SATURDAY, 25 JUNE: Pre-Conference Outings

The National Zoo
The National Zoo is a 163-acre zoological park set amid Rock Creek National Park in the heart of Washington, DC. For animal lovers and those who have a desire for a close encounter of the furry, slinky, tall, four-legged and then some kind, this is for you! You’ll also burn a lot of calories as you visit the animals in a slightly hilly, twisting path of interesting, fun and exciting exhibits. And don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your urban safari.


Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 2:30 pm and take the Metro. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. After the zoo visit, consider having dinner at one of Washington’s many fine restaurants in the area.

• Participants: 20
• Time: 2:30 pm
• Venue Cost: Free
• Exhibits close at 6 pm

Washington National Cathedral
Tours of Washington National Cathedral are extremely popular. A 30-minute, docent-led "Highlights" tour will take visitors through the main sanctuary, architecture, and the history of the cathedral. Participants are also invited to visit the gardens surrounding the cathedral and the observation galleries, located on the 7th floor.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 2 pm and take the bus to the Cathedral. After the tour, participants can walk down Wisconsin Avenue to shop, eat and explore the cobble stone streets of historic Georgetown.

• Participants: 15
• Time: 2 pm
• Venue Cost: U.S. $5.00

The Phillips Collection
Rooms full of opalescent canvases by Bonnard and Vuillard are particularly well matched to this intimate museum. Cubist pioneer Georges Braque is represented by thirteen works, including the magnificent canvas The Round Table, and the Paul Klee room with such whimsical canvases as Arab Song and Picture Album brings delight to visitors of all ages. American artists are equally celebrated in The Phillips Collection. A Gallery Talk entitled "Introduction to The Phillips Collection" will start at 2 pm After the talk, participants can visit the exhibitions in a self-guided tour.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 1:30 pm and walk to the museum. After the tour, participants can explore the shops and restaurants in Dupont Circle.

• Participants: 15
• Time: 1:30 pm
• Venue Cost: U.S. $15.00
• Building closes at 5 pm

International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is the first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this all-but-invisible profession. It features the largest collection of international spy-related artifacts ever placed on public display. The stories of individual spies, told through film, interactives, and state-of-the-art exhibits, provide a dynamic context to foster an understanding of espionage and its impact on current and historic events. Participants will enter the museum through an elevator, which will begin the 2-hour self-guided tour experience.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 3 pm and take the Metro to the museum. After the tour, participants can explore the shops and restaurants in China Town and Gallery Place.

• Participants: 20
• Time: 3 pm
• Venue Cost: U.S. $15.00
• Building closes at 6 pm

Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center is devoted to the exploration of faith and culture in the new millennium. Housed in one of the most stunning works of architecture constructed in the city in years, the center provides a serene and engaging space for visitors to explore their spiritual journey. This privately funded $65 million Center offers a traditional museum experience with exhibitions of artwork from the Vatican Museums collections, many on view for the first time in the United States.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 2 pm and take the Metro. After the tour, participants can explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Washington.

• Participants: 25
• Time: 2 pm
• Venue Cost: Voluntary donation
• Building closes at 5 pm

Canal Boat Rides along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Relive history with a barge ride along the Georgetown section of the C & O Canal, led by period-costumed guides from the National Park Service. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a picturesque reminder of the canal-building era, is located just south of Georgetown's busy M Street.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton for a scenic walk to Georgetown. After the tour, participants can explore the shops and restaurants.

• Participants: 25
• Time: 3 pm
• Venue Cost: U.S. $10.00
• Closes before dark

An afternoon at the Smithsonian Institution
Begin your exploration of the Smithsonian Institution at the Castle, a distinctive red, sandstone building that serves as the focal point for information about the Institution's world-famous museums and exhibitions. A free 24-minute video orientation is shown throughout the day. Large electronic maps of the Washington area and scale models of Washington's monumental core provide information about city-wide points of interest. Then venture to any of the ten Smithsonian museums within walking distance.

Participants will leave the Washington Hilton at 2 pm and take the Metro.

• Participants: 50
• Time: 2 pm
• Venue Cost: Free
• Buildings close at 5:30 pm