About this Event
Have you ever wondered what you can learn about the Nation’s Capital by observing street alignments, symbols on buildings, and numerical patterns throughout the city?
Join the Egypt on the Potomac Field Trip, a unique experience combining video segments with guided site visits—both on and off the bus. A facilitator will lead you through Washington, D.C.’s hidden history, revealing connections to ancient Egyptian mythology, African American history, and the city’s symbolic design.
Your journey begins and ends at the IKG Cultural Resource Center (1816 12th Street NW, Washington, D.C.). Along the way, you’ll discover the profound influence ancient Africa’s most enduring civilization had on America’s founding fathers and their acknowledgment of the Nile Valley as the cradle of civilization.
www.IKGCulturalResourceCenter.com
FAQs & Field Trip Preparation
You will be sent a link to view a 22-minute orientation video on the history of the Field Trip and the topics covered the week before your Field Trip date.
Are there age or ID requirements for participation?
• This activity is suitable for youth 11 and older. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• There is no fee for children 5 and under but they must sit on an adult’s lap.
• ID is required for student and senior ticket purchases.
Discount codes:
• Students (with valid student ID): Use code STUDENT at checkout.
• Seniors (65+ years): Use code SENIOR at checkout.
How long is the Field Trip?
The trip lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. It concludes at the IKG Cultural Resource Center, where you may browse merchandise after the Field Trip.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the John Henrik Clarke Enhanced History Project which is currently on exhibit in the Thurgood Marshall Center.
Can I buy tickets onsite?
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online due to limited seating. The website shows available ticket quantities before checkout. After purchasing, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
If the trip is sold out, you can join the waitlist and will be contacted only if a seat becomes available.
Do I need to bring a printed ticket?
No. You will check in with the name used for your purchase. If needed, you may be asked to show your ticket confirmation on a mobile device.
What are the transportation and parking options?
You may drive, get dropped off, or take Metro.
• Parking: Limited spaces are available in the building’s parking lot. Parking is not allowed in the church lot next to the building. Street parking is available on the suggested streets: 11th, 12th, or 13th Streets NW, S or T Streets NW, or Vermont Avenue NW. Please pay attention to street signs.
• Metro: The closest station is U Street/Cardozo (Green Line). Exit at 13th & U Streets—the Center is a 3-block walk.
What will I see on the Field Trip?
Nile Valley culture is embedded throughout Washington, D.C. You’ll explore ancient Egyptian influences in architecture, symbolism, and city planning, intentionally woven into the city’s design by America’s founding fathers. We deboard the bus at Meridian Hill Park and the Scottish Rite Temple. All other sites are drive-bys with commentary.
Notable sites include:
• Meridian Hill Park
• Scottish Rite Temple
• House of the Temple
· National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Washington Monument
• Banneker Circle (L’Enfant Plaza)
How much walking is involved?
• Meridian Hill Park: Approx. 20-30 minutes (with pauses). This includes 58 steps to climb in the park.
• Scottish Rite Temple: Approx. 15-20 minutes. There are 24 steps to climb at this stop.
• The trip begins and ends with a 3-block walk from the Center to and from the bus.
• Expect 10-15 minutes of walking and standing at the trip’s conclusion.
Is the Field Trip wheelchair accessible?
The first two stops involve stairs, making full participation not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us before purchasing a ticket if you need accommodations.
What should I bring?
• Comfortable clothing & shoes
• Weather-appropriate attire
• Water, sunglasses, and something to take notes
• Snacks (optional)
Note: Video or audio recording is NOT permitted.
Is lunch included?
No. Bring your own snacks or visit nearby restaurants along the U Street corridor before or after the trip.
Are there bathroom breaks?
There are no official bathroom breaks. Restrooms are available at the Thurgood Marshall Center before departure and upon return, and in Meridian Hill Park.
What happens in case of bad weather?
• Check your email for updates the day before.
• Since the trip is primarily bus-based, cancellations are rare and occur only for severe weather advisories. In such cases, refunds will be issued.
• For questions about trip status, refer to the contact info in your Field Trip preparation email.
What if I’m late?
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow for traffic, parking, and check-in.
• If you arrive late, you may forfeit your ticket.
• If possible, you may catch up with the group, but facilitators will not repeat missed content.
For assistance, use the contact info in your Field Trip preparation email.
What if I can’t attend after purchasing a ticket?
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can:
1. Transfer your ticket to another person or a different Field Trip date.
2. If you purchased 1 or 2 tickets, you may transfer to another date once for free. A $15 service fee applies for a second transfer.
3. Group tickets (3 or more): 72-hour notice required for changes. Late changes incur the following fees:
• 3-9 tickets: $50
• 10 or more tickets: $100
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, 1816, 12th Street, NW, Washington, United States
