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Post by stromloswordsusa on Sept 28, 2009 16:31:45 GMT
I need to be in Washington, DC for a few days at the end of October.
I will have my young kids, so will be a little limited, but what sword displays, museam's or fairs, traders etc are their to see in the area??? I have never been to the East coast at all, will have a hire car.
I am interested in Western swords, and military swords predominately.
Any help appriecated!
Rob
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 16:40:22 GMT
Rob, hey man. You'll want to take your kids to the Smithsonian, here's the site: www.mnh.si.edu/It is the only one I can think of that might have a medieval exhibit; the other museums (Air & Space, and the Spy one) won't have them. Make sure you have fun, eh? Edited to add: I'm a dummy....BKS is right in Baltimore, maybe 30 minutes north of D.C.! Maybe you can set something up with the Stagmers to have a special site visit or something, see the store room.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 17:37:04 GMT
I've haven't been to either of these yet but I plan to soon. I think it's at the museum of art but the Smithsonian has an exhibit of royal armour from Spain. Sounds really interesting! www.nga.gov/exhibitions/armorinfo.htmI know it may sound weird but apparently the Native American museum has a small collection of swords in their main room. Never been there though. www.myarmoury.com/feature_visit_nmai.htmlAs far as I know that's about it for swords and armour in DC. We really should have something better being in the nation's capital and all.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 18:46:33 GMT
I don't know...since our nation has no real history in things medieval, it makes sense they'd focus on what we DO have historical impact in or with. I agree, though- I would like to see a better representation of Medieval/Renaissance arms and armor.
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Post by Eaglehawk on Sept 28, 2009 19:07:45 GMT
Actually, all the buildings you mentioned are part of the Smithsonian. I believe there are about 14 buildings. I have been there several times over the years, but I can't say I remember seeing much on Armor and Swords. Of the Smithsonian, my favorite places to go are the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum. You can visit the mint, but it is only open during regular business hours. The Smithsonian Institute Building (The Castle) is the original Smithsonian building. A walk along the mirror pond is also nice. I have never gone up in the Washington Monument because there has always been a long line. And I have never been in the White House. And watch out for 14 Ave at night, that is where all the hookers hang out.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 19:44:14 GMT
If you get a chance, visit the National Gallery of Art. It's worth a peek, and they've got the Spanish armoury exhibit that was mentioned earlier in the post. Also, the Natural History museum is a blast. If I recall correctly, the smithsonian museums are free entry, too, so you can get the whole family in for nothing. And, if you're willing to travel a little bit to Baltimore, there's always the Inner Harbor, where you'll find the National Aquarium and the USS Constellation.
Good luck, and enjoy your trip!
OH! And the Walter's Art Gallery in Baltimore had a pretty cool medieval art exhibit that included swords and even some ossuaries. Good stuff. The swords should still be on exhibit, even if the ossuaries are gone.
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Post by stromloswordsusa on Sept 28, 2009 20:34:40 GMT
Thankyou, excellent ideas (and I am very much into history so many of these places sound good). Anywhere else??
Cheers, Rob
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Post by sparky on Sept 28, 2009 21:14:17 GMT
What to see in Washington DC............ Well, ME! ( Monday through Friday only ) The only thing I would add is the Viet Nam memorial, especially after midnight. Very sobering, moving, powerful.........
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Sept 28, 2009 23:16:16 GMT
Yeah, Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a nice place. We usually take visitors there when we can. We love the Aquarium and everything is in walking distance once you park. BKS is very close to the area and having been there I can recommend the visit but it has to be set up in advance with Matt and Kerry.
Philadelphia is around a 2.5 hour drive from Baltimore. If you want history, it's loaded with it. So many of the historical icons the kids learn about in school are in Philly. Also a slew of museums there. The Philadelphia Zoo is outstanding as well.
New York City is an hour more drive from Philly.........Statue of Liberty.
The area is full of battle sites from the Revolutionary and Civil wars..........particularly the Virginia's, Maryland, Delaware, etc.
I hope you have a great vacation.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2009 19:49:53 GMT
Mount Vernon is a great place to visit! Nice views of the Potomac, wonderful museum dedicated to all things George Washington - to include one of his sabers from the American Revolutionary War and lots of other period weaponry. Medieval? Not so much. Still, well worth the trip imho. www.mountvernon.org
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Post by stromloswordsusa on Sept 30, 2009 17:02:02 GMT
Thankyou all for suggestions (esp about the swords at American Indian Museum, never would have thought of that!), Now I am staying a few more days and hope to see most of these, and all the Smithsonian the kids can handle... Will definately contact BKS to arrange a visit - some nice work there.
Sparky, did you want to meet up and go there also?
This (very self indulgent) post made me wonder about a travel thread by state (and country) so people could post some sword display pics from standing displays or faires so travellers can look it up a little.
I could post any pics I get from there. Anyone think it's a good idea, or just more mush. (I would find it interesting to have info on other states, as I am an Aussie in a strange land). Thanks, Rob
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Post by sparky on Sept 30, 2009 18:48:05 GMT
Rob I'd love to. It would depend on when, my work and my kids (5 of em) schedules......... I generally never get to do anything. But it would be cool to try and make something happen. Rob (aka Sparky)
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Post by stromloswordsusa on Oct 1, 2009 0:11:28 GMT
Hey Sparky, I have 3 kids, all 5 or under, so I understand. My wife is looking after them, and said she could catch up with yours for a while if that helps... this will be rare time off for me too. I am now going to have to make a seperate trip to the east coast after I read this SFI thread on the biggest US western / military sword collections, all tantalisingly close but too far to go this trip. forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=95649I'll PM you with a date once I work out when will work. Swordsmen (and women) unite! Cheers, Rob
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Post by sparky on Oct 1, 2009 20:12:34 GMT
I forgot about the firearms museum not far out side of D.C. in Virginia. Not swords but what the heck. Rob
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Post by stromloswordsusa on Oct 9, 2009 16:12:54 GMT
Thanks again Sparky,
Yep will check out National Firearms Museum too (I also work in a gun store / range in Texas on weekends).
For the fun of it am thinking of going to the "Medieval Times" castle for dinner / theatre. Never been to one before - how is the sword fighting there anyone?
Sparky, you wanna bring the wife and kids to this?? Anyone else want to come (25Oct in Baltimore)?
Rob
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2009 16:38:33 GMT
Rob, Medieval Times is all about entertainment so it'll be fun, Hollywood style. They do some pretty interesting stuff though, I think your kids will definitely love it!
I used to go, but found out Ren Faires were much more fun for roughly the same expenditure, but whereas MT is a 1 hr show or thereabouts, you can be at the RF from sunup to sundown pretty much. But, the food is good, the serving wenches comely (generally- the one you're referring to is the same one I go to so, last time I went they were lol) - I think it's a great family outing type of thing.
Plus, Arundel Mills is one of the largest if not THE largest mall in the area; it'll take you a half hour just to walk the entire circuit- lotsa stuff to look at and buy.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2009 16:52:50 GMT
Agreed. Arundel Mills Mall is freaking huge. I haven't been there since shortly before MT opened (I went for a book signing by Robert Jordan), so I can't give any info on the restaurant, but I can say it's a big place.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2009 18:07:59 GMT
And they pack it in, too...from all over.
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Post by sparky on Oct 9, 2009 18:28:13 GMT
PM sent.
In a nut shell that's a bad weekend for me.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2009 19:51:59 GMT
There's also the renfair in Md depending on what day you get in the area. www.rennfest.com/Calendar's on the front page, hope you'd be able to make it there. Last day is a star wars themed day from what I've heard!
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