In a rare example of public private cooperation, Tanger Outlet and the Peterson Companies have supported local heritage tourism efforts by integrating local history into the new Tanger Outlets at National Harbor. On June 3 the Prince George’s County African American Heritage Preservation Group opened a new visitor center and memorial garden called Experience Salubria. The visitor center includes archeological exhibits and interpretive signage on the rich cultural, historical, and natural legacy in the County along the Potomac River as well as telling the story of the plantation on which the outlet mall sits. Bronze plaques are located within the mall and a memorial garden featuring a designed landscape, interpretive signs, and historic wall fragments is located on the grounds. The Washington Post did a nice article on the grand opening. Aeon principal Alfonso Narvaez helped win a Star Spangled 200 grant from the State of Maryland to pay for interpretive signage on the War of 1812 history nearby and spoke briefly during the opening day ceremonies about this history. The ribbon cutting featured many local politicians including County Executive Rushern Baker, Delegates Jolene Ivey, Jay Walker, and Obie Patterson as well as Native American representatives from the Piscataway Conoy.
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