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SOURCE: Gaithersburg City of Maryland
Posted: June 07, 2016 Gaithersburg Community Museum The Gaithersburg Community Museum and Observatory Park are among numerous historical sites participating in Montgomery County Heritage Days, June 25 and 26, 2016. This 19th annual event celebrates and showcases the County’s rich history, culture and natural beauty with activities, exhibits and performance for all ages. Explore all countywide events here. All Heritage Days events are free. The following will take place in Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 South Summit Avenue Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m. Housed in the 1884 Freight House, the Community Museum is part of the rail complex in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Explore a caboose and RDC rail car, take a photo with the 1918 steam locomotive, shop for train-related items in the gift shop, and discover the hands-on learning centers in the Museum. You might even catch the sights and sounds of the actual CSX and Amtrak trains that rumble by frequently. Enjoy old time traditional music by The Martin Family Band at 1:30 and 3 p.m. on both days. Take a mapping scavenger hunt in the exhibit “Mapping Gaithersburg: From Wilderness to Metropolis” Make a special train craft (while supplies last) If you’re exploring Heritage Days by bike, lock it up at our specially-designed locomotive bike rack when you stop by the Gaithersburg Community Museum. Observatory Park, 100 DeSellum Avenue Saturday and Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m. Built by Edwin Smith for the International Geodetic Association in 1899 as one of six around the globe, the Observatory played an important role in the efforts of scientists to determine the wobble of the Earth on its polar axis to aid in navigation. Ground markers are still used for GPS purposes today. Self-guided tours of this interpretive park and national historic landmark are available year round. The building, including the roof, will be open to explore and staff will be on hand to share the history of this unique historic site. Visitors can take part in solar observations, weather permitting, and a compass-making project. Please note that the park has no restroom facilities.
| Saturday, June 25 | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Guided tour of the park, monuments and geodetic markers. |
| 1 – 3 p.m. | Bryan Blundell, Architectural Preservation Specialist, will lead a discussion about the Observatory building and its restoration. |
| 2:30 p.m. | Guided tour of the park, monuments and geodetic markers with David Doyle. |
| 3 p.m. | Storyteller Arianna Ross of Story Tapestries tells tales of stars and how to observe the world around you. |
| Sunday, June 26 | |
| 1 – 3 p.m. | Bryan Blundell, Architectural Preservation Specialist, will lead a discussion about the Observatory building and its restoration. |
| 1:30 p.m. | Storyteller Arianna Ross of Story Tapestries tells tales of stars and how to observe the world around you. |
| 3 p.m. | Astronomer Edwin Smith, portrayed by Joe McNary, discusses the beginnings of the Observatory. |
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/news/press-releases/2016/06/20160607-explore-the-observatory-community-museum-during-heritage-days]]>
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