Historical Tours

The Valentine's Day Lovers Tour of Lafayette Square DC! Wednesday, Feb. 14, 3:30 pm! A special Lovers Day history walking tour of America’s most esteemed park, Lafayette Square, and its environs!! In keeping with the spirit of the day, we’ll focus on fun, romantic, or uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroes and heroines, and inspiring events. As well as some rogues, Lotharios, and femme fatales. MEET outside the OAS building, 200 17th St NW, D.C. Corner of 17th St. and Constitution Ave. PrePay and Pre-Register at-- PayPal, sending $26 to via: [https://www.paypal.com/us/home](https://www.paypal.com/us/home) Eventbrite: TBD. Or pay $25 in cash at the start of the tour. About 2 hours in length. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788;jsessionid=038717C145FB853CCBDEDDA8A59A0DA0.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781476674865](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788;jsessionid=038717C145FB853CCBDEDDA8A59A0DA0.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781476674865) Our fun itinerary will select from: • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • The future President who saved the lives of millions • The pedestrian who saved the President from death • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How a Congressman averted a Civil War • The love of country of the ghosts of St. John’s Church • How heartbreak created America's most influential soldier • How the Marquis de Lafayette saved a President, and how three Presidents saved Lafayette! • The astonishing, friendly bet between a Navy hero and an enemy captain • Where “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” was written • Where “I Have a Dream” was written • The real-life Indiana Jones • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • America’s greatest caregiver • How Southerners and Northerners conspired to save Mt. Vernon • When a woman's love of freedom ended segregation • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District after the War of 1812 • Presidential humor And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Lost History of the Capitol: [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q](https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q) Alexandria Mystery: [https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG](https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG) Spy Thriller: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5QN7PNC/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 America A to Z: [http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803](http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803) Celebrate Lover's Day with the historic loves of President's Park! There are many restaurants downtown for dining afterwards.

This is an easy level hike along the Potomac Heritage Trail with views of the Potomac River. We weave in and out of the forest with scenic views of Maryland and Virginia The meeting location for this program is at the parking area of Fort Marcy along the GW Parkway. Directions below. *** WHAT TO WEAR: * Comfortable, well-broken-in, sturdy walking shoes or ankle-high boots. * Protective clothing should include: * Long comfortable loose fitting pants * A cotton blend shirt provides for better perspiration and comfort * Dress in layers for warmth and comfort *** WHAT TO BRING: * Water canteen or bottle filled with water (at least 1 quart, bring what you feel you can carry or need to drink) *** WHERE TO MEET: Meet in the Fort Marcy Parking area onloing the GW Parkway. Please note you can only get there on the northbound side. It is approx. 4 miles from Roosevelt Island and the right turn into the parking lot comes up very quickly once you see the sign for Fort Marcy from the GW Pkwy. Marcia, 301-352-5272 IMPORTANT: Your RSVP to this hike assumes the following Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility, and Release of Liability. Fresco Adventures, a program of Fresco Enterprises, LLC is the sponsor of arrangements for this activity and is not responsible for any damage, loss, injury, or accident due to any act by the participants. Note: There are elements of risk in any activity associated with the outdoors and the use of any related equipment. Although precautions are taken to provide proper organization and suitable equipment so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, there can be no guarantee of absolute safety against injury and accident. Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility and Release: I recognize the apparent risks of this activity which I and any minor children for which I am responsible, will engage in and confirm that I am mentally and physically capable of participating in the activity. I participate willingly and voluntarily, and I assume full responsibility for any personal injury. I hereby release Fresco Enterprises, LLC, its principals, agents, or volunteers from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever.

The Valentine's Day Lovers Tour of Lafayette Square DC! Wednesday, Feb. 14, 3:30 pm! A special Lovers Day history walking tour of America’s most esteemed park, Lafayette Square, and its environs!! In keeping with the spirit of the day, we’ll focus on fun, romantic, or uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroes and heroines, and inspiring events. As well as some rogues, Lotharios, and femme fatales. MEET outside the OAS building, 200 17th St NW, D.C. Corner of 17th St. and Constitution Ave. PrePay and Pre-Register at-- PayPal, sending $26 to via: https://www.paypal.com/us/home Eventbrite: TBD. Or pay $25 in cash at the start of the tour. About 2 hours in length. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788;jsessionid=038717C145FB853CCBDEDDA8A59A0DA0.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781476674865 Our fun itinerary will select from: • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • The future President who saved the lives of millions • The pedestrian who saved the President from death • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How a Congressman averted a Civil War • The love of country of the ghosts of St. John’s Church • How heartbreak created America's most influential soldier • How the Marquis de Lafayette saved a President, and how three Presidents saved Lafayette! • The astonishing, friendly bet between a Navy hero and an enemy captain • Where “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” was written • Where “I Have a Dream” was written • The real-life Indiana Jones • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • America’s greatest caregiver • How Southerners and Northerners conspired to save Mt. Vernon • When a woman's love of freedom ended segregation • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District after the War of 1812 • Presidential humor And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Lost History of the Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q Alexandria Mystery: https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG Spy Thriller: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5QN7PNC/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 America A to Z: http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803 Celebrate Lover's Day with the historic loves of President's Park! There are many restaurants downtown for dining afterwards.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.