Demonstrations, Protests & Riots in Washington, DC - Guided Walking Tour
“Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for rights.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I’ve Been To the Mountaintop Speech - April 3, 1968
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees our Freedom of Speech. As a capital city Washington, DC has witnessed hundreds of demonstrations and protests, and even some riots. Many of these more noteworthy events had a significant impact on both Washington, DC and United States history.
Join us for a guided walking tour as we explore some of the most important demonstrations, protests and riots that have taken place in Washington, DC.
As April 4th is the 52nd anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 our program will emphasize the role Dr. King played on our local and national history.
Program Outline
Snow Riot: 1835
Women’s Suffrage Parade & White House Silent Sentinels: 1913-1919
Ku Klux Klan Parade: 1926
Bonus March: 1932
Marian Anderson - Lincoln Memorial Concert: 1932
Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom: 1957
March on Washington & The I Have a Dream Speech: 1963
Vietnam War Protests: 1965-1972
Washington, DC Riot: 1968
President Nixon Impeachment Protests: 1974
LGBTQ Marches: 1979-Present
Million Man March: 1995
Women’s March: 2017
Please note that this is an educational program and that the various views expressed by the organizers of these historical events are their own, and do not necessarily represent Washington, DC History & Culture, which is a non-partisan, non-profit organization.
Registration: As this is a limited space event (and to reduce “no shows”) there is a $10.00 per person registration-in-advance fee / donation to attend (children are free), with proceeds supporting our Washington, DC History & Culture non-profit community programs. Full refund if the event is cancelled, or if you change your RSVP to “no” at least 48 hours beforehand.
You do not need to bring your ticket/confirmation with you. Upon arrival we’ll just check your name off our RSVP list.
Weather: This event will take place light rain (sprinkles) or shine. If it’s on our calendar without any event updates, then we’re proceeding as scheduled.
Meeting Point: Outside of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. Please note we won’t be going inside the museum, we’re just meeting there, outside of the Madison Drive (National Mall / south-side) entrance. Look for your host, Robert, and a group of friendly people. We’ll have our traditional group icebreaker introductions and then proceed on our tour.
Itinerary - 1.5 Miles:
African American History & Culture Museum (exterior only) - Meeting Point
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Martin Luther King Memorial - Ending Point
Ending Point: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is our official ending point. However, you are welcome to join us in walking back to the African American Museum and/or the Smithsonian Metro station.
Additional Questions: Anything that can’t be answered by the above event description, Google, or common sense please let us know.
This program is presented by the non-profit community organization Washington, DC History & Culture:
“bringing people together to experience the history and culture of Washington, DC.”
For more entertaining and educational programs visit us at:
#DCHistoryAndCulture
We look forward to seeing you - thanks!
Robert Kelleman
Washington, DC History & Culture
202-821-6325 (text only)