Congress Reminders

We are quickly approaching the 124th 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. Click the links to read more about these different topics.

• Be sure to check the online version of the tentative 124th 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.
• Learn more about the special 125^th anniversary events at Continental Congress.
• During Education Awards Night we will celebrate some of the nation’s top students, educators and historians, including author Geoffrey Ward.
• 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! If you forget, there is a Barnes and Noble bookstore located on 12^th and E streets, just three blocks from the Grand Hyatt.
• National Defense Night this year is sure to be a moving and inspirational ceremony where we will recognize some incredible honorees.  
• Attention blood donors! DAR is sponsoring a blood drive with the Red Cross. Learn more and sign up to donate!
• Celebrate the DAR’s 125th anniversary by enjoying America’s pastime in the nation’s capital! On June 23, DAR members are invited to attend the Washington Nationals baseball game with discounted tickets!
• Explore the DAR Museum exhibition, Eye on Elegance: Early Quilts of Maryland and Virginia, 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. It is always a good idea to wear layers and be prepared for it to be hot outside and to have a sweater or wrap  handy when you are inside the building.
• 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 #DARCC15
• Learn more about the 124th Continental Congress Candidates for National Office.
• We have provided some suggestions for getting around at Congress. Remember to always give yourself extra time!
• Take a look at dining options for when you are visiting D.C.
• Sign up to march in the National Independence Day Parade with fellow members on July 4.
• If you can’t be with us for Congress, follow along with Congress Online and photos, the Congress Herald and the live stream.

I hope this information helps you prepare for a wonderful week in Washington, D.C. I am looking forward to seeing many of you next week for Continental Congress!