Above It All - Washington National Cathedral

George Washington's Mount Vernon

George Washington is often called the Indispensable Man. But what did home look like for him? A beautiful mansion overlooking the Potomac, certainly. Also broken tools, endless laundry, livestock, fertilizer, and employees receiving very detailed instructions. If you’ve ever worked for a micromanager, we’ll have something to discuss. Join me as we explore George Washington’s Mount Vernon — from the mansion to the slave quarters, the blacksmith shop, and the gardens — and discover what it took to maintain Washington's style of living. The outbuildings tell stories visitors too often walk past. Why was repairing tools such a large part of the blacksmith’s work? How did the household preserve its food? Why was there so much laundry? And what could the quality of salt possibly have to do with the American Revolution? We’ll explore Washington’s passion for farming, his attention to the smallest details, and the estate he shaped to reflect his ambitions. Along the way, we’ll encounter a gardener recruited from Europe, a wall with a peculiar name, and an outdoor "necessary" with three seats. Privacy was different then. The mansion brings us into Washington’s domestic world, where he welcomed visitors, hoped to enjoy retirement, and ultimately died. At the old and new tombs, we’ll consider how the family managed his resting place—and how Americans came to treat it as a national shrine. At the African American burying ground, we’ll remember the enslaved and free people buried here and consider how archaeological research is helping recover a history long overshadowed by Washington’s fame. Our visit also includes time in the museum to explore the objects behind the legend, including those famous dentures. There’s a story there, too. With conversation, storytelling, and a little humor, we’ll connect the grand view from the piazza with the demanding work behind it. You’ll leave knowing more about Washington—and about the people who made his home possible.

Arlington National Cemetery: Secrets and Stories

Embassy Row: Divinity and Diplomats

A grand house makes a statement. So does the country that chooses it for an embassy. Along Massachusetts Avenue, buildings once created to display private wealth now represent nations. Flags have replaced family names, but the desire to make an impression remains. Join me, David Shaw, for a walk from Washington National Cathedral toward Dupont Circle. We’ll explore the people behind these addresses: those who built their fortunes, those who represented their countries, and those whose lives became part of the neighborhood’s history. There is beauty here, but also ambition, conflict, faith, and the occasional political absurdity. We’ll look closely, ask questions, and discover how much a street can tell us about Washington. You’ll leave with memorable stories and a richer understanding of how people and nations establish their place in the capital.

See it All - Customized Private Tours

Perhaps there’s a part of Washington you’ve always wanted to explore. A place you’ve passed a hundred times without knowing its story. Or a question about American history that you’d love to understand better. Let’s start there. I’m David Shaw, and I’ll work with you to shape a private tour around your interests. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning with friends, or rediscovering the city you call home, we’ll find the places and stories that make the experience meaningful to you. Along the way, we’ll explore the people behind the landmarks: their ambitions, achievements, contradictions, and the choices that still influence our lives. Expect honest historical context, engaging conversation, and a little dry humor when the circumstances deserve it. You don’t need a finished itinerary. Tell me what sparks your curiosity, and I’ll help with the planning. The aim is a day you’ll remember together—and a deeper understanding of Washington that stays with you.