Program for Accompanying Persons
Washington DC has a near endless supply of interesting sites to visit. The conference hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many of these. Subway and bus stops at the hotel connect you to even more. We offer a program of activities for accompanying persons that includes organized tours of some sites (for a modest fee) as well as information about things to do on your own.
On Monday morning, 04 August 2014, interested people are invited to a short orientation session in the Senate room about getting around Washington as well as a review of the organized activities. That afternoon a number of different visits to area museums will be possible.
Accompanying person trip to Hillwood, Tuesday 5 August - On Tuesday morning there will be a visit to the 1926 Georgian-style mansion Hillwood. This former home of the Post cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post contains comprehensive collections of 18th and 19th century imperial Russian art as well as 18th century French decorative arts. There will also be a special exhibition of Cartier jewelry in one of the extra buildings in the extensive gardens. Lunch on our own will be in the tea room. Adult group rate for admission to the mansion will be $12. The excursion bus leaves the Mayflower Hotel at 9:30 am. The return bus leaves Hillwood Estate at 3:00 pm, returning to the Maylfower Hotel before 3:30.
Conference Excursion to Mount Vernon, Wednesday 6 August – 12:45 PM – A conference trip to historical Mount Vernon, the home of the first US President, George Washington (just south of Washington DC) is being organized for Wednesday afternoon, the free afternoon, so that all conference participants can join. Visitors to Mount Vernon will be able to visit the mansion, which has been restored to its original state in 1799, Washington’s last year. Other attractions include the gardens and a variety of out-buildings. At the entrance to the estate you will have the option to visit the a Museum and Education Center where videos and artefact-filled galleries provide an introduction to the life and career of George Washington.
The entrance fee to Mount Vernon (to be paid onsite) is $14 for adults and $8 for youth 6 to 11 years old. In addition, lunch will be available for purchase at either the Food Court Pavilion where there are a number of fast food options or at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant where you can be seated for table service. Contact Jane Phillips for menus. Buses leaving the Mayflower Hotel will board at 12:45 pm, and the return trip boarding will be at 5:15 pm, arriving at 6:15 pm. Please contact Jane Phillips at icapvisitors@physics.umd.edu to reserve a spot on the buses.
If you have questions, or to register for organized activities, please contact Jane Phillips at: icapvisitors@physics.umd.edu