April 13, 2007
Dear Coalition Friends:
The National Mall is too often treated -- by federal as well as DC planners -- as a federal enclave separated from the rest of the city. But the National Mall was intended to be the physical and symbolic heart of the capital city and it should be restored to its intended place as welcoming, exciting urban park.
To focus attention on the Mall's historic connection to the larger city, and the possibilities for its reconnecting to the local community, the National Coalition to Save Our Mall is joining Cultural Tourism DC's annual "WalkingTown, DC" by offering a walking tour of the National Mall. There are more than 60 free tours all across DC, so check out the schedule and links below. The tours are FREE.
Our National Mall: From Industrial Wasteland to Civic Stage will be offered Saturday, April 21, from 10 am to 12 noon. We'll be meeting on the Mall, outside the Smithsonian Metro (National Mall exit). I will be leading this tour and will provide handouts with historic views to show the National Mall's dramatic evolution from 1791 to the present and beyond.
Judy Scott Feldman
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Here's the announcement from Cultural Tourism DC. To learn more go to www.WalkingTownDC.org :
Take Metrobus or Metrorail to WalkingTown, DC Spring Edition
Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22
Join Cultural Tourism DC for more than 60 FREE walking tours in neighborhoods across Washington!
Step Outside for WalkingTown, DC!
Choose from walking tours (and a few bike tours) led by professional tour guides and neighborhood residents across the city. From Anacostia to U Street, you'll experience vibrant street life and uncover little-known historic treasures.
Check the schedule at www.WalkingTownDC.org, pick your tours, and just show up!* Or call 202-661-7581 for more information.
Please help spread the word about WalkingTown, DC by forwarding this email to your friends and family who want to learn more about this wonderful city.
Have you participated in WalkingTown before? Post a comment on media sponsor www.dcist.com.
*Bike and some walking tours do require advance reservations.
Weekend Highlights
Our National Mall: From Industrial Wasteland to Civic Stage (Sat. 10 am) focuses on the historic, cultural, and political transformations of the nation's preeminent green space and public park.
Alley Living in Capitol Hill (Sat. 12 noon) discusses how alleys were used in the 1800s and early 1900s for stabling horses, industry, and housing the poor.
East Washington Heights (Sun. 10 am) tours boulevards, stately homes, and sprawling parkland once known collectively as East Washington Heights.
G. Byron Peck's Shaw/U Street Mural Tour (Sun. 1 pm) leads fans of DC's street art through Dupont Circle and Shaw, revealing the heritage that inspired some of the artist's best-known works.
History Before History: The Geologic Story of Washington, DC (Sun. 1 pm) explores how Washington's site was the bottom of an ancient ocean, the center of a mountain range, a magma chamber, and a river in which dinosaurs swam.
Get more details
Calling All WalkingTown, DC Fans
Cultural Tourism DC is seeking volunteers for WalkingTown, DC! It's a perfect opportunity to learn more about your favorite neighborhood (or explore a place you've never been) while enjoying the city at its springtime best.
Responsibilities include greeting walkers, giving brief opening remarks, passing out brochures and giveaways, and collecting evaluations. The volunteer orientation takes place Tuesday, April 17 at 5:30 pm.
For more information email RSinanan@CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-626-1136.
Special Thanks
Cultural Tourism DC thanks the following organizations for their support:
Anacostia Waterfront Corporation, washingtonpost.com, Pepper Hamilton LLP, DC Chamber of Commerce, DC Circulator, Metro, and Washington Walks. Media sponsors are WAMU-FM and www.dcist.com. Additional support from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
Cultural Tourism DC is a nonprofit coalition of 185 arts, heritage, cultural, and community organizations throughout the capital. With partners in tourism, hospitality, government and business, Cultural Tourism DC promotes local culture and heritage as a tool for economic development. Visit us at www.CulturalTourismDC.org.
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