Prince George’s County, Maryland Conference & Visitors BureauReunionCapitalUSA.com

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Bringing families and friends together is something we all can relate to. That’s why my family and I whole-heartedly support the Prince George’s County Conference & Visitors Bureau’s ReunionCapitalUSA.

What makes the Reunions so important? Simply stated, it’s a unique opportunity for all ages to celebrate our past, present, and future. At a time when families and friends are pulled in so many directions, no occasion better represents (and fortifies) the love, traditions, and bonds that make us who we are.

It’s never too late to reunite, rediscover and honor your family and friends – while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re an area resident or valued visitor, we invite every reunion to call Prince George’s County home.

Prince George’s expertise in organizing memorable gatherings, close proximity to our nation’s capital, and historical ties to joyful reunions are the reasons “Where Families & Friends Come Together” resonates so strongly with so many.

Please enjoy these valuable tips and resources in planning your next reunion celebration. Best reunion wishes from the place where families and friends (just like yours) come together.

Sincerely,Rushern L. Baker, IIICounty ExecutivePrince George’s County, Maryland

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Reunion Planning 101

Planning a Reunion Page 6, 7Reunion Timetable Page 8Finding Your Family History Page 9County Accommodations Page 10-15Reserved Picnic Areas | Park Permits National Parks Page 14 State Parks Page 14 County Parks Page 14 Municipal Parks Page 15Family and Group Outing Ideas Page 15Transportation | Tours Page 15

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Prince George’s County...Minutes from Washington, DC

There’s an old saying, “the family is our refuge, our springboard...our link to the past, our bridge to the future.” No other event represents this better than a Reunion. Reunions are special occasions that fortify the love, traditions, and bonds that make us all whole. Here in Prince George’s County, we understand and appreciate the value of such gatherings and we invite every reunion to call our County home.

Whether you’re planning an event for 5 or 500, there’s a place for you in Prince George’s County. Your family and friends will find and experience outstanding accom-modations, attractions, restaurants, meeting and banquet facilities, and award-winning parks and recreation. There is always something to see, do, and discover here...just minutes from Washington, DC.

Prince George’s County is home to National Harbor, Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center, Bowie State University, University of Maryland at College Park, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Baysox Minor League Baseball, FedEx Field and the Washington Redskins, the National Wildlife Visitor Center, wonderful historic sites and museums, and reunion-oriented events. Prince George’s is also home to the Washington, DC metropolitan area’s only theme park – Six Flags America®.

It’s easy for everyone to reach your reunion. As part of Washington DC’s vibrant metropolitan corridor, Prince George’s County is just minutes to everything. The County is within easy access of all major amenities and attractions, most major cities, three major airports, Amtrak, MARC, Metrorail, and Greyhound bus service.

Need Help? The Prince George’s County Conference and Visitors Bureau can assist you in planning an enjoyable reunion event. Whether you need to book hotel rooms or find attractions, special events, and dining options, the CVB staff has the resources and experience to help you. Available services include:

• Pre-reunion planning assistance• Assistance in attaining hotel accommodations• Suggestions for picnic and banquet facilities• Suggestions for area attractions and parks• Providing welcome bags and visitor publications

To learn more, contact the Prince George’s County Conference and Visitors Bureau at 301-925-8300 or email us at visitorinfo@co.pg.md.us. Please visit our websites to learn more:

ReunionCapitalUSA.comVisitPrinceGeorges.com • HistoricPrinceGeorges.com

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Facilities & FoodFinances and expenses may dictate the search for the right facility, but often a reunion is per-ceived as a time for a vacation and members want a nice place. If there is a particular pur-pose for the reunion, bringing people together primarily to get to know each other, a more isolated area may be more desirable. On the other hand, if participants have said they want to spend time on their own, look for a facility that provides plenty of amusements.

In addition to hotels, consider conference centers, state parks with housing facilities, resorts, and college campuses (University of Maryland, Bowie State University). All of the activities do not have to be held where peo-ple are housed. Picnics may be held in a park or banquets may be held at a local museum.

Eating is always an important event at a re-union. People like to have plenty of good food. The choice of a facility sometimes dictates the food arrangements. Some require you to use their food service; others offer a meal plan. Confirm all arrangements in your negotiations with hotels and in the information package you send to your reunion attendees.

Planning a Reunion Reunions take organization, time, commit-ment, and planning. To get started, form a committee. It can be as small as 3-4 people. Include all age groups when possible. Decide how often the committee will meet and consider the following items:

• Date • Invitations • Location• Travel and Lodging • Facilities• Food • Mailing List • Program and Format• Finances • Local Transportation • Communications • Souvenirs

CommunicationsFrequent communication with family and friends helps to generate information and maintain interest over the months of plan-ning for the reunion. A computer makes it easier to handle all of your communications.

Compile the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of as many potential attendees as you can find through your network.

The first communication may just be a notice that the reunion is being planned and invite suggestions. When the location, date, and facility have been confirmed send another notice, including the cost. This should go out at least 4-6 months before the reunion. If the facility has some particularly attractive features, include this information to keep reunion participants interested and engaged.

You may wish to send out a survey solicit-ing the kinds of activities everyone would like to have. Or your survey may be sent to gather information about each person to be included in a keepsake directory.

Set a definite date for registration and payment. It is necessary to know who will be coming so that arrangements regarding food, trips, tours, and lodging may be finalized. Be prepared to mail a follow-up letter closer to the due date. Don’t forget to include a map and directions. Set up a telephone chain to contact people who haven’t responded.

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FinancesReunions do cost money, but with careful plan-ning every family and group can afford to have one. The cost of organizing includes expenses such as postage, duplication, stationary, and telephone. These costs may be passed on to reunion members as part of their registration fee. The planning committee should be aware that deposits might also be needed for the sites, souvenirs, and the like. Consider a fund-raising event during the year to offset these ex-penses. Fundraisers may include dinner dances and parties, raffles, casinos or theater trips, card parties, flea markets, and any other way that works for your group.

Story TellingSharing history has become a major activity at reunions. Many reunion groups have found in-teresting ways to tell their stories.

For family reunions, genealogical societies, ge-nealogists, and other resources exist to help persons trace their roots. Be sure to interview family elders and tape what they say. Remem-ber that family reunions offer a chance to col-lect history in the making. Videotape your re-union activities and record information for the sake of future generations.

After the ReunionAfter the reunion, evaluate how it went. Ac-centuate the positive and celebrate your suc-cesses. Iron out the rough spots. Encourage ongoing gatherings and reunions. You’ll find that it gets easier to organize and even more fun as time goes on.

Text reprinted by permission of The Family Reunion Institute School of Social AdministrationTemple University, Philadelphia, PA215-204-6244www.temple.edu/fri/familyreunion

ActivitiesEveryone looks forward to reuniting and hav-ing fun together The range of possible activi-ties is limitless. The more reunion members who are involved in carrying out the activities, the more likely their participation over time. Talents among family and friends have an op-portunity to shine. Use people’s abilities and interests and consider the array of possibilities available to your group, be it family, sorority sisters, church friends, or military comrades.

• Talent shows• Family story telling• Choir singing• Recognition ceremonies• Arts and crafts exhibits• Fashion shows• Music and poetry• Sports, Games, and Competitions• Military Memorials

Members may lead workshops in topics such as social media, economic development, in-vesting, education, parenting skills, political action, sports trivia, or ballroom dancing. Remember to include activities for all ages, including youth and the elderly.

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12 to 18 Months Before• Create a database of family names, addresses, phone numbers, and email.• Determine interest and estimate number of people that may attend.• Assemble a list of people who will help organize the event.

11-12 Months Before • Form reunion committee(s) and establish responsibilities and schedules.• Create a budget/bookkeeping system. Keep records of everything you do that relates to the reunion.• Site Visit – scout potential locations and facilities (if needed).• Set the date.• Select the location.• 1st Mailing - Send out a reunion announcement w/ tentative reunion date, schedule and plans.• Arrange or hire caterer, photographer, etc.

6 to 9 Months and Counting• Finalize reunion date and location.• 2nd Mailing - Send out reunion invitation.• Reserve block of hotel rooms.• Begin list of attendees.

5 Months and Counting• Confirm reservations, photographer, entertainment, caterer (if used).• Finalize menu.

It Takes Time to Plan a Reunion

One of the keys to staging a successful reunion is giving yourself adequate TIME. You’ll need at least 4 months (and as many as 18 months) to get every-thing done. Give yourself enough time to plan, execute, and follow-up.

Here’s a timetable with specific tasks to insure a successful and enjoyable reunion for you and your guests:

6-8 Weeks and Counting• Complete address/memory book.• Draft checklist for reunion tasks.• Coordinate volunteers and designate their assignments.• Confirm understanding of assignments, logistics and security.

2 Weeks and Counting• Purchase last minute decorations and supplies.• Confirm eating, lodging and meeting arrangements.• Review final checklist.

One Day and Counting• Solve or resolve any last-minute problems.• Walk through all final details.

The Big Day — The Reunion is Here!• Get to the reunion site early.• Coordinate day-of details, meet with volunteers, etc.• Decorate reunion area.• Set up displays, rental equipment, registration table.

Done — Now What?• Evaluate – What worked? What didn’t? • Thank everyone who helped.• Settle all accounts; finalize bookkeeping.• Set a date to plan for the next reunion.

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www.aahgs.orghttp://pgcm.aahgs.orgThe Afro-American Historical and Genealogi-cal Society, Inc. strives to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information. (Prince George’s County Chapter)

www.ellisisland.orgThe American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island allows visitors to explore the extraordinary collection of immigrant arrival records stored in the Ellis Island archives.

www.familysearch.orgThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, FamilySearch hosts a free web site that contains the largest collection of family history, tree, and genealogy records in the world.

www.dar.orgThe DAR Library in Washington, DC is the home of the Genealogical Research Center. The library contains a wealth of unique materials.

www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/The Library of Congress, Local History and Genealogy Reading Room contains one of the world’s premier collections of U.S. and foreign genealogical and local historical publi-cations. The Library’s genealogy collection began as early as 1815 with the purchase of Thomas Jefferson’s library.

www.archives.gov/genealogyThe National Archives offers insight into the lives of people, their families and our history. Because the records at the National Archives come from every branch of the Federal govern-ment, almost all Americans can find themselves, their ancestors in the archives. Knowing how a person interacted with the government is key to a successful search.

www.usgenweb.orgThe USGenWeb Project consist of a group of volunteers working together to provide free genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States. This Project is non-commercial.

Finding Your Family History or Group’s History

Your reunion is a great time to learn more about yourself, your family, and your friends. For a full list of resources, visit ReunionCapitalUSA.com.

Discovering this history will take time, patience, and diligence, but it will be one of the most rewarding adventures you can undertake. Everyone can get involved.

Start by making important notes and keeping records about every reunion member you know, meet, or discover. In addition, there is an abundance of genealogical web sites and resources available to assist you as you uncover the history behind your reunion connections. We’ve outlined a number of free sites to get you started:

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Accommodations —Hotels

In addition to being a great destination, Prince George’s County has a wide variety of wonderful accommodations, restaurants, caterers, reunion resources, and party services suited for your family and friends’ reunion enjoyment. For all there is to see, do, and experience in Prince George’s County, please visit one or all of our websites: ReunionCapitalUSA.com VisitPrinceGeorges.com HistoricPrinceGeorges.com

Be sure to click on the OneNews link for 24/7 up-to-the-second Deals and Happenings that never end!

North County LAURELHoliday Inn Laurel West15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707301-776-5300 / 800-972-3159www.hilaurelwest.com

Quality Inn & SuitesOne Second Street, Laurel, MD 20707301-725-8800 / 877-424-6423www.qualityinnlaurel.com

North County BELTSVILLE & CALVERTONComfort Inn Capital Beltway/I-95 North4050 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705301-572-7100 / 877-424-6423www.comfortinn.com/hotel-beltsville-maryland-MD614

Greenbelt Marriott6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770301-441-3700 / 800-228-9290www.marriottgreenbelt.com

SheratonWashingtonNorth Hotel 4095 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705301-937-4422 / 800-325-3535www.sheratonwashingtonnorth.com

North County COLLEGE PARK & UNIVERSITY OF MARYLANDClarion Inn & Fundome8601 Baltimore Blvd, College Park, MD 20740301-474-2800 / 800-442-1644www.collegeparkinn.com

Comfort Inn & Suites9020 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740301-441-8110 / 800-228-5150www.comfortinncollegepark.com

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Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Greenbelt7810 Walker DriveGreenbelt, MD 20770301-474-7400 / 877-782-9444www.washingtondcgreenbelt.stayhgi.com

Holiday Inn Greenbelt/NASA Goddard7200 Hanover DriveGreenbelt, MD 20770301-982-7000 / 888-465-4329www.holidayinn.com/greenbelt

Residence Inn Greenbelt6320 Golden Triangle DriveGreenbelt, MD 20770301-982-1600 / 800-331-3131www.residenceinn.com

Central County BOWIEComfort Inn & Conference Center4500 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20716301-464-0089 / 800-228-5150www.pmchotels.com

Hampton Inn Bowie15202 Major Lansdale Blvd. Bowie, MD 20716301-809-1800 / 800-426-7866www.hamptoninn.com

Central County CAPITOL HEIGHTSCountry Inn & Suites8850 Hampton Mall Drive N.Capitol Heights, MD 20743301-350-8088 / 1-800-596-2375www.countryinns.com/capitolheightsmd

Hampton Inn College Park 9670 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740301-345-2200 / 800-426-7866www.hamptoninn.com

Holiday Inn Washington-College Park (I-95)10000 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740301-345-6700 / 800-455-4329www.holiday-inn.com/was-collegepk

Quality Inn & Suites7200 Baltimore Blvd.,College Park, MD 20740301-864-5820 / 800-228-5151www.qualityinncollegepark.com

Marriott Inn & Conference Center UMUCUniversity of Maryland University College3501 University Blvd. EastAdelphi, Maryland 20783301-985-7300 / 888-236-2427www.marriott.com/wasum

North County GREENBELTCourtyard by Marriott6301 Golden Triangle DriveGreenbelt, MD 20770301-441-3311 / 800-321-2211www.marriott.com/wasgr

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Central County - CHEVERLYHoward Johnson Inn5811 Annapolis Rd., Cheverly, MD 20784301-779-7700 / 800-274-4938www.hojo.com

Central County - LANDOVER, LANHAM & NEW CARROLLTONCourtyard by Marriott8330 Corporate Drive, Landover, MD 20785301-577-3373 / 800-321-2211www.marriott.com/wasld

Central County LANDOVER HILLS

Holiday Inn Express Washington DC/BW Parkway6205 Annapolis Road, Hyattsville, MD 20784301-322-6000 / 800-228-5150www.hyattsvillemdhotel.com

Central County LANHAM & NEW CARROLLTONBest Western Capital Beltway5910 Princess Garden ParkwayLanham, MD 20706301-459-1000 / 800-866-4458www.bestwesterndc.com/hotels/best-western-capital-beltway

Central County LANDOVER, LARGO & UPPER MARLBOROHampton Inn Washington I-959421 West Largo Drive Largo, MD 20774301-499-4600 / 800-426-7866www.hamptoninndc.com

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites I-95 Capital Beltway9101 Basil Court, Largo, MD 20774301-636-6090 / 888-465-4329www.holidayinnexpress.com

Radisson Hotel LargoWashington DC9100 Basil Court, Largo, MD 20774301-773-0700 / 800-333-3333www.radisson.com/largomd

South County CAMP SPRINGS & ANDREWS AFBCountry Inn & Suites by Carlson4950 Mercedes BlvdCamp Springs, MD 20746240-492-1070 / 888-201-1746www.countryinns.com/templehillsmd

Holiday Inn Express Andrews AFB5001 Mercedes BoulevardCamp Springs, MD 20746301-423-2323 / 888-465-4329http://hiexpress.com/campspringsmd

Quality Inn at Andrews AFB4783 Allentown RoadCamp Springs, MD 20746301-420-2800www.qualityaafb.com

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South County - CLINTON & ANDREWS AFBComfort Inn @ Andrews AFB7979 Malcolm Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-5200 / 866-284-7891www.comfortinnclinton.com

Colony South Hotel7401 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-4500 / 800-537-1147www.colonysouth.com

Marriott TownePlace Suites Clinton @ Andrews AFB7800 Ferry Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735301-856-2266 / 877-331-2266www.marriott.com/wasaf

South County OXON HILL & NATIONAL HARBORAloft Washington National Harbor156 Waterfront StreetNational Harbor, MD 20745301-749-9000 / 1-877-GO-ALOFTwww.aloftnationalharbor.com

Comfort Inn Oxon Hill6363 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-839-0001 / 877-424-6423www.comfortinn.com

Clarion Hotel at Oxon Hill6400 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-749-9400 / 888-209-2770www.clarionhotel.com

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center201 Waterfront StreetNational Harbor, MD 20745301-965-2000www.gaylordnational.com

Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor250 Waterfront StreetNational Harbor, MD 20745301-567-3531 / 800-426-7866www.hamptoninn.com

Residence Inn National Harbor192 Waterfront StreetNational Harbor, MD 20745301-749-4755 / 800-331-3131www.residenceinnnationalharbor.com

South County UPPER MARLBORO VICINITYExecutive Inn & Suites2901 Crain HighwayUpper Marlboro, MD 20774301-627-3969executiveinnandsuitesmd.com

Accommodations —Private Campgrounds

Cherry Hill Park9800 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, MD301-937-7116 / 800-801-6449www.cherryhillpark.com

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Accommodations—Bed & Breakfast

Private Stay by Madly LivingBed & BreakfastFort Washington, MD301-292-9008www.madlyliving.com

Butterfly Fields Bed & BreakfastJust Outside of Upper Marlboro320 Frank Moreland PlaceLothian, MD 207111-410-271-1433www.butterfly-fields.com

Park Permits —Reserved Picnic Areas

National Parks

Fort Washington National Park13551 Fort Washington RoadFort Washington, MD 20744301-763-4600www.nps.gov/fowa/

Greenbelt National Park6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD301-344-3948www.nps.gov/gree

Oxon Cove Park / Oxon Hill FarmUS National Park Service6411 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745301-839-1176 • www.nps.gov/oxhi

State Parks

Cedarville State ForestCedarville Rd., off Rt. 301, Brandywine, MD301-888-1410 | 800-784-5380www.dnr.state.md.us

Rosaryville State Parkc/o Mount Airy Mansion8714 Rosaryville RdUpper Marlboro, MD 20772301-856-9656 • www.dnr.state.md.us

County Parks

Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Park Permits Office4325 Forbes Boulevard -Suite ALanham, MD 20706301-918-8111www.pgparks.com

Cosca Regional Park11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735301-868-1397 / 301-918-8111 (reserva-tions)www.pgparks.com

Patuxent River Park16000 Croom Airport RoadUpper Marlboro, MD 20772301-627-6074www.pgparks.com

Walker Mill Regional Park8840 Walker Mill RoadDistrict Heights, MD 20747301-699-2407; 301-918-8111 (reservations)www.pgparks.com

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Watkins Regional Park 301 Watkins Park Rd. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774301-249-6900; 301-918-8111 (reservations)www.pgparks.com

Municipal Parks

Allen Pond Park—Bowie3330 Northview DriveBowie, MD 20715301-809-3011 • www.cityofbowie.org

Whitemarsh Park—BowieRoute 3 South, Bowie, MD 20715301-809-3011 • www.cityofbowie.org

Buddy Attick Park—Greenbelt555 Crescent RoadGreenbelt, MD 20770301-397-2200www.greenbeltmd.gov

Schrom Hills Park—Greenbelt6915 Hanover PkwyGreenbelt, MD 20770301-397-2200www.greenbeltmd.gov

Magruder Park—Hyattsville3911 Hamilton StreetHyattsville, MD 20781301-985-5045www.hyattsville.org

Granville Gude Park—Laurel8300 Mulberry Street Laurel, MD 20707301-725-5300 x317www.cityoflaurel.org/facilities/granville-gude-park-lakehouse

Family/Group OutingsBaysox Minor League Baseball4101 NE Crain Hwy., Bowie, MD 20716301-805-6000www.baysox.com

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of MarylandCollege Park, MD 20742301-405-ARTSwww.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu

Rosecroft Raceway6336 Rosecroft Dr., Ft. Washington, MD 20744301-567-4000 • www.rosecroft.com

Six Flags AmericaP.O. Box 4210, Largo, MD 20775301-249-1500www.sixflags.com/america

Transportation/ToursBeltway Transportation8016 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747301-420-3101www.beltwaytransportation.com

Exquisite Limousine Service7700 Old Branch Ave., Ste. D106Clinton, MD 20735301-877-7731www.exquisitelimousineserviceco.com

First Priority Trailways, Inc.4203 Forestville Rd.District Heights, MD 20747301-568-3500 • www.firstprioritytours.com

Martz Gold Line/Gray Line5500 Tuxedo Rd., Tuxedo, MD 20781301-386-8300www.graylinedc.com

Prince George’s County, Maryland Conference & Visitors Bureauwww.WhereFamiliesComeTogether.com

www.visitprincegeorges.com

Prince George’s County, Maryland Conference & Visitors Bureau9200 Basil Court, Suite 101, Largo, MD 20774 • 301-925-8300

ReunionCapitalUSA.com VisitPrinceGeorges.com • HistoricPrinceGeorges.com