Our tours

Lincoln assassination – Private requests only

Why did America’s most popular actor kill the president? And how did he do it? We stroll from the White House to Ford’s Theatre and many points in between over 90 minutes examining many of the sites where John Wilkes Booth stalked President Abraham Lincoln before killing him at the end of the Civil War. A madman exacting revenge for his beloved South or maybe more. Rick is a distant relative of John Wilkes Booth and co-conspirator Mary Surratt so keep a wary eye on him.

Tours begins 10 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church steps at 1525 H St NW (16th and H) by Lafayette Park and White House, and ends at Ford’s Theater.

Sex, Scandal and Sinners Along Embassy Row — Private requests only

They were the super rich of the Roaring Twenties. Parties for 2,000 with $1 million spent on a dog’s birthday. A daughter of Teddy Roosevelt who became a fashion icon. Across the street was a daughter of a rich gold miner who carried the curse of the Hope Diamond. A third iconic party host filled a local paper with gossip. Embassy Row isn’t short on stories on affairs, gossip and even a grisly terrorist bombing. DuPont Circle to Sheridan Circle may now be filled with embassies, but it was once the playground of the wealthy. We’ll also see Kalorama with two former presidents’ homes plus other famous people and the Spanish steps.  Tour begins at 10 a.m. and ends at the DuPont Circle fountain at the intersections of Massachusetts Avenue NW, Connecticut Avenue NW and New Hampshire Avenue NW.

Georgetown’s Famous Folks and Buildings

 We’ve combined our two Georgetown tours into one. You’ll see the canal, colonial buildings, homes of famous people like the Kennedys and much more. This two-hour walking tour includes the Old Stone House, several historic churches and buildings, a brief walk along the canal while it’s under repair, Francis Scott Key Park named for our national anthem’s author that lived nearby, “Exorcist” steps where the horror movie’s climatic scene was filmed, Car Barn from the cable car days, university campus and homes where John and Jackie lived before their White House days. Tour begins at the Old Stone House at 3051 M Street N.W.

Old Town Alexandria –

Carlyle House

Walk the city streets of 1700s still alive today with stories of the Carlyle House with its rich merchant owner, Captain’s Row with one captain having 29 children, Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern, Torpedo Factory and more during a 90-minute stroll amid shopping and restaurants. The town of George Washington and Robert E. Lee across the Potomac River from Washington has been voted a top 5 destination by several national magazines. Tour begins 10 a.m. at 300 King St. across the street from the fountain.

Details about Capital Photo History Tours:

Who is your tour leader?

Rick Snider is a long-time Washington journalist. He’s also an experienced licensed Washington tour guide who loves telling the history of his hometown.

How strenuous are tours?

Anyone in general good health can handle our tours. We walk, talk, photograph and repeat over and over. Tours vary from 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Can I exchange tickets for another tour?

Sure, we know things happen. All tickets sold can be used for any of our tours. We appreciate a prior email or call if you’re not coming and when you’d like to use the tickets.

What about bad weather?

We go rain or shine, though thunderstorms will make us take cover.

Do you have children’s discounts?

Kids 11 and under are free. Otherwise, ticket prices are the same for all ages.

Can I bring my dog?

We love dogs, but not on tours. It’s more of a tripping hazard.

What if I would like a private tour for myself or my group?

No problem. We do those all the time. Just email your request below with the preferred date.

Please send all inquiries to MonumentalThoughts (at) gmail.com