Believe it or not, I am trying to "encourage" folks to come to Arlington for the PTG Convention. I know that people come from all over to these things; some bring their families and some travel on shoe strings! A little "real" knowlege of the lay of the land will make your visit more comfortable if you know what to expect. I guess it is beyond my ken to think that folks would come here, and not take a few hours to check out some of our local treasures. One of the most unique places in the country is the National Archives located a few subway stops away from Crystal City. Most people go in the front door to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, but the real treasures are through the back door into the Research Rooms. The entire Census Records from 1790 to 1920 for all of the U.S. are available on microfilm, and most people who visit are doing genealogy research. The research area is open daily, except Sunday, from 8:45 am until 5 pm on Mon and Wed; and until 9:00 pm on Tues, Thurs and Friday. You must be at least 14 years old to do research. Visit the web page at: www.nara.gov/research The other super neat place in town I was going to mention was the map room of the Geological Survey located in the Department of the Interior on C street with all the topo maps of the U.S. However, their web site outdoes the real thing and is located at: www.usgs.gov By all means, bring your families and see stuff you'll never see anywhere else - the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of American History (with the Star Spangled Banner), the Arts and Industries Museum, the Museum of Natural History with the gem rooms, Piano 300 - all are part of the Smithsonian and are free! If you need to cut corners somewhere, bring peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars, and /or eat fresh fruit and bagels! Bring a day pack and water bottle and sightseeing won't cost anything but the Metro fare! Besides, everyone IS visiting Piano 300 aren't they? Their web site is: www.piano300.org/ Again, happy and glorious trails! Carol Beigel, RPT 10 miles East of the White House
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