Leadership
April 06, 2026
Thank you to Fiona B. ’26 and Kaitlin K. ’26 for sharing reflections from the trip for this news story.
Rumsey Hall’s VIIth Form (ninth grade) students recently returned from a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., an experience that brought their classroom studies of American history and government to life through firsthand exploration.
Departing campus early Friday morning, students traveled to the nation’s capital where they began a full itinerary of educational visits. Highlights of the first day included a guided program at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and an evening tour of several of Washington’s most iconic memorials, including those honoring Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and veterans of WWII and Vietnam Wars. These moments offered students the opportunity to reflect on the individuals and events that have shaped the nation.
On Saturday, the group deepened their understanding of American government with a tour of the United States Capitol, followed by a visit to the Library of Congress. Later in the day, students visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they observed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an especially powerful and memorable experience.
The day concluded at National Harbor, where students enjoyed time together, reinforcing the strong sense of community that is central to the Rumsey experience.
On their final day, students visited the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum, engaging with exhibits that explore innovation, engineering, and the history of flight. Interactive simulators and hands-on experiences added an element of excitement to the learning.
Throughout the trip, students demonstrated curiosity, engagement, and enthusiasm. As reflected in their own words, the experience was not only educational but also memorable, filled with shared moments, laughter, and meaningful connections. From museum visits to group reflections and time spent together outside of scheduled activities, the trip strengthened both their academic understanding and their bonds as a class.
Faculty members and trip leaders noted how valuable it is for students to encounter history in this immersive way. Experiences like these encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and see the relevance of their studies beyond the classroom.
“I love seeing the light bulb go on with kids the moment they draw a connection between what they learned in class and what they are observing at a memorial. For example, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial references Michelangelo’s Pieta, which the kids study in Global History class, and they recognize the meaning and connection between these two works.” – Sean Kinsella P’22, ’23, ’26, Upper School History Department Chair & Washington, D.C. Trip Leader
