Linda Donavan Harper is the executive director of Cultural Tourism D.C., a nonprofit that works to promote cultural and historical aspects of the nation’s capital. Harper spoke with The Examiner about how the group has been preparing for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20, when millions of people are expected to converge on the region for this historic event.
What are you looking forward to (or not looking forward to) about inaugural week?
People are coming to celebrate our new president, but what they’re also getting to do is celebrate America’s hometown.
I think they’ll find a city they don’t really expect.
I think it’s become not only our capital for government, but capital of culture as well.
We love the fact that people are coming to our city and want to celebrate — those of us living here are saying, “We can’t get around.”
But it’s part of being in the capital city.
Our hope is that people will step beyond the Mall. … I think crowds will sort of push people beyond the Mall.
How busy has work been at Cultural Tourism D.C. leading up to Jan. 20?
We’ve been busy, obviously.
Our members — over 200 members — they’ve been the busy ones.
They’re the ones really putting together programs.
What are you going to be doing on Inauguration Day? Will you make it into the office?
We are not.
We are going to rely on our Web site — there’s a full schedule of attractions and fees.
I think all of our staff will be out experiencing history.
We’re all going to plan to be at our own spot to witness history, so we can share it with friends and family in the future.
