Historical Museum

The MD group of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project will be tabling at the Montpelier festival, welcoming in spring with various community organizations, and of course-- Banjos! This festival is FREE for the entire family, hosted by the Montpelier Historic Site & Museum and the Montpelier Arts Center! Explore the Vendor Marketplace, attend a talk on gardening and herbs, tour the Museum, and relax to live music. Beginning at 11am, we will host outdoor performances featuring: the Jane Austen Society of North America – Maryland Region; the Natyabhoomi School of Dance; and Samaria Marley with a special guest. Visit the resident artist’s studios at the Arts Center, watch art demonstrations, paint the Montpelier bird, and create spring-themed crafts. Stroll the galleries and view the exhibitions of Amanda Spaid, Linda Bernard, and the Laurel Art Guild. At 1 pm, join us in the Main Gallery for a free performance by classical guitarist Gwenyth Aggeler.

**Change the Story in Your Head: Rewire Your Inner Narrative** The story in your head shapes how you feel, how you show up, and what you believe is possible. In this workshop, you’ll learn to notice the narratives you repeat, especially the ones rooted in fear, self-judgment, or old conditioning, and gently shift them with presence and self-compassion. We’ll practice interrupting automatic thought patterns and creating an inner dialogue that’s clearer, kinder, and more empowering. **Key Takeaways** *• Identify and transform limiting inner narratives* *• Use present-moment awareness to disrupt habitual thought loops* *• Practice self-compassion and shift your inner dialogue in real time* *• Create a new story rooted in authenticity, resilience, and possibility* Sat., April 25th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/ahZbI](https://shorturl.at/ahZbI)

Come Craft with us at either the MLK Library or the Kogod atrium of the Portrait Gallery. There are generally knitters/crocheters/needle workers in both places. Our success has made us a fairly large group so we are meeting in both places on Saturdays. Don't let the lack of RSVPs stop you, they aren't required, nor is membership to our group. Bring your project and join a boisterous group of crafters in first floor of either building.

Storytelling Open Mic at Library. Sign up list goes out at 12:00 p.m. Each performer will get 6 minutes to tell their story via Microphone. A true story. If you don't want to tell a story this time around, feel free to come enjoy the storytellers and relax. If you need to cancel, please change your status to "will not attend."

Ok, we’re stepping slightly outside the philosophy for this one—but it’s worth it. Join us for the Hungarian Heritage Festival: great food (goulash, pastries, more), live music, folk dancing, and a relaxed, authentic vibe you don’t get at the usual crowded events. [Hungarian Heritage Festival, April 25, 2026](https://kossuthfoundation.org/events/hungarian-heritage-festival-april-25-2026/) It’s a bit beyond our usual range—but sometimes the best stuff is just outside the bubble. Come out, explore, and make a day of it.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Facing Fascism,”** on the history, hallmarks, and lingering power of a deadly ideology, with Kevin Matthews, professor of history at George Mason University and teacher of courses on early 20th century European history. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism) .] Few political movements have aroused as much anger and fear as fascism. But despite its legacy of violence, persecution, and genocide, fascism continues to hold a strange attraction to many. Join historian Kevin Matthews for an in-depth look at an ideology that brought death to millions in Europe and yet continues to deeply influence our politics and culture. Dr. Matthews will start by discussing how the ideology of fascism arose in the aftermath of the First World War and took hold in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. To give you a better grasp of what exactly fascism is, he’ll discuss its central themes: Anti-democracy. Extreme nationalism and anti-communism. The use, or threat, of violence in politics. Rejection of established values such as scientific objectivity. Denial of equal rights, especially for women. The assertion of power where a power vacuum exists. We’ll examine the rise and fall of two notorious fascist dictators, Adolf Hitler of Germany and Benito Mussolini of Italy. For a time it was believed that fascism died in the ashes of the Second World War, but it clearly didn’t, and we’ll look at where it remains a political force today. Finally, we’ll examine how fascism continues to permeate popular culture in ways that trivialize it, popping up in music from punk to Madonna, with its latent eroticism making it the subject of films such as *The Night Porter.* Having been called “the most self-consciously visual of all political forms,” it enlisted fashion leaders to produce uniforms and continues today to inspire a look known as “Nazi chic.” Dr. Matthews previously has given fantastic Profs and Pints talks on Ireland’s fight for independence and on World War II German submarine attacks off our coasts. He’s sure to leave you with a much better understanding of fascism and a recognition that is has hardly gone away. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler during Mussolini's 1940 visit in Munich (photographer unknown / public domain).

We will go to Emissary Café DuPont next. We've been there before and it was wonderful. They have a great menu and I think we'll have a lot of fun. I look forward to drawing with you soon! [http://www.emissarydc.com/](http://www.emissarydc.com/)

Let’s hang out at the Spring Fair at Congressional Cemetery! There will be activities , vendors, & a plant swap. The schedule & more info is [here](https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/spring-fair-2/) . Admission is free & dogs on a leash are welcome at the cemetery. We won’t have a schedule, we’ll just see where the day takes us. We will meet at 11am near the gatehouse; see “you are here” on their map [here](https://congressionalcemetery.org/cemetery-map/) . Check comments day of for how to find me. INHERENT RISK AND LIABILITY: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Common sense dictates that conditions may change and there is inherent risk associated with attendance. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries or any other incidences that may occur in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.

Sunday should be dry after heavy rain on Saturday. Let's take advantage of the **better weather** to tromp in NW DC. We will start at DuPont Circle, walk up Massachusetts Ave. for a stretch on Embassy Row, circle back down Normanstone, the ritziest street in DC, pass through to Woodley Park, and return through the Kalorama District in Washington DC. We hike at a rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour. This hike starts with a climb up towards the Cathedral. We will pivot by the British Embassy and cut across a park. It is fairly level or downhill, with one or two exceptions, after that. Bonus Attraction: The **[Dupont Circle Farmers Market](https://www.freshfarm.org/markets/dupont-circle)**[ ](https://www.freshfarm.org/markets/dupont-circle)is open on Sundays until 1:30 pm. You can stop there pre-hike to pick up some of their superb treats. ❶ **What we’ll do:** * After starting at DuPont Circle, we'll walk northwest along Massachusetts Avenue, go up Embassy Row, cut across to Woodley Park, Creek Park, and return along Connecticut Avenue. Along the way we'll see the historic mansions, condominiums and rowhouses of the DuPont and Kalorama Districts, with examples of several different architectural styles. Today a lot of these buildings house embassies from around the world, so we'll see much of Embassy Row along the way. * The total walk is a clockwise loop of about 5 miles and should take 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is pavement and sidewalks throughout, with lots of changes in elevation. * Google map: [http://tinyurl.com/jux9v3v](http://tinyurl.com/jux9v3v) * Site photos/descriptions: [http://tinyurl.com/pdjgjvt](http://tinyurl.com/pdjgjvt) ❷ **How to get there:** The DuPont Circle Metro Station is on the Red Line. To get to the meetup point, exit the station towards DuPont Circle South and at the top of the escalator, proceed into the circle to the fountain. See [https://www.wmata.com/](https://www.wmata.com/) to plan your trip. If you are driving, there is free parallel parking around side streets nearby, but give yourself some time to find a spot! ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes required at all times). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is cloudy and a high of 55F. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/ych2tr5v](https://tinyurl.com/ych2tr5v) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** * There are restrooms in commercial establishments around DuPont Circle if you need to make a pit stop before and/or after the hike. There are also several commercial establishments along our route, but to avoid an unduly long hike, we will not take any scheduled breaks except at the Omni hotel near Woodley Park. * Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station is near the two-thirds point of our walk if anyone needs to depart early or would like a shorter walk.

Join us for a spring urban hike - a brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) 5.3-mile loop, beginning and ending at Pitango (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We'll walk through Adams Morgan, Woodley Park, the National Cathedral grounds and Tregaron Conservancy. We'll be on a mixture of trails (1/3) and sidewalks (2/3). We'll have a restroom break halfway through the hike. Bring plenty of water and some snacks, and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option. **DISTANCE:** 5.3 miles **ELEVATION GAIN:** 800 feet - there will be hills! **PACE:** Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3 miles per hour. **DOGS:** Dogs on a leash are welcome. Pitango is halfway between Dupont Circle (North/Q street exit) and Woodley Park (.7 miles). Bus routes C51 C53, D70, D72, D74 are all within a few blocks. There free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood (meters are free on Sundays). But please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking or allow for metro delays.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

BUY TICKET FOR 4 PM SHOW. [https://moidetroit.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23248591805&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyaGqy7SGkwMV6inUAR0Qqh1XEAAYASAOEgJjz_D_BwE](https://moidetroit.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23248591805&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyaGqy7SGkwMV6inUAR0Qqh1XEAAYASAOEgJjz_D_BwE) Tickets $24-29. You will remain on waiting list until you inform me you have a ticket. We will walk to a nearby bar/restaurant after (Monarch Club). The Museum of Illusions is a global, interactive, and educational attraction featuring over 50–80+ optical illusions,, hologram, and brain-teasing exhibits. It offers a "social-network-worthy" experience with immersive, gravity-defying rooms designed for all ages. Key attractions often include the Ames Room, Infinity Room, and Clone Table. Key Features and Highlights: Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can explore, take photos, and engage with illusions that trick the senses. Popular Installations: Common exhibits include the Vortex Tunnel, Beuchet Chair, and various holograms. Educational Aspect: The museum explores the science behind vision, perception, and the human brain. Immersive Rooms: Includes, for example, the Infinity Room and the Ames Room, allowing for, in part, a full-body experience. Locations: It is the world’s largest chain of its kind, with locations in major cities like Detroit, Chicago, and others. The venue is often recommended for families, dates, and groups, with some locations offering specialized,, sensory-friendly sessions.

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **LATE LUNCH:** *After we browse the bookstore maze, let's gather for the best traditional Jewish deli in town, [Katzingers!](katzingers.com) Choices include stacked Reubens, hot pastromi on rye, chicken salad, macaroni salad, knish, chicken soup, NY cheesecake, and dozens of other sandwiches and sides!* **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.