Washington, D.C.
The United States at 250
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. During Long Winter Weekend, Deerfield students will travel to Washington, DC, to investigate the efforts underway to mark this anniversary and explore how Americans have constructed, contested, and celebrated their national identity over the past quarter-millenium. Students will step behind the scenes of America’s most iconic institutions and symbolic spaces, engaging directly with politicians, diplomats, historians, curators, artists, and thought leaders. At a time when questions of belonging, identity, and national purpose continue to shape civic discourse, this trip offers students the opportunity to observe how a democracy engages with its past while shaping its future. Students will return with sharpened skills in listening across difference, a deepened capacity for engaging courageously with competing ideas, and the vision to imagine an America expansive enough to hold all of its contradictions, struggles, and dreams.
Program Notes
- This travel program takes place during the entirety of Long Winter Weekend. Students will depart campus together on Thursday, February 5, and return to campus together on February 9.
- Due to the types of visits during this trip, class dress will be required for some visits.
- As part of Deerfield’s commitment to face-to-face interactions, during certain times of the trip students will be “unplugged” without access to cell phones.
- Students and faculty leaders will update families and friends at home through our Notes From The Field blog. Students should plan to bring their laptop during this trip.
Program Dates
February 5 – 9, 2026
Program Eligibility
This program is open to all students with a preference towards those with a willingness and readiness to actively engage guest speakers with questions. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Please note that this program overlaps with Wrestling and Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving commitments through the athletics department.
Program Snapshot
Accommodations: Hotels
Meals: Group meals at hotels & restaurants
Activities: This program will include extensive walking outside, site visits, and meetings with various stakeholders.
Faculty program Leaders
- Brian Hamilton
Estimated Cost: $2,450
All meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities during the program dates are included in the program fee.
2026 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
Given the nature of the organizations, government officials, and other high-profile speakers that the Deerfield group has the opportunity to visit and engage with during the Washington, DC, program, the final itinerary is still subject to change. As a reference to what students on this program might experience, we share some of the highlights of this five-day program.
In recent years, students on the Washington, DC, program have had the opportunity to visit iconic sites and government buildings while engaging in conversations with officials such as Justice Kavanaugh at the Supreme Court. Deerfield students have also had the chance to visit for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Meta, Georgetown University, and NBC Studios, among others. The program typically includes attending a performance at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as a Capitol tour with meetings with representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties, such as Rep. Jim McGovern.
Health & Safety
We take student health and safety seriously. Please review the resources and information below as you consider applying for the trip.
Travel Medicine Advisory Letter
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter