Buried Secrets: Congressional Cemetery’s Stories of Love, Tragedy, and Revenge

Congressional Cemetery is home to the remains of more than 65,000 people, including famous Americans such as John Phillip Sousa and J. Edgar Hoover. But many lesser-known figures who are buried there—from former slaves to one of the first gay veterans to challenge military policy—left behind powerful stories. Author and journalist Chuck Raasch explores some of those intriguing legacies and lessons during a walk through the cemetery.

For instance, Raasch tells the stories of the funeral procession for 21 women interred at Congressional Cemetery in which Abraham Lincoln was a mere participant, and the toppled headstone of a Washington socialite who disowned her daughter for marrying a Native American man on the Dakota frontier. The cemetery is a mile and a half southwest of the Capitol on the banks of the Anacostia River.

Know Before You Go

• Tour participants meet at the entrance of Congressional Cemetery at 1801 E St. SE, Washington, D.C.
• Street parking is available.

Additional Date Options for this Tour

• November 5, 10 a.m.
• November 5, 1:30 p.m.

General Information

• Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
• Smithsonian is a mask-friendly environment. Masks are strongly recommended to be worn on buses at all times and may also be required at various indoor sites.
• For additional tour information:
• Study Tour Policies
• Refund/Cancellation Policy