Get Out and Explore Historic Sites This Weekend!

To raise awareness for historic preservation and the Partners in Preservation program, in which American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are giving away $1M to 24 historic sites in the greater DC area, all sites will be participating in Open House weekend this weekend (May 4-5). Each site will be doing something special – free admission, behind the scenes tours, food, performance, etc – to encourage people to come out and vote for their site at partnersinpreservation.com. Here are a few examples:

• Darby Store - 19801 Darnestown Road, Beallsville, MD 20839
  Hours: 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday May 5th.
  Visit the store for special tours and an archeological exhibit, experience live and participatory musical events, and enjoy other activities as planned.

• Greenbelt Theatre - 129 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD 20770
  Hours: 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday May 4th; 12:00 to 4:00pm Sunday May 5th
  Join us on Saturday for our Classic Film Series: WC Fields. Tickets are only $5 and include small popcorn. Stay to enjoy the Robert Goddard Jazz Band and Electric Strings outside in Roosevelt Center from 4-6pm. Or, come on Sunday for a group vote and join the Children’s Choir from St. Mary’s Church in Laurel in a movie-themed sing-a-long. At 1 pm we will do an aerial group photo of Greenbelt Theatre supporters/voters. At the nearby Community Center, at 15 Crescent from 1-4pm, and Artful Afternoon will be held.

• The Kennel at Aspin Hill Memorial Park - 13630 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906
  Hours: 12:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday May 5th
  Visit the historic pet cemetery and kennel and enjoy a tour the site while learning about our plans for rehabilitating the historic buildings and grounds

• Sixth & I Historic Synagogue - 600 I Street NW, Washington DC 20001
  Hours: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Sunday May 5th
  Join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our 105-year-old building, including highlights of our historic stained glass windows. Browse the Sixth & I Library – a collection of signed books from all of the authors who have spoken at Sixth & I over the years. Explore the Wall of Fame, where all the talent who have appeared at Sixth & I have signed. Also, there will be plenty of photo opportunities, free food, and Sixth & I personalities.

• Tivoli Square / GALA Hispanic Theatre – 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
  Hours: 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Saturday May 4th
  Enjoy light refreshments in the theatre lobby followed by a tour to view the theatre and historic dome. Stay for a documentary film about Roberto Clemente followed by discussion and Q&A with the director and lead actor.

If you have not had a chance to vote yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard – Mount Vernon is looking to knock top-seeded National Cathedral out of first place. It’s also important to support the smaller gems, like Colvin Run Mill and LAMB @ Military Road School, and help them gain awareness in our community.

In addition to supporting the sites, you also help yourself each time you vote. Marriott has teamed up with Partners in Preservation to offer 10 free three night stays in (almost) ANY of their hotels around the world. The more you vote, the better your chances.  More details here : https://www.preservedmv.com/getinvolved