Technically this is not a door; it’s a bridge in the Navy Pier area of Washington DC. 
The shipyards are now dormant and the area is being “gentrified” which means impossibly hip restaurants and bars now line an area formerly full of sailors. The view is amazing.
Although I have no idea what we’re looking at. I wasn’t the driver, but it was definitely off the beaten track..
The above building, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the action. It’s the National Postal Museum. The museum is worth visiting even if you don’t give a damn about postage stamps. The building itself is a treasure with marble columns and gorgeous woodwork, vintage mail trucks and postal boxes and many interactive exhibits. One of my favorite exhibits was PostSecrets, which is described as “an ongoing community mail art project” where people send in anonymous, homemade postcards containing their deepest, darkest secrets.
Most of the postcards are humorous but some are so worrisome that the founder of the project has regular meetings with a suicide prevention organization.
Unfortunately this museum doesn’t get the foot traffic they deserve. Did I mention that the entrance is free, and that it’s right across from Union Station? So, no excuses. If you’re ever in downtown DC with a few hours to kill check it out and maybe even confess your deep, dark secrets anonymously via a post card.
Check out other doors perhaps some hiding deep dark secrets at Norm Frampton’s place.
Saying nothing in particular 
Wonderful, Jan. Did you contribute a post card?
Not yet. Luckily it isn’t a requirement!
Reblogged this on Lori Greer in Portland and commented:
A delightful and informative post about the Navy Pier Area of Washington D.C. I would love to spend time in the National Postal Museum. Enjoy!
Thanks Lori! Sorry I can’t tell you how to get to the Pier but I was hunkered down in the backseat – DC traffic is horrible.
This was a great choice , Jan. I toured the museum a couple of years ago. My father was a mailman, and I always thought about touring when I would get off the train and start walking to my hotel. But, I had a suitcase, and…
One time, I got out of a meeting early, so I walked back up to the museum and walked around. I really did enjoy it. I loved the railroad mail-car because I worked at a sorting bin like those when I was in college (working summers at the PO).
Yes, the sorting bin was really interesting. I actually enjoyed looking at the stamps too – what a collection they have!
I’ve never heard of the National Postal Museum and I’ve been to DC many times. Next time, I’m going there. Nothing better than doors that lead to somewhere informative and new.
The building itself is so beautiful that just wandering around it is well worth it.
Jan, these doors you open get more and more interesting every week. Now I wanna send a card of deep dark secrets—but not too deep and dark.
I know what you mean – I wouldn’t like to get a call from the Suicide Prevention people!
I have never heard of the National Postal Museum, Jan. I know I would really like this. Laughed out loud at the confessional post cards.
It’s only been open as a museum since 1990 and it doesn’t get a lot of publicity. The ladies at our local post office didn’t even know it existed.
Interesting. I had no idea. Who doesn’t like a free museum? 🙂 Nice doors!
It’s so close to the train and main metro station that it surprised me not to see more visitors. You literally just want across the street. Kids can make their own stamps. Totally cool.
My kinda place. I will definitely check it out if I ever make it down to DC again 🙂
I hope you can get down there before Trump decides the museums shouldn’t be free. Do you have a postal museum up in Canada?
No, I think the Canadian Postal Museum was closed or merged into one of the National History Museums a few years back.
Oh I love these posts Jan! I must add a door or two I have to Norm’s Doors myself.
I wish you would. It’s fun.
Cool bridge.
What a wonderful take on the challenge! Especially love the first image.
Beautiful images and fun idea with postcards. . . This was a morning brightener, Jan. 🎆 I will think about my secret to share on a postcard and will come up with a humorous one!
Have never heard of this museum. Fascinating. Thank you for sharing!