O, Say Can You See...

The National Museum of American History (http://americanhistory.si.edu/) is always a fascinating place to visit with its 3 floors of more than 3 million historical artifacts. We arrived shortly before 10am, admiring “Infinity”, the stainless steel sculpture whose top rotates ever so slowly, almost unnoticeably. A large number of us were waiting outside for the doors to open, when suddenly the “Star-Spangled Banner” could be heard softly over the outdoor speakers and somewhere behind us we could hear a couple people quietly singing along…very cool.

Once past the security checkpoint, the first thing you see is a 40’ x 19’ aluminum abstract waving flag made of 960 reflective tiles. It hangs above the entrance to an exhibit called “The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired The National Anthem”. The gallery behind it houses the original flag that was flown over Fort McHenry nearly 200 years ago measuring 30' x 34'. It's preserved behind floor-to-ceiling glass with very low lighting, and for its protection no photos are allowed. The exhibit tells the story of the flag and the National Anthem including an interactive display that details the steps taken in repairing and restoring this flag over the years.

The museum initially opened in 1964 as the “Museum of History and Technology” and in 1980 was changed to its present name. The Museum collects artifacts of all kinds preserving them for the American people as a historical record of our past. The exhibits explore major themes in American history and culture from the War of Independence to present day including artifacts from 9/11 in the section titled “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War”. The photo at left shows the steel column assembly from the South Tower's 70th floor while the photos below reflect WWII and Vietnam.










Another section of the Museum covers the American Presidency including but not limited to artifacts from their terms in office, accomplishments and scandals, their relationship with the Supreme Court and the press, dresses of the First Ladies, assassination attempts and funerals, and one of the most memorable items, the top hat worn by President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater the night he was killed. Also in the same case is the flag that was flown on his funeral train as it traveled from Albany to Utica, NY.

One of the newest exhibits since our visit last year is entitled “1939”, a small gallery showcasing items and events from the Great Depression to the beginnings of World War II. As the display indicates, it outlines how entertainment helped provide Americans an escape from their troubles and a hope for the future.
There’s obviously an incredible number of historical items to view and experience at the Museum from the original chairs used at Appomattox where Lee surrendered to Grant to a transportation area displaying the many modes of transportation dating back to the 1800s to cultural icons like Dorothy’s slippers and C3PO to the original Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter from the 1960s sit-in and so much more. We spent 3 hours here and still didn’t see everything this trip, but that was ok because we had seen it all in previous visits.









There were two more choruses visits during the past couple of weeks, and one of those had not initially been in my plans when we got here. First though, I revisited Capital Accord Chorus, and although their director, Sherry, was out of town, Kate did a superb job filling in. Several ladies were out sick, but I could see the progress they had made on their contest material just since my last visit. I had such a great time as I was able to sing on the risers for nearly the entire time, and even remembered a couple of the songs without needing the sheet music! One of the ladies in this chorus had approached me last time to ask if I’d be interested in visiting the Pride of Baltimore Chorus. Betty is a dual member, singing with both choruses, and car pools with a couple other ladies each week. Pride of Baltimore is about an hour from where we are so, but the spot where the car pool meets was only 20 min. from here so I definitely made plans to attend.

First let me provide a little background info. I initially saw the Pride of Baltimore Chorus (www.prideofbaltimorechorus.com/) back in 1996 when they were a little chorus of about 30. I was living in CA, was brand new to Sweet Adelines, and all of the previous year’s small chorus champions had been invited to the first ever Performers’ Seminar & Festival in St. Louis. Even though I had not been with my chorus when they won, I was still eligible to perform, and not having been to the Regional contest, my exposure to other choruses was extremely limited. When Pride came onstage, you could tell there was an immediate difference in the caliber of what we were about to see…they were awesome! Now keep in mind, this was a seminar & festival, and we were repeatedly told not a contest, but somehow Pride was declared the winner! (It continued to be a running joke for years.) Our chorus had created commemorative t-shirts listing all the participating choruses which we sold as our fundraiser. I still have mine and decided to wear it that night as you can see in the photo at left. (Standing with me is Betty on my right and Sally, who is also a dual member who I met during my visit to Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.)

Pride of Baltimore is now a chorus of over 100 women, and has earned multiple international medals including three 2nd place medals. They are currently under the direction of Master Director Joe Cerutti, but unfortunately he was out sick the night I visited. Asst. Director, Cyd, did a fabulous job leading the rehearsal starting with some excellent vocal warm-ups, which I participated in after some vigorous physical warm-ups! Acting as coach was former member and International Quartet Champion, Leslie Wooday (didn't get a good photo of her). Also couple of chorus quartets sang for us: Notorious (who come from 4 states to harmonize and took 3rd place at last year's Regional contest after having only been together for a year and ...sorry about the bad photo angle!), and East Coast Swing, a brand new quartet. The chorus is in high gear preparing for their upcoming Regional competition and are as awesome as I remember. I spent most of the time sitting out front watching, learning, and chatting with Debbie, the lead with Notorious. What a grand way to end my Sweet Adelines tour of Region 19!