Philidelphia and the Independence Hall

One day, LeGrand and I just decided to take a day trip to from DC to Philidelphia to see the important place where our treasured Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. It was probably the movie National Treasure that gave us the desire to see it with our own eyes, but we didn't dare mention it there because the tour guides kept cursing Nicholas Cage for "getting it all wrong." However, one security guard proudly told us that he was working the day they let the movie star chase around on top of all the historic buildings to film the movie. The guard sounded a little jealous. Whether they "got it all wrong" in the movie or not, Ithink it was probably great for making Americans want to come and see the sites for themselves.

We loved this fieldtrip! Right in the middle of a busy city, there is an original block of vitally important historical buildings, graveyards, and churches. We love those Founding Fathers and their inspired works.

Independence Hall

This is the main room of Independence Hall where our Founding Fathers argued, persuaded, shared, and finally signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  LeGrand and I were very touched by the "Spirit of Place!"

Original inkwell set used for BOTH the signing of the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution.



1st Floor of Assembly Hall




original working copy of Bill of Rights




Window of Assembly Hall with reflection of Constitution Hall Bell Tower




2nd Floor of Liberty Hall

The ORIGINAL chair in which George Washington sat in Independence Hall!

An original working copy of the Constitution





 

Let Freedom Ring! Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

The crack in the bell that caused it to be replaced.

What a treat to see the Liberty Bell that hung over Constitutional Hall alerting the citizens of important occasions!  After the bell cracked they replaced it with another, but then and now it stands as a symbol of freedom.

Bell tower where the Liberty Bell once rang.

More Niagra Falls Pictures

Niagra Falls

This is a view of the bridge from the United States into Canada. The border is right down the middle of the river. We own the Falls, but Canada might have an easier view of them from across the way.. .

Rainbow at the base of the Falls.

Mom served a fulltime mission in the Palymra area.  I remember her talking about Niagra Falls so I was excited when LeGrand decided to take that diversion and see the Falls on our Church History Trip. I so very much wish I could talk to her now about her mission and her experiences in New York. 

There are two different sections of Niagra Falls.  This is the first and the second is a horseshoe canyon "just beyond the river bend. . ."

Horseshoe Canyon with the really big falls.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress was a real highlight of our time on the National Mall.  Besides being a very old, historic, and beautiful building, it has remarkable collections of original documents and books to view.  No cameras are allowed in the special galleries and I'm wondering if my imagination is getting the best of me or if the goosebumps I felt as we wandered through were from what I thought I really saw!  So so so cool!  These pictures are of the building people are allowed to tour.  There are actually several other libraries that the public is not allowed to enter.  This building did hold some "don't-even-try-to-get-in" rooms that required special permits.  I guess you have to be Nicolas Cage to enter. 

Marble floors, stairs and colums,

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A relief sculpture over the entrance depicting knowlege from different places and time periods.

Watergate Building

We found this infamous building on the hike to the Kennedy Center. 

Freedom of Speech

Black rally on the lawn of the Capitol.  Notice the Washington Monument in the background.

Martin Luther King Day protest

The United States Capitol

All Americans ought to visit Washington D.C. and the National Mall and get that "the United States of America is TRUE" testimony. The Washington National Mall is a big row of wonderful (and free) museums and amazing buildings. At the end of the row is the Capitol Building, inspiring by itself. On the recommendation of two of my good friends, we made a concerted effort to visit the Library of Congress. Note to all who visit the Mall: see the Library of Congress!

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Legislators' Entrance (Back of the Capitol Building)

LeGrand on the Capitol Lawn

Isaac and Lucy Morley Farm

William Black, our great grandfather came West to seek his fortune mining gold in California. When the company he was with stopped in Salt Lake City, he heard the restored gospel taught, joined the Church, and said, "I've found the gold I've been seeking."

Withdrawing from the Gold Rush company, William Black forfeited all he possessed as was agreed in the company contract when he signed up to go West. Isaac Morley then took the destitute new convert under his wing and "tended" him like a tender father until William was on his feet. In honor of the man who was so kind to him, William changed his name to William Morley Black.

Talking to the hosts at the Morley Farm in Kirtland, Ohio, we learned that this is just the kind of man Isaac was to everyone. He was a generous, faithful man--true to the prophet and strong to the end. He allowed the Saints to live on this wonderful farm in Kirtland until he sold this farm and joined the first saints who moved to Jackson County, Missouri.

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The Morleys had a beautiful place that they shared with whomever needed a spot.

The Morley Farm

Wildflowers at the Farm.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

LeGrand finally realized a life-long goal--he sang at the Kennedy Center!  Of course it was just to the adoring audience of one (me).  He sang well though.

After we failed in our attempt to get tickets to America's Divine Destiny program, we took the free tour of the Kennedy Center.  It was pretty cool!  Next time we visit, we may try to get tickets to see something here.

JFK supported the Center's goal to bring culture and arts to the DC area.  During his presidency, Kennedy set aside federal funds to support the Center so they renamed it after him.

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Many countries donated items or money to the Center.  For their support, Israel was given space for it's own reception room. The room is pretty artsy in a cool Near Eastern style. This picture is of just one part of a mural that is painted on the roof of their reception room.td>

This is the Presidential Box with the real deal seal on the wall and all.

On the third floor of the Kennedy Center, there is a nice outdoor plaza.  This is a view of Georgetown University from that plaza.  Of course, I had a telescopic lens. . .

Also from the plaza we could see the Pentagon.  The tour guide told us the horror of seeing the smoke and carnage of the 911 attack.  The black helicoper buzzed us a few times.  LeGrand said I looked suspicious.