Monday, July 25, 2011

Kids these days… -- by Alec Frazier

The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture in the Old Patent Office Building
This week, my workplace was home to a camp for children with visual impairments. There was a lot of activity and noise as they learned how to use screen-reading software, were taught internet safety, and generally socialized. During this time I was known more formally as "Mr. Alec!"
The Kogod Courtyard of the Old Patent Office Building, designed by Lord Norman Foster, Baron of Thames Bank
On Wednesday we went to the International Spy Museum. Unfortunately, it was overwhelming for us all. The folks there did not do a good job of making the museum accessible, and there were loud sounds, almost shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and tight spaces. Many of the kids couldn't comprehend what was going on, neither could a person with Sensory Integration Disorder, such as myself.
The Former Patent Display Halls of the Old Patent Office Building
On Friday, we went to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Built as the Patent Office Building, it is now home to the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of American Art, both of which are branches of the Smithsonian Institute.
The Newseum
On Saturday, our internship went to the Newseum, the News Museum. It's amazing how much they had: the pen used to sign over the U.S.S.R.'s nuclear arsenal to Russia; a package sent by "Patches the Clown", otherwise known as serial killer John Wayne Gacy; a section of the Berlin Wall and a corresponding Watch Tower; and the death mask of John Dillinger, America's most notorious bank robber. What will knock your socks off is that this is all just on one floor of a seven-story museum!
Alec Poses on the Newseum's Sixth Floor Pennsylvania Avenue Terrace, with the U.S. Capitol View Behind Him
Afterwards, we went out to eat at the Capitol Grille and a good time was had by all!
AAPD Interns and Staffers Finish Dessert at the Capitol Grille

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