Congress Reminders

We are quickly approaching the 123^rd Continental Congress and I’m sure many members are preparing to travel to Washington, D.C. Below are some reminders for your week at Continental Congress.

• Be sure to check the online version of the tentative 123^rd Continental Congress schedule for an overview of events taking place the week of Congress. Please be mindful that the final Congress schedule will be printed in the Congress Program that members receive at registration and that is the official schedule that should be followed while at Congress.


• Visit the Committee Forums to learn more about the work of our DAR committees.


• Explore the DAR Museum exhibition, Creating the Ideal Home, 1800-1939: Comfort and Convenience in America, stop by the DAR Library to do some research and visit the Americana Room to see the current exhibitions on display.


• Please keep in mind that because of the time of year and challenges of a historic building, sometimes temperatures can fluctuate in different parts of Headquarters. I always say it is a good idea to wear layers and be prepared for it to be hot outside, but possibly have a sweater handy when you’re inside the building.


• Learn more about who will be joining us on Opening Night: Alexander Rose, TURN and Ed Bearss


• National Defense Night will feature two distinguished speakers!


• Remember to bring a children’s book with you to Continental Congress to donate to Blue Star Families’ Books on Bases program during Celebrate America Night!


• You can order flowers or corsages from the Congress Florist.


• Fill out a Local News Release Form to have a Congress press release sent to your local news media.


• Visit the Congress Shops in the Texas Lone Star Lounge as well as the DAR Store and the DAR Museum Shop for terrific gifts and other special items.


• For your convenience, the President General’s Project Sales, Junior Shoppe, Development office staff and the Library Balcony Volunteers will have stations at the Hyatt, in addition to Headquarters, where you can visit them.


• Follow along with Congress Social Media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #DARCC14


• Learn more about the 123^rd Continental Congress Candidates for National Office.


• We have provided some suggestions for transportation to and from Constitution Hall. Remember to always give yourself extra time!


• Sign up to march in the Washington, D.C. Independence Day Parade with fellow members.

This is our first year at the Grand Hyatt Washington, our new convention hotel. We are pleased to have negotiated a contract with them three years ago to provide us with more guest rooms and more meeting rooms than we previously had at the Marriott. We are also receiving from the Hyatt the most affordable member room rate of any of the hotels with whom we requested bids (approximately $100 per room per night less expensive than any other offers).  There will obviously be some changes in moving to a new hotel, but we look forward to forging a new relationship with the Hyatt.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you next week for Continental Congress!