January 2026
Dear Fellow Americans and Foreign Visitors to Our National Mall:
Welcome to our website that is full of historical information and updated status reports on changes and improvements to the National Mall. Take a few moments to learn more and appreciate the national significance of our Stage for American Democracy.
Our free “National Mall: Stage For Our Democracy” mini-maps continue to be a hit with Mall visitors. Over 20,000 were distributed at local airports and other venues this year. Request a copy here.
We continue to increase our efforts to engage the public, and in particular young people, with Mall quizzes that have proven to be very popular. Take a look at our latest quiz, “Civics on the National Mall,” here. If you have ideas for additional quizzes, please let us know: jfeldman@nationalmallcoalition.org.
This year – as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – promises to be an active, lively, and challenging one for the National Mall. Numerous civic and governmental groups will be staging events on the Mall’s majestic open space, the Stage for American Democracy. The Trump Administration will be moving ahead with plans to construct a White House ballroom and a Triumphal Arch at the Memorial Bridge opposite the Lincoln Memorial. We will do our best to inject informed comment and provide historical insight.
As we have for 25 years, we continue to advocate strongly for Congress or the President to convene a commission of thoughtful architects, engineers, landscape architects, civic leaders, and members of the public to create a comprehensive, forward-looking plan for the Mall in its 3rd Century – a gift to the nation as we celebrate 250 years of American democracy.
Sincerely,
Judy Scott Feldman, PhD
Founding Member and Chair, National Mall Coalition
jfeldman@nationalmallcoalition.org / 301-335-8490