Summer Solstice

     On Sunday, June 21 (the Solstice), we had time for more sightseeing. We started the day by attending the Latin mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. We had been there before, but were still impressed by the beauty of the decorations inside the church.

Samantha and Suzanne at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

    After brunch we drove to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, which is near Anacostia Park. This was his home in the late 1800’s when he was U.S. Marshall of the District of Columbia. It is on a hill overlooking the city. I did not know much about Douglass, so I was interested in the film of his life. I learned he was born a slave, but eventually escaped to the North where he became an outspoken abolitionist, a noted speaker and author. He fought for not only the rights of blacks, but also of women and oppressed workers. He was admired by many in the U.S. and overseas. When we left we drove through part of Anacostia Park. It is a beautiful park along the Anacostia River and definitely warrants a return visit.

    We finished our day of sightseeing with a visit to Dumbarton Oaks. This is a house built in 1801. It has had many revisions and expansions. It was purchased by the Blisses in the late 1800’s. They were art collectors and used the home to show case their art. They wanted to make it a place of natural serenity and intellectual adventure. Now it has specialized collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Some of this is housed in a circular, glass pavilion designed by Philip Johnson. The museum is surrounded by an extensive garden. It is in an area of the city with several turn of the century homes and small museums. The whole neighborhood is full of trees and flowers.