A self-guided audio walking tour that tells the story of American diplomacy in the places where it happened has launched in Washington, D.C.

Developed by Smartify for the U.S. Department of State, Discover Diplomacy is a 15-stop tour through the heart of the American capital, close to the National Mall.

The free tour launches as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Diplomacy is how countries talk to each other, solve problems, and build partnerships. Some of its most important moments happened in places you might not expect: a dinner table, a hotel lobby, a quiet garden. 

The tour starts at the U.S. Department of State and the newly reopened National Museum of American Diplomacy, and ends on the National Mall at the Smithsonian Castle. Along the way, visitors pass landmarks including Lafayette Square, Willard InterContinental, the Octagon House, the Benjamin Franklin statue, the White House and the National Archives.

Stories that unlock as you walk

Each stop appears as a pin on an interactive map, with walking directions to the next location.

When visitors reach a stop, its content unlocks. Audio is available at every location, with bonus video at selected points of interest.

Together, the 15 stops bring to life some of the people, places and events that shaped American diplomacy. 

John Powers, The Historian of the U.S. Department of State, said: “Diplomacy has been part of America’s DNA from the very beginning. Before we had a Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was in Paris persuading France to join our fight for independence. That alliance helped win the Revolution.

“That same work continues today, and it touches people’s lives in ways they may not realize, from protecting Americans traveling overseas to opening new markets for American businesses. Discover Diplomacy connects those dots, bringing the story of American diplomacy to life on the streets of Washington, D.C.”

Badges to collect along the route

The tour, which is designed for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Washington, D.C. alike, rewards visitors for exploring.

Opening a stop’s content earns a badge, and there are 15 to collect: one for each stop. Visitors can revisit their badges at any time to replay media and share their progress.

Thanos Kokkiniotis, CEO of Smartify, said: “This experience shows how location-aware storytelling and gamification can turn a walk between landmarks into a journey through history. 

“We’re proud to help the U.S. Department of State share the story of American diplomacy as the nation marks 250 years.”

How to take the tour

1. Open the Discover Diplomacy web app on a mobile phone. No download or registration is needed.

2. Head to the first stop at the U.S. Department of State, or start at any stop on the map.

3. Follow the map and walk to each stop to unlock its stories.

The full route is about two miles, and takes about 90 minutes on foot. Visitors can walk it all at once, take a few stops at a time, or come back another day. 

Visitors can also explore A Walk Through Diplomatic History, an online story from the U.S. Department of State that brings each stop to life with photos, video and in-depth storytelling. 

The Department developed the tour with official knowledge-sharing partners the American Institute of Architects, DACOR Bacon House Foundation, National Archives, Smithsonian Institution, and Willard InterContinental.