Understanding what may or may not be open in the event of a possible Government Shutdown can be confusing. The good news is while the perception is that most things close during a government shutdown, the reality is that a very high percentage of student-friendly attractions will remain open and/or accessible. Additionally, there are amazing non-government-funded attractions available to students on the Historic East Coast during government shutdowns. 

Please find below an overview of what would likely remain open, what might close, and alternative attractions for students touring Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, New York City, Boston, and Colonial Virginia in the event of a Government Shutdown: 

WASHINGTON, DC

Likely Open:

  • Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery remains operational and open to the public during government shutdowns, as it is funded through separate appropriations.
  • Monuments and Memorials: Open-air sites like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument remain physically accessible, though visitor services may be limited.
    washington.org
  • Private Museums and Attractions:  The following will remain open:
    • International Spy Museum 
    • Mount Vernon 
    • Museum of the Bible
  • National Building Museum: As a private entity, it continues operations during a shutdown.

Likely Closed:

  • The Smithsonian Institution, which includes the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Natural History Museum, typically closes its museums and the National Zoo. However, the Smithsonian often utilizes prior-year funds to remain open for a limited period during a shutdown. For instance, during the 2018–2019 shutdown, Smithsonian museums stayed open for 11 days before closing due to depleted funds.
  • Capitol Visitor Center
  • National Archives: Access to historical documents and exhibits will be restricted.
  • Ford’s Theatre: Historical site and museum operations may be suspended.
  • National Museum of the United States Army
  • National Museum of the Marine Corps
  • The White House Visitor Center and The People’s House 
  • The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Closure during a federal government shutdown has varied in the past. For instance, during the 2013 shutdown, the museum was closed to the public. However, in other instances, the museum has remained open, maintaining essential operations and public access.
  • Washington Monument and Memorials: Tours are closed but the typical photo stops are available 

Rest Rooms in Washington, DC – The National Park Service will still manage select restrooms. In the past shutdowns, there have been open restrooms located at:

  • WWII Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial South Side
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial

PHILADELPHIA 

Likely Open:

  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: A city-funded institution that remains open.
  • Eastern State Penitentiary: This historic site operates independently of federal funding.
  • Franklin Institute
  • Museum of the American Revolution 
  • National Constitution Center 
  • Rocky Steps 

Likely Closed:

  • Independence National Historical Park: Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this park is federally managed and would likely close.
     yahoo.com

GETTYSBURG

Likely Open:

  • Park Roads, Monuments, and Trails: These areas within Gettysburg National Military Park remain accessible to the public. However, services such as emergency assistance and maintenance may be limited.
    nps.gov
  • Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center: The museum exhibits, film, and cyclorama painting are available to visitors. Licensed Battlefield Guides continue to offer tours during this period.
    nps.gov
  • Dobbin House 

Likely Closed:

  • Soldiers’ National Cemetery: The cemetery, including the annex, is closed during a government shutdown.
  • David Wills House
  • Eisenhower National Historic Site

NEW YORK CITY

Likely Closed:

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: These sites are federally operated and typically close during a shutdown.
     yahoo.com

Likely Open: 

Pretty Much Everything Else, including:

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: As a privately funded institution, it remains open.
  • American Museum of Natural History: This museum operates independently of federal funding.

BOSTON

Likely Closed:

  • Boston National Historical Park: Encompassing sites like the Bunker Hill Monument and parts of the Freedom Trail, federal operations here would likely cease.

Likely Open: 

Pretty Much Everything Else including:

  • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: A private institution that continues operations.
  • New England Aquarium: This attraction is not federally funded and remains open.

COLONIAL VIRGINIA 

Monticello: The historic home of Thomas Jefferson is privately owned and operated by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. It does not rely on federal funding and remains open to visitors during a government shutdown.

Colonial Williamsburg:  Managed by a private foundation, Colonial Williamsburg operates independently of federal funding. Therefore, it remains open during federal government shutdowns.

Historic Jamestowne: Jointly administrated by the National Park Service (NPS) and Preservation Virginia, during a government shutdown, NPS-operated facilities and services may be suspended, potentially affecting access to certain areas. However, portions managed by Preservation Virginia may remain accessible. It’s advisable to check directly with Historic Jamestowne for specific details during a shutdown.

Jamestown Settlement: This living history museum operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia is not federally funded and remains open during a government shutdown.

Yorktown Battlefield:  As part of the Colonial National Historical Park managed by the National Park Service, in the event of a government shutdown, NPS sites like Yorktown Battlefield typically close to visitors.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown:  Operated by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it remains open during federal government shutdowns.

St. John’s Church (Richmond, VA): Known for Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death!” St. John’s Church is owned and operated by a private foundation. It does not depend on federal funding and remains open during a government shutdown.

Pamplin Historical Park: Located near Petersburg, Virginia, Pamplin Park is a privately funded institution and operates independently of federal funding. Therefore, it remains open during federal government shutdowns. However, as of February 2024, the park is closed except by appointment. 

As in past shutdowns, the NationsClassroom team will keep Tour Leaders informed of the likely status of each destination. This process will begin no later than 21 days prior to your departure.

Nations Classroom