With your help, the police quickly arrest the thief, and all the stolen items are returned. The library director presents you with a small reward, which you happily accept. Back at the library, you ask to see any paintings the Gordons may have donated along with the house. The director shows you four or five…
View The Two Dials »Treasure Hunts
Armand Ballpeen’s Mansion
Ballpeen’s mansion is an impressive neo-Georgian edifice that looks bigger than your old college. When you press the doorbell, a sonorous gong reverberates that you expect to summon a butler. Instead, the mail slot pops open, through which you hear a thin voice. I’m sorry I can’t let you in right now. The sad truth…
View Armand Ballpeen’s Mansion »The Griot of Woodmont Triangle
Arriving at 38° 59′ 19″ North, 77° 5′ 49″ West, you stare at the memorial to Bethesda’s victims of war in the center of Woodmont Triangle. How can you possibly get a permit to dig up the park? Just then, you feel a tug on your sleeve. Turning, you behold an elderly man in shabby…
View The Griot of Woodmont Triangle »What the Griot Said
When you tell the Griot you want to learn about June 19, 1718, he closes his eyes for a moment and considers. Then he speaks slowly: Ah, yes. The man you speak of must be the one we call The Digging Man. He did arrive here on the day you name with eight other men….
View What the Griot Said »Little Falls Playground
A Department of Parks official stands amid the wreckage of the ancient tree. This last storm was just too much for it. It’s a shame. Everyone will miss this tree. I’m trying to save the carvings at least—the rest will be hauled off as waste. The official has sorted many of the carvings by date….
View Little Falls Playground »Chevy Chase Library
The staff at the library is in a tizzy, and yellow tape is strung across the door. A plainclothes police officer approaches you. I’m afraid the library was burglarized last night—several books, furniture, and works of art were stolen. We’ll have the case wrapped up soon, but until then the library is closed to the…
View Chevy Chase Library »Blackbeard’s Log
This appears to reproduce entries from various logs Blackbeard kept from 1713 until his death. Most of the pages are mundane accounts of daily life at sea, with the occasional skirmish in the Caribbean. One page in particular draws your attention: Local historians have identified many modern sites in the Washington, DC, area that correspond…
View Blackbeard’s Log »The Maryland Maritime Museum
Anchored in Annapolis harbor next to the museum is an 18th-century sloop with the name Legend emblazoned across the stern. A volunteer greets all visitors as they board the ship. Welcome to the Maryland Maritime Museum and our special exhibit, Blackbeard’s Last Stand. You’re welcome to just wander around the Legend, check out Blackbeard’s Log…
View The Maryland Maritime Museum »Blackbeard’s Map
Ballpeen thanks you profusely for his rescue and apologizes that most of the Blackbeard memorabilia has been sent away for appraisal. Of course I had to keep the map here. As you can see, it’s something special.” What you see is not what you expected. The map apparently is painted directly on a slab of…
View Blackbeard’s Map »Medical Center Metro Station
The station is apparently undergoing some renovation. In answer to your questions, the workers suggest you talk to the Chief Engineer. Tiles? Oh yes, the main entrance floor was covered with a tiled mosaic that was taken from the original building on this site. We’ve just removed the tiles for repair. You’re welcome to look…
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