President Obama officially opened the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the nation’s capital. Attending the ceremonies were members of America’s oldest African American church, First Baptist of Williamsburg VA.

A highlight of the event was the ringing of the 150-year-old church Freedom Bell. The congregation was established in 1776, the year the American Revolution began. Many of the first members were slaves and freed-slaves. In the pre-Civil War days, church services were held secretly in nearby Virginia farm fields and forests. When your senior travels include Washington DC, for more info, go to nmaahc.si.edu/about/museum.Smithsonian Institution