Free in DC: Celebrating 150 Years of Emancipation Contest Challenges Visitors and Residents to See Sites of Slavery and Freedom in DC

Washington, DC – Cultural Tourism DC observes the 150th anniversary of DC Emancipation Day with a new mobile scavenger hunt, Free in DC: Celebrating 150 Years of Emancipation. This location-based trivia game explores Emancipation and Civil War history across the city. The smartphone based game is presented in partnership with Ford’s Theatre, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and the Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel.

This year will mark the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s act freeing all enslaved people in the District of Columbia. DC Emancipation took place a full nine months before President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the rebellious states.

The Free in DC competitive scavenger hunt, held on DC Emancipation Day, April 16, takes contestants to 11 sites around the city where they must complete challenges to rack up points for a chance to win prizes. The 30 competitors with the highest scores by the end of April 16 will receive gift bags courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage and be entered into a drawing for the grand prize: a two-night stay at the Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel. Winner of the grand prize must be at least 18 years of age. The citywide hunt will take most participants four hours to complete.

Free in DC: Celebrating 150 Years of Emancipation is available through SCVNGR, a free mobile gaming application available for download on iPhone and Android smartphone devices. Participation is free and open to all DC residents and visitors. Participants should download the SCVNGR app in advance. Complete downloading instructions are available at www.CulturalTourismDC.org.

For a list of additional Emancipation Day events and activities around the city visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org

Organizations contributing to Free in DC are: Ford’s Theatre, President Lincoln’s Cottage, Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel, African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, Congressional Cemetery Association, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Historical Society of Washington, DC, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Tudor Place, U.S. Capitol Historical Society, and White House Historical Association.

About Cultural Tourism DC
An independent nonprofit coalition of more than 230 culture, heritage, and community-based organizations, Cultural Tourism DC and its members help residents and visitors experience DC’s authentic culture and heritage. For more information, visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Marlatt, 202-626-1133
JMarlatt@CulturalTourismDC.org
 

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