SPS 2014 at the Newseum!

On the Newseum roof -- what a day and what a view!

This afternoon the St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2014 visited The Newseum, a museum that celebrates the history of newsgathering and the First Amendment. The Newseum's exhibits include eight sections from the Berlin Wall (see photos below); the "Checkpoint Charlie" sign that marked the entrance to the American Sector in Cold War-era; a great exhibit of 80 front pages from today's date from around the world; a terrific gallery of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs over the years with audio commentary from the photographers; and a very fun 4D movie highlighting the exploits of under cover reporting pioneer Nellie Bly. (Bly was the pen-name for Elizabeth Jane Cochran, who was most famous for successfully feigning insanity and subsequently exposing the brutality and neglect of New York's Women's Lunatic Asylum.) The Newseum also has a fun interactive exhibit in which visitors can try their hand at broadcasting the news or weather. This is one of our favorite SPS weekend activities every year and we highly recommend it for visitors to Washington D.C. An added highlight this year was getting to watch some breaking news on the giant TV screen in the atrium -- overtime and penalty kicks in the Brazil-Chile World Cup soccer game. 

Later today, SPS 2014 will have a chance to meet some of their predecessors at the Annual SPS Alumni Garden Party!

Miki and Jahlyn in front of a section of the Berlin Wall

Aubrey, Dominik, and Rebecca in front of a section of the Berlin Wall

Rebecca has the White House in the palm of her hand!

Elexis and Aniyah on top of the city!

Maliyah and Mackenzie ready to break a big story!

These guys look like professionals already!  60 Minutes, look out!

Watching penalty kicks in the Brazil-Chile World Cup game in the atrium of the Newseum (if you look closely on the upper left you can see the penalty kick in progress -- good action shot, Mr. Stephany!)