Who has visited the Holocaust Museum in D.C.?

[Doran]

My mom and I are headed to the BIG CITY tomorrow to spend the weekend together there. She mentioned an interest in seeing the Holocaust Museum, (as well as the WW II Memorial) and I will honor her request if it still stands tomorrow. But, I have to admit that I know it will be a heavy, heavy experience to be there. I hope I don't slip into a funk that will affect our ability to enjoy being together. I tear up just thinking about that whole time in our history, it is so completely appalling to me.

Just wondering if anyone had direct experience to share?

Doran

[GVA]

I've gone several times over the years, but frankly I haven't taken my children yet and will probably wait until the teen years.

It is an emotional experience, but it's also well done. You'll never forget it.

[OnTheBrink]

It IS very emotional, but extremely well done. Get there early for tickets (which are free) so you can get a time for the tour. I think everyone should experience this.

[Mogster]

Abolutely amazing museum. Very sobering.

[gratefulmother]

I agree, very sobering. My mom and I don't turn emotions off very easily, so I probably would not do it if we were hoping for a fun weekend together.

[readwithem]

I would go as well, but just know that you won't be able to see it all. It's almost overwhelming, just because of the volume of documentation we have for that time period. But very very effective. I'll never forget the shoes....

If you want a less heart wrenching experience, there is a children's exhibit called Daniel's Story (or something like that - it's been several years since we were there). It still gets the point across but is not as severe.

[Leah]

It is very well done, but it is a very emotional experience. I agree with another poster that you can not see everything there, so just go at the pace you are comfortable with. Be willing to take in what you can and leave the rest. There is really so much there to read, see and process so you should not feel like you have to see it all.

[angela in ohio]

I can't even imagine going to it. When my mom talks about visiting some of the sites of camps in Germany, I lose it. When I just drive by the outside of the museum in the Detroit area, I lose it.