1. In 1929, the Phillips Collection opened in Dupont Circle. It was the first museum of modern art in the United States, founded by collector Duncan Phillips.

2. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His body was flown back to Washington, D.C. and lay in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from November 24 to 25.

3. In 1942, the DC Transit System officially began operations, providing streetcar and bus service throughout the city. The system eventually evolved into the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) which operates the Metrorail and Metrobus systems today.

4. In 1987, the National Museum of American History reopened after a two-year renovation. The museum, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, showcases the social, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the United States.

5. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his famous proclamation of Thanksgiving, setting aside the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanks. While the date has since been changed to the fourth Thursday in November, the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving continues in the District of Columbia and across the country.