Immerse yourself in women’s history on this 4-day trip designed for tour guides and public historians (and your guests!). Explore Washington, DC not only as a tourist admiring marble and monuments, but as a traveler supporting local small businesses, navigating off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and broadening your perspective.
Take your relationship with DC to the next level by stepping away from your “work office” in the museum, writing your book, or leading tours on the National Mall and venture into into parts of the city that bring history to the surface. For those ready to see DC through a new lens and expand their knowledge beyond the typical itinerary, this is an opportunity to blend your personal and professional worlds.
Dates: January 27th-30th 2027
An intentional and socially responsible way to move through Washington, DC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I live in DC. Is it still worth attending?
Yes. Local guides can participate for the full experience or choose a one-day option, making it possible to explore parts of the city professionally and socially without committing to the entire four days.
Do I need to be a licensed tour guide to participate?
No. The experience is intended for tour guides, public historians, museum professionals, interpreters, educators, and other storytellers working with history and place. Guests of participants are also welcome.
What do you mean by “public historian”?
Public historians share and interpret history outside of a traditional academic setting. That can include tour guides, museum professionals, park rangers, docents, educators, preservationists, writers, and others who help make history accessible to the public. Academic historians are also more than welcome to participate while understanding the experiences centers a more “public” approach to education.
Will my guest need to participate in the professional-development portions?
The entire experience is blended to benefit both historians and their guests. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the full experience and contribute to the group dynamic, but the program is designed so that everyone can opt-in and out where they feel comfortable.
Can I arrive late or leave early on a particular day?
We really encourage you show up on time and be fully present. The magic of a group trip is allowing relationships time to grow and trust to be built over the course of several days. However, you can make the decision that is right for you.
How much independent time is built into the trip?
The program intentionally includes a mix of structured group experiences and independent time so participants can rest, explore, shop, eat, or spend time with friends and family.
Will we be using Metro, rideshare, or walking between activities?
We will mostly be walking but there is a chance we will use Metro during the tour. You will likely want to use metro to and from meeting spots at the start and end of each day. Our team can help you plan!
Where should I stay?
Lodging is not included, and participants may stay wherever they prefer. Choosing a hotel with convenient Metro access will generally make it easier to join each day’s programming.
Do I need to stay at the same hotel as the group?
No. There is no required group hotel.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers are essential. January in Washington can be cold, wet, windy, or snowy, and much of the program takes place outdoors.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Participants should communicate dietary needs in advance. TOHO will work with participating restaurants and vendors to accommodate every dietary restriction. We have 2 planned meals together and the rest of the meals will be on your own to advocate.
What if I have mobility, sensory, hearing, or other accessibility needs?
Generally, we are mindful in planning an accessible experience or are able to pivot in the moment. However, we want to maintain the integrity of the tour for all participants. Please reach out before registering or as early as possible so TOHO can discuss the itinerary with you and identify where accommodations may be possible.
Will there be places to sit or take breaks?
Breaks are built into the experience, seating is possible, but not guaranteed at every stop. Participants who need additional rest are encouraged to communicate with the TOHO team.
Can I participate if I’ve already toured Washington many times?
Yes. The program is specifically designed to help experienced guides see familiar places differently while also introducing neighborhoods, stories, businesses, and sites that may be outside their usual DC itinerary.
Is this primarily about women’s history?
Yes, women’s history is the central lens, but the experience also explores local culture, social justice, public history, interpretation, neighborhoods, food, art, and the broader story of Washington.
Will I be expected to talk about my own work?
There is no requirement to present. However, participants are encouraged to share their experiences, projects, businesses, books, tours, or areas of expertise when appropriate. There will be casual opportunities as well as a more formal chance.
Can I bring books, business cards, or something I created?
Yes. This is a community of professionals, and participants are encouraged to bring materials that help others learn about their work.
Is there a formal networking event, or is networking informal?
Both. The experience includes intentional opportunities to connect, but much of the relationship-building also happens organically while walking, eating, exploring, and spending time together.
Will I receive anything documenting my participation?
Participants who complete the full 4-day program will receive a certificate of completion. If someone needs documentation for an employer or professional organization, they should ask TOHO in advance about what can be provided.
Can this count toward continuing education or professional-development hours?
TOHO can document participation, but whether the program qualifies for continuing-education credit depends on the participant’s employer, association, licensing body, or certifying organization.
Who is welcome? Can children and men attend?
Yes, attendees can register their children as well. We empower each family to determine if this itinerary is a good match for their family! Be sure to consider the amount of walking, the length of the days, winter weather, and the professional nature of some conversations. We’d love for you to merge your professional and personal worlds. Reach out for clarity! Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of identity: men, children, women, LGBTQ. TOHO facilitates an experience that prioritizes social justice, civic engagement, education and mindfulness. Participants will be supported in and expected to respect the cultural norms of local DC as guests in the city.
What happens if a museum or site unexpectedly closes?
Washington schedules can change because of weather, security, government operations, special events, or venue availability. TOHO may substitute, reorder, or adjust programming while preserving the overall purpose of the experience.
Will there be opportunities to ask Kaitlin or other guides professional questions?
Yes. One of the benefits of the program is direct access to other working professionals and opportunities for conversation about guiding, interpretation, business, storytelling, and the tourism industry.
Is this a large bus-tour group?
No. The experience is designed around walking, conversation, neighborhood exploration, and smaller-scale experiences rather than spending the four days on a traditional sightseeing motorcoach.