GUEST PROGRAM

Washington, D.C. is an exciting place for people of all ages. Monuments, museums, shopping, great restaurants - and the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival - make the nation's capital a must-visit destination. The 2012 GAC dates coincide with some school Spring Breaks, and this year's GAC guest programming offers new options for family fun. Choose from eight enjoyable tour options to customize your visit and make the most of your stay.

PRICING

Choose one option
Guest Program Social Events: $325
Guest Program Tour and Social Events: $525

The guest program is for guests and families of registered attendees. Credit union employees or volunteers and suppliers are not eligible to register under this category.

Registration for the guest program social events includes
Admission to the exhibit hall on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Sunday evening reception and the opening concert
Continental breakfast and lunch in the exhibit hall on Monday and Tuesday
Admission to conference general sessions (breakout sessions are not open to guests)
Late Night at the GAC social event on Tuesday night at The Renaissance
Closing Gala on Wednesday night at The Renaissance

Guests who have chosen the tour and social events option also receive
A choice of a full day tour on Monday or Tuesday, AND
A choice of a half-day tour on Monday or Tuesday
Guest program tour registrants will receive a confirmation letter and tour selection form via e-mail

REGISTRATION

TOUR OPTIONS

Guest Tour Descriptions

Guest program registrants will receive a confirmation letter and tour selection form via e-mail. Please return the form quickly for the best selection.

Tour Options and Schedule

Tour Description	Day	Length	Time
Family Adventure - The American Experience	Monday, March 19	full day	9:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Annapolis - Darling of the Chesapeake	Monday, March 19	full day	9:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Family Adventure - Spies Like Us!	Monday, March 19	half day	12:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Washington's Best Kept Secret - The State Department and Embassy Row	Monday, March 19	half day	8:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Family Adventure - The Colonial Experience	Tuesday, March 20	full day	9:45 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.
Washington's Historic Homes	Tuesday, March 20	full day	9:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Family Adventure - Cherry Blossom Centennial Tour	Tuesday, March 20	half day	9:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Georgetown History & Shopping Tour	Tuesday, March 20	half day	1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

*Tour times are tentative and tours are subject to availability

Guest Tour Descriptions

Family Adventure - The American Experience
Monday, March 19, 2012
9:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Your first stop is at the world famous Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum - an absolute must for any visitor to our Capital City! This magnificent glass and marble building maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. Located on the Mall, the Museum has hundreds of artifacts on display including the original Wright 1903 "Flyer," Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis," the Apollo 11 command module, "The Voyager," which flew around the world on one tank of gas, the original space suits worn by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on the moon, and a lunar rock display that visitors can touch. This Museum is a fitting tribute to the great explorers who have advanced the history of flight. Weather permitting, you will enjoy a gourmet boxed lunch at the National Mall.

Your second stop is at the renovated National Museum of American History where you will find a marvelous collection of treasures from America's past; beginning with the actual Star Spangled Banner which inspired Francis Scott Key to compose our national anthem, to the first telephone, the atomic bomb and the original Apple Computer. You'll see Henry Ford's Model T, the world's oldest operative locomotive, and early American history displays which include George Washington's Revolutionary War uniform and a 1776 Gunboat. Special exhibits include the dresses of all the First Ladies, a Connestoga Wagon and Thomas Jefferson's writing desk. You will not want to miss the original Watergate Bug, Judy Garland's red slippers from the Wizard of Oz or Archie Bunker's famous chair!

Note: Boxed lunch will be provided (kid-friendly lunch option will be available).
Special Considerations: Moderate walking on tour; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Annapolis - Darling of the Chesapeake
Monday, March 19, 2012
9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Annapolis is the charming and waterfront capital of the state of Maryland. First stop is a walking tour of the narrow, tree-lined streets of this colonial area. You'll walk past Annapolis' exquisitely designed buildings, many of which pre-date 1800, and along the charming waterfront. You will visit the Maryland State House, the oldest Capitol building still in use in America today, followed by a stop at St. John's College, one of the oldest colleges in the United States.

From here, it's on to tour the United States Naval Academy, one of the most beautiful campuses along the eastern seaboard, which was built on the site of Fort Severn in 1845. On your way to the historic Annapolis waterfront, you will be taken past Government House, Hammond-Harwood House and the Chase-Lloyd House on your way to the historic Annapolis waterfront. After lunch, time permitting, browse through the many unique and popular shops along Annapolis' cobblestone streets before boarding the motor coach for the return trip.

Note: Café lunch in Annapolis will be provided.
Special Considerations: Minimum age 11, extensive walking on tour, comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.

Family Adventures - Spies Like Us!
Monday, March 19, 2012
12:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

The tour will take you to the world of espionage in downtown Washington with a city tour. You’ll then arrive at the International Spy Museum to go through interactive exhibits with state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components. The museum traces the evolution of espionage through the people who practiced the profession and provides a context for visitors to interpret the role intelligence plays in current events. The Museum's permanent exhibition presents the tradecraft of espionage and showcases the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies and spymasters.

You will adopt a cover, break codes, identify disguised spies, and become the subjects of covert surveillance throughout your visit. The Museum experience continues with a series of intimate galleries that trace the history of espionage and transport visitors to another time and place. These include: the School for Spies, the History of Espionage, the Secret History of History, Spies Among Us, Celebrity Spies and The 21st Century, which showcases the challenges facing intelligence professionals world-wide in the 21st century. Intelligence specialists will also track current events and answer questions.

Special Considerations: Minimum age 11.

Washington's Best Kept Secret - The State Department and Embassy Row
Monday, March 19, 2012
8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

You will be treated to a behind the scenes view of The State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms which are located on the top floor of the State Department. This floor is completely closed to the public and State Department staff access is highly restricted on this level. During this very exclusive tour, guests will be able to observe, firsthand, the chambers where the President and Secretary of State entertain kings, queens, heads of state and distinguished figures from around the world. You will be greeted by a State Department docent who will share wonderfully entertaining anecdotes about the various events held in these rooms, foreign dignitaries, and the host of many influential and powerful people who have entertained and have been entertained within these elegant walls.

Embassy Row is the popular name of the two-mile portion of Massachusetts Avenue where the elegant embassies, consulates and homes of ambassadors are located. Your guide will provide interesting and little-known stories about the neighborhood.

The diplomatic rooms house a collection of decorative arts and museum quality furniture - all given to the United States from foreign countries over the years of 1740-1825. The three best known rooms are the Jefferson Room which is considered one of the most beautiful rooms in America and the John Quincy Adams Drawing Room containing two desks - one where the Treaty of Paris was signed and the other upon which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. The third of the three is the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room, a lavish ballroom, complete with magnificent crystal chandeliers and a surrounding balcony which will afford guests a spectacular view of Washington.

Note: Tour is not recommended for children under 12.
Special Considerations: Guests must submit name, social security or passport information, and date of birth before February 10, 2012, and photo ID must be brought on the tour. This tour is subject to cancellation by the US State Department.

Family Adventure - The Colonial Experience
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
9:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

You will travel back in time to the eighteenth century - to the life and times of The Father of our Country, George Washington. Once arrived, you will enter the estate through the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. The 25 galleries and theaters that make up the new buildings house iconic artifacts and state-of-the-art exhibits that complement the historic area experience by illuminating fascinating chapters of Washington's life. From there, you will make your way along the garden path to Washington's home, where you will be presented with an authentic look at the life of George and Martha Washington. Docents will describe the rich history and significant historical events that took place in each of the bright and colorful rooms in the mansion. Weather permitting, you will tour the outbuildings where much of the day-to-day domestic activity on the plantation took place - from the curing, spinning and laundry houses to the living quarters for overseers and slaves. As you venture down the pathway, you will see the tombs where George and Martha Washington are buried along with other family members.

Note: Lunch will be at the historic Mount Vernon Inn. (kid-friendly lunch option will be available)
Special Considerations: Minimum age 11, some walking required; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Washington's Historic Homes

Tuesday, March 20, 2012
9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Your first stop is a visit to the landmark mansion and stately grounds of Tudor Place. Tudor Place stands alone in the nation's capital as a house of architectural distinction lived in by succeeding generations of the Peter family, 1805-1984. The Peter family was closely tied to George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Robert E. Lee and others who have shaped America's history. These historical connections are vividly illustrated by the varied contents of the house, such as the Mount Vernon furnishings which the Peters brought to Georgetown. The visitors' book contains such names as Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun.

The next house you will visit is the Dumbarton House. From first glance, Dumbarton House is a striking representation of the Federal Period of architecture. Inspired by the soaring nationalism of the late eighteenth century, it was created in George Washington's grand vision of a new capital for the new nation. The House is an exceptional example of this severe and attenuated style, noted for its chaste brick facades and projecting curved bays. One of the first houses on the heights above Rock Creek in Georgetown, Dumbarton is located on what was originally a large tract of land patented by Ninian Beall in 1701 and called "The Rock of Dumbarton."

Your final stop will be to the Mansion on "O" Street for lunch and a private tour. Built in 1892, the Mansion was designed by Alan C. Clarke for his brother who was the Speaker of the House when Teddy Roosevelt was President. Located near Dupont Circle, it is believed to be the last, virtually intact residence of this period remaining in Washington. You will then be given a private tour of the over 100 rooms filled to the brim with artifacts, original artwork and collectibles.

Note: Light buffet lunch will be provided.
Special Considerations: Minimum age 12, some walking required; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Family Adventure - Cherry Blossom Centennial Tour
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

In 1912, an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees was bestowed on Washington by Tokyo, Japan. Rooted strongly and surviving outside elements, the trees have withstood the test of time and nearly a century later, our city will celebrate with an unprecedented celebration. Your guests will have the opportunity to observe these treasured specimens, located on the Tidal Basin, as final preparations are made prior to the official Cherry Blossom Centennial Festival.

Your first stop will be the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, situated on the South side of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. This is one of the city's most picturesque landmarks. Dedicated in 1943, on the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's birth, this simple circular classical white marble monument is in keeping with a style much favored by the third U.S. president, architect, scholar and political thinker.

Your next stop will be at one Washington's prestigious monuments— the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - which is also located a short drive northeast along the Tidal Basin. This major national memorial is the first erected in honor of a 20th century president, and is also the first presidential memorial to honor a first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

From the FDR Memorial, you will walk to the adjacent Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, the National Mall's most recent addition. The element of the memorial which truly captures Dr. King's legacy is the Inscription Wall -transforming a mere monument into a living memorial. Fourteen of Dr. King's most notable quotes are engraved on a 450-foot crescent shaped granite wall.

Special Considerations: Extensive walking required; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Georgetown History & Shopping Tour
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Georgetown is a charming neighborhood that flourished as a sophisticated community long before the founding of Washington, DC. It was named George Town in honor of King George II, and very soon it prospered. In the beginning, tobacco was the lifeblood of the fledging community, which soon expanded into a profitable shipping community. Because of its access to the Potomac, Georgetown soon had a commercial and industrial hub around the waterfront where flour mills and wharves were constructed. As a result of its prosperity, Georgetown gained a reputation as the fashionable quarter of the capital and was visited by important people from all over the world. Your guide will point out the homes where such notable Washingtonian's as John and Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Senator John Warner, Pamela Harriman, Ben Bradley and more have lived. You will also drive by the Old Stone House, Georgetown's oldest landmark. This typical home from the pre-Revolutionary time period is a wonderful example of 18th century architecture. Following this walking tour, you will enjoy the afternoon shopping. You will be provided with a map and a list of stores in the area. Georgetown is a delightful journey through these narrow streets and in and out of unique boutiques and fashionable chain stores.

Special Considerations: Some walking required; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.