Monumental Moments
History Is All Around Us
Discover the stories, people, and places that shaped Washington, DC.
Join us at the National Capital Trolley Museum on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for Monumental Moments, a celebration of Washington, DC history.
July 16th marks the 236th anniversary of the founding of the District of Columbia, established by an Act of Congress to serve as the capital of the United States. To celebrate, we're bringing together historians, transportation experts, and popular content creators for an afternoon of fun and exploration.
Admission includes all presentations, unlimited rides on our historic streetcars, and access to the museum's exhibits. Each presentation will last approximately 20–25 minutes and includes time for audience questions afterwards.
Presentation Schedule
12:30 PM: Washington's Historic Streetcar Car Barns
Joe Himali
Long before Metro, Washington moved by streetcar, and the buildings built to house those cars were treated as civic showpieces rather than simple garages. This presentation explores the remarkable architecture behind the city's historic car barns, from Waddy Wood's Romanesque Revival East Capitol Street Car Barn to the Italian Renaissance-inspired structure on 14th Street. Discover why transit companies hired some of the city's finest architects to design homes for their streetcars and how many of these buildings still stand today as apartments, offices, and even an active bus garage.
2:00 PM: How We Got to the Mall: Transit on America’s Front Yard
Jake Sawyer
Step into the National Mall’s past and discover how getting around Washington has changed over the centuries. Join the National Park Service's Jake Sawyer for a fascinating look at the Mall’s transportation history, from the canal that once ran where Constitution Avenue is today to the little-known story of the nation’s first attempted Air Mail service, launched from West Potomac Park. Along the way, you’ll uncover surprising stories of innovation, ambition, and transformation that helped shape the capital we know today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden stories beneath familiar landscapes, this presentation offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most iconic places.
3:30 PM: The History of Railways in DC
Thom de Boo & Andy Sandweiss
Washington became one of America's earliest railroad cities in the 1830s and today is home to one of the nation's busiest rail hubs. Thom and Andy trace nearly two centuries of railway history, exploring how railroads transformed the city and influenced transportation across the country. From political intrigue to engineering milestones, discover the fascinating story behind the tracks that continue to shape the capital today.
Our Speakers
We hope you can join us
Whether you're a lifelong Washington history enthusiast or simply curious to learn something new, Monumental Moments offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories that shaped our nation's capital.
