Monumental Moments

A Journey Through 235 Years of History in the District of Columbia

Join the National Capital Trolley Museum for a celebration of Washington history! July 16 marks the 235th anniversary of the founding of the District of Columbia, created by an act of Congress to serve as the Capital of the United States. On July 19, 2025, we will mark this occasion by hosting a multitude of experts on the District’s history, covering a span from the city’s early years up to the modern day. Admission covers all presentations, as well as unlimited streetcar rides and access to the museum’s exhibits. A full list of speakers and topics can be found below. Each presentation will last approximately 20-25 minutes, with time at the end for questions.

12 pm- From Tohoga to Columbia: The Evolution of People and Society in Our Nation’s Capital [Josh Hirschfeld]

For over 4,000 years, the land we now know as the District of Columbia has been inhabited by various peoples. First came the Nacotchtank, then the English, and finally, the Americans. In this presentation, discover the ways in which these different groups interacted with each other and with the land over the centuries, learning the impact each had on the development of the National Capital we know today

1 pm- Are the Streetcars Really Gone? History Everywhere You Look! [Thom from Trains Are Awesome]

Like many American cities, Washington DC was a streetcar city for a whole century. But since the last streetcar closed decades ago, you might think there is nothing left. It turns out, our whole city is filled with secret clues that point to its streetcar past. Over six months, I biked across the city, documenting these remnants. They're in places where we shop, study, eat, worship, and work. Today, I'm sharing everything I found with you!

2 pm- What’s in a Name? Exploring the Stories and Secrets Behind Metro Station Names in DC [Andy Sandweiss]

How do we decide what to call our metro stations? Where do those names come from, and how do we influence—or even become influenced by—the names for our transit stops? This presentation will be an exciting journey through the history and stories behind the names of some of DC’s most famous metro stations!

3 pm- History Shared is History Saved! [Joe Himali]

History isn’t just about old trolleys, buildings, or dusty dates, it’s the glue that connects us to where we live and who we are. Knowing your hometown’s story gives you a deeper sense of place and helps build stronger, more connected communities. For governments, understanding our full and accurate history means making smarter, more representative decisions. The best part is that history is genuinely fascinating. It’s full of drama, discovery, and real-life stories that are way better than fiction.

3:30 pm- Panel Discussion

This is a unique opportunity to hear from all our presenters as they discuss parts of Washington’s history that didn't make it into their presentations, as well as providing answers to some of your questions!

Josh Hirschfeld:

Born and raised in Maryland, Josh has always had a passion for transportation and history. It's what brought him to volunteering at the National Capital Trolley Museum, where he has been able to combine these two interests in his role as a volunteer operator and as Social Media & Outreach Manager. He has taken this passion for travel and the power it has to connect others to his up-and-coming YouTube channel, Josh Does Travel, where he documents the various adventures he's taken, from scenic train trips, to flights to remote towns, and everything in between. Josh is continuing his education at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he is obtaining a dual degree in Economics and History.

Thom from Trains Are Awesome:

Thom is a content creator, transit advocate, and in his own words, obsessed with trains. Originally from the Netherlands, he has spent his youth in Holland and Japan, where his passion for transit developed. A recent Master's graduate, Thom currently lives in Washington DC with his wife Lindsey and their poodle Louie.

The creator behind the "Trains Are Awesome" channel on YouTube, he travels around the world documenting different public transportation systems. From calm, cross-country Amtrak trips to reviews of metro stations in the world's busiest cities, Thom brings an eclectic mix of content to his 80,000 subscribers every week. He has a special place in his heart for DC-area transportation history. His goal is to create a place where people come together to learn: from other countries and from the past.

Andy Sandweiss:

Andy Sandweiss is the co-creator and host of the Youtube series, "Secrets of the DC Metro” on his channel, Andy On Track. Even as a kid growing up in the small town of Bangor, Maine, Andy has always been fascinated with public transit, and works as a transportation planner in the DMV. Since launching his first video, "Secrets of the Red Line" in 2022, Andy has loved sharing his enthusiasm for transit with viewers throughout the region.

Joe Himali:

Joe Himali is a public historian and content creator who travels across the United States and the world producing exciting and engaging videos and content about the unnoticed, unappreciated and unknown in history, architecture and design to share with his loyal community of over 460,000 followers across multiple platforms. Locally, Joe conducts popular walking tours of neighborhoods and historic areas in the Washington, DC metro, and hosts public and private events related to history and historic preservation.

When Joe is not shooting videos or attending events you will find him representing buyers and sellers as a real estate agent with 26 years of experience working in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia