ANA World’s Fair of Money Tours and Events Explore Baltimore

The history and beauty of Baltimore may be explored through scheduled tours and events during the ANA 2008 World’s Fair of Money®.

Attendees of the American Numismatic Association’s 2008 World’s Fair of Money, July 30 to Aug. 3, are encouraged to take advantage of special tours and events scheduled in conjunction with the show. These activities showcase Baltimore’s rich history and highlight one of the country’s most beautiful harbors.

Bus tours and walking tours depart from the Baltimore Convention Center, where the convention takes place. Take advantage of early discounts through July 1. To register for a tour or event, visit www.money.org (select "World’s Fair of Money" from the "Featured Links" section, then select the "Attendees" tab). For more information, call 719-482-9857 or e-mail convention@money.org.

Tours and special events include

• The Baltimore Federal Reserve (walking tour)
  Wednesday, July 30, 9-10:45 a.m. Price: $5 through July 1; $7 after July 1
  Enjoy a short walk through downtown and see a great display and tour focusing on cash and check processing activities.

• Ride the Ducks of Baltimore
  Wednesday, July 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Price: $25 through July 1; $30 after July 1
  Travel on land and water in one amazing vehicle and experience Baltimore sightseeing fun. Splash into the famous Inner Harbor and visit the city’s most historic sights. "The Ducks" will take you on Baltimore’s most exciting sightseeing tour.

• USS Constellation Museum (walking tour)
  Thursday, July 31, 9:15-11 a.m. Price: $8 through July 1; $12 after July 1
  The last "all sail" warship built by the U.S. Navy, the USS Constellation now is a museum in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Guests are invited to discover life on board the only Civil Warera vessel still afloat and explore the ship’s history.

• Friendship Luncheon at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Baltimore – West Side Story
  Thursday, July 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Price: $48 through July 1; $55 after July 1
  An ANA convention tradition – the Friendship Luncheon – comes to one of Baltimore’s best dinner theatre venues. Enjoy a great lunch buffet, a timeless story, and awardwinning music.

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  Friday, Aug. 1, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Price: $35 through July 1; $40 after July 1
  Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at the BEP, then head to the NMNH for lunch and an afternoon exploring a museum known worldwide for its unparalleled research, collections and exhibitions dealing with the natural world.

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site
  Saturday, Aug. 2, 8:45-11 a.m. Price: $17 through July 1; $22 after July 1
  The Star-Spangled Banner flew over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. The valiant defense of the fort by 1,000 dedicated Americans inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words of our national anthem.

• Baltimore Inner Harbor Cruise on the Prince Charming (a short walk to the harbor)
  Saturday, Aug. 2, 1:45-3:15 p.m. Price: $16.00 through July 1; $20 after July 1
  Wet your appetite for fun while getting an insider’s view of Baltimore’s Harbor with a 75-minute scenic, narrated tour. The Prince Charming is 80 feet long with a 22-foot beam.

The World’s Fair of Money will be held July 30 to Aug. 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street (by the Charles Street Lobby).

The event features:

• more than 1,100 numismatic dealers;
• a Mint Promenade with mints from around the world;
• an Artists & Authors Alley that showcases the hobby’s literary and artistic side;
• the Collector Gallery exhibit area;
• marquee exhibits of numismatic rarities;
• a multi-million-dollar auction by Heritage Auction Galleries;
• hourly educational presentations, seminars, meetings and workshops;
• and special events including the ANA’s annual awards banquet.

The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ed Craig is the event’s General Chairman, Millard Hajek is the Honorary Chairman, Mark Lighterman is Chief Exhibit Judge, and Simcha Kuritzky is the Numismatic Theatre Chairman.

The Maryland State Numismatic Association, Catonsville Coin Club and Montgomery Coin Club are the event’s host clubs. The Baltimore Coin Club and Maryland Token and Medal Society are the honorary host clubs. Heritage Auction Galleries is the official auction company.

About American Numismatic Association

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.