According to one observer, when the monument the Revisiting Series examined this week was unveiled on M and Connecticut Streets NW, the place was absolutely buzzing. The heroic bronze figure sat draped in his academic robe, book in hand, and looked out on the streets packed with the wide spectrum of adoring fans: men, women, and children “of all races and nationalities.” It was May 7, 1909. The Marine Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and…

The Red Sox has permeated nearly every facet of Bostonist’s lives. When they’re not live-blogging the games, waxing poetic about the games, thanking Curt Schilling for his splendid work, or telling Dane Cook to watch his hair, they’re watching certain presidential candidates hop on the Red Sox bandwagon (sorry, Gothamist). The Sox are so branded on the local brain that people are using the Series to spice up their sex lives. Speaking of spice, Bostonist…

The opening night of Washington National Opera’s final production of the fall, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, offers yet another opportunity to wonder why in the world this opera remains so popular with American audiences. Most opera fans, myself included, love this opera because the music, especially for the title character, is some of the most memorable that Puccini penned. However, the libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica tells a story that should inspire disgust….

Back in April we noted that the National Museum of American History will be closing at the end of the summer for a two-year renovation project. Today we’re hearing a little more about what the museum plans to feature — aside from the Star-Spangled Banner Project — when it opens back up in 2008. Evacuation signs, lace valances stained at the high-water mark, and personal rosaries are among the artifacts that curators and historians…

After 22 straight scoreless innings, things looked bleak for the Nationals. With their highly-anticipated Battle of the Beltway on tap, the Nats had to beat the Cubs and Kerry Wood making his first start of the season. Well, a little bit of lineup shake up did the trick as four players, including Damian Jackson and Marlon Anderson, homered in a 5-3 victory over the Cubs. Firmly in fourth place, the Nats can now look ahead…

The National Museum of American History has announced it will be closing at the end of this summer for approximately 2 years to undergo major renovations, which will include architectural and structural improvements. The most obvious aesthetic change visitors will notice when the museum reopens will likely be a new, special gallery to house the Star-Spangled Banner. From the press release: An abstract flag, made of lightweight, reflective polycarbonate and approximately 40 feet long and…

If you get a few moments during the day, do yourself a favor and read Jefferson Morley’s cover story in the Post Magazine if you didn’t catch it this past weekend. Any longtime DCist reader knows about our love for local history and Morley’s well-written and well-researched article, “The Snow Riot” — which looks at Washington’s forgotten first race riot — is a great read. The piece details the capital’s 1835 race riot and gives…