration to the war, the Korean War Memorial displays 19 stainless-steel soldiers in the deadly grounds of the war. Next to them, the Wall of Remembrance shows the name of the thousands of servicemen and the portraits of those unidentified.

The memorial simulates the experience of the troop on the battle ground. Their facial expressions were masterfully done, reflecting a mix of worry with fear and the heavy-looking bags on their backs, and wearing ponchos which they used during the cold winter nights.

Additional to the Wall of Remembrance, there is another granite wall with the quote “Freedom is not free” and around it, the Pool of Remembrance provides a place of reflection.

Even though this was very different from the other monuments and memorials that we visited, this spoke volumes to me. The Korean War Memorial reminds the day-to-day citizen that the freedom we enjoy today is a privilege and did not come out of nowhere. Millions of people have volunteered and died for the rights that we have today and it should not be taken for granted.

MLK Memorial

Michelle Cardenas

Washington DC is known for all of its memorials and dedications to different significant American events and leaders. Amongst these is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Memorial, a timeless tribute to the iconic civil rights leader. The granite monument was unveiled on August 28, 2011, and was designed by Lei Yixin. The memorial features a couple of Dr. King’s famous quotes, but the most spectacular part of the memorial is the great carving of Dr.King on what artist Yixin calls the “Stone of Hope”.

When we saw the great statue we stood there in awe due to its grandeur. The statue is carved onto the “stone of hope” which is rising from the “mountain of despair” symbolizing the triumph over adversity and relentless pursuit of justice. We walked around and read all the quotes that were on the crescent-shaped granite walls behind the statue, drawing inspiration from his words as well as from his legacy.

FDR Memorial

Olivia Discon

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), the 32nd President of the United States, has a longstanding legacy of service and heart for the American people. Having served 4 terms, during World War II and The Great Depression, FDR’s initiatives were instrumental in navigating America through some of its darkest days. The memorial features a series of outdoor spaces, each representing one of his four terms in office and the trials he and the country faced during his tenure.

One of the prominent sculptures is a statue of Roosevelt seated in a wheelchair, while wearing a robe, which largely obscured his wheelchair. At the time of FDR’s Presidency, disabilities were not widely accepted, and he took pains to hide the extent of his disability from the public.

FDR’s Memorial is laid out as more of a linear park, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of his presidency. We learned about World War II, the rise of media–especially radio (and his fireside chats)–and, of course, the Great Depression.

In fact, one of our favorite sculptures on the Mall was of the soup lines during the Depression. Forged by George Segal, these sculptures looked right in place alongside similar media used throughout the memorial…

…while also evoking many of the images we had seen by Dorothea Lange earlier in the day in the National Gallery of Art.

Jefferson Memorial

We found the location of the FDR Memorial, which was located along the Tidal Basin, allowed for great views of the Mall.

We could see the Washington Monument as well as the Jefferson Monument.

Eventually, we decided to make our way to see the Jefferson Memorial, which we hoped would begin to shine some light on a man whose life we would come to know over the course of the trip.

Designed by John Russell Pope (who also designed the National Archives and Constitution Hall), the Monument was completed in 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birthday. With grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr a large statue designed by Rudolph Evans (completed four years later, owing to material shortages during WWII)…

…and a front pediment featuring the Declaration of Independence designed by Adolph Wienman, there is much to admire in this neoclassical marvel.

We would learn much more of Jefferson later in the trip, as we visited the Library of Congress, Monticello, and the University of Virginia, but this was a wonderful introduction to Jefferson–and to the National Mall.

Concluding Thoughts

There are few sites as majestic as the National Mall, even in a City that is full of marvelous sites.

We differed in which monument we liked most, but we all agreed that the National Mall was one of our favorite sites among all trips we had taken, and it whet our appetite for days full of additional site-seeing.

Exploring the Nation’s Capital: A Day in DC

It was, for all of us (students), our first time in Washington, DC. So, despite the rain, wind, and cold, it was an exciting morning, promising adventure and wonder.

That sense was deepened on our very first stop of the morning: the White House. We did not know it, but our brief stop on Saturday morning was a foreshadowing of things to come!

And as we made our way to the Holocaust Museum, which would be our first official stop of the morning, we also passed the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where we saw one of our favorites: Luis Jimenez!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

by Michelle Cardenas

As we continued our journey through Washington DC, we made a stop at one of the most significant historical institutions, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Of all of the historic landmarks, the Holocaust Museum stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity and a reminder of some of the darkest chapters of human history.

As soon as you step foot in the museum the solemn atmosphere instantly engulfs you. The building itself is designed to make you feel like you’re a part of the industrial 1930s, everything from the elevators to the layout of the museum transports you to the times of World War 2 and Nazi Germany.

The museum is displayed in chronological order, effectively tying in personal stories of survivors, artifacts, and video presentations. The different kinds of media provided a new, deeply moving understanding of the Holocaust. The museum began with information about Adolf Hitler and the formation of his ideology and vendetta against Jews…

…moving swiftly into the discrimination Jews faced during 1933 due to their patriotism. Jews were being singled out since the beginning of the German regime and by 1939 most of them had already been prosecuted and taken to concentration camps where they would be either killed or worked to death.

There were many interesting and sobering artifacts on display at the museum. One that particularly caught my attention was the train cart where Jews were stuffed in and transported to concentration camps and gas chambers. It is one thing to read about these atrocious events but it’s completely different to see the items in real life and grasp the full concept of how awful this genocide was.

As we made our way through the museum we found something new that we had never really heard of. The Night of Glass was repeated throughout the museum and it referred to the day that Nazis burned down and destroyed all of the Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues that remained. On a display, they had rolls and half-burned remainders of the Torah that had survived the Night of Glass. Along with this was a door frame that belonged to a Jewish synagogue; the frame was cut up and the Nazis made sure to carve out any writing that was on them. This was incredibly interesting and peculiar to see because you could sense the feeling of hatred the Nazis had towards these people, that they went to the extent of destroying something so holy and pure to them.

The museum concluded with America’s response to the genocide and killings of all the Jews. In this part, there were many exhibits of all of the findings and evidence that these concentration camps were indeed real. There were piles of hair, dentures, jewelry, and other personal belongings that were stripped away from Jews.

Interestingly, art by Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra, Joel Shapiro, and Sol LeWitt is incorporated into the museum, adding to the sense of the sublime, while also suggesting a sense of hope. And this was made more vivid by the fact that the Jewish prisoners also sensed this, often creating art in the form of paintings, sketches, literature, or poetry as a way to alleviate or express the horrors of their experiences.

One of the more interesting finds for us was the photography of Roman Vishniac, who captured many scenes of Jewish culture from before the Holocaust. Because photography is a theme of sorts of this trip, this was particularly captivating for us.

It was very sad to see how much the Jewish community lost and the pain they suffered through. But this also underscored the importance of museums such as these, highlighting past atrocities and, we hope, making them less likely in the future.

Indeed, Dwight Eisenhower–whose forces liberated Europe–seemed to suggest this when he ordered his troops to film the horrors of the concentration camps, so that the tragedy would be preserved in history.

Union Station

by Cinthia Villarreal

After walking through Washington D.C.’s beautiful streets and admiring its impressive collection of art, we headed into Union Station D.C. Before going inside the building, we were able to marvel at the striking architectural design of the building. The towering columns and the Roman-inspired arches gave the station an intimidating yet alluring character. Nonetheless, when we walked inside the building, we became completely speechless.

Washington’s Union Station, which was opened in 1907, is a restored train station and shopping center and during its most thriving moments, it would transport up to 42,000 passengers daily. Even though it deteriorated over time because of high usage and low budget, the awe-striking creation by the architect Daniel Burnham was designated an historical landmark in 1969. Several rehabilitation programs throughout the years have worked on the station in order to keep attracting both alike tourists and locals.

The ceiling, which is what captured most of our attention, has been recently renewed and beautified. The contrast of the white and the 23-karat gold leaf of the design is extremely intricate. From the second floor, life-size statues overlooked the lobby we were standing in and the windows throughout the building truly amplified the space, even though not necessary.

After walking around the station and seeing the variety of stores they had, we settled down to have a great dinner to finish our eventful first night at the national capital.

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