Black history remembered in the capital

Many cities around the U.S. celebrate February as Black History Month, but the nation’s capital really pulls out the stops.

There are more than 20 exhibits, workshops and other events and, new this year, a festival of African American film. For a schedule and other details, log on to www.dcheritage.org.

Among the highlights:

First African American Film Feast: This two-day festival offers movie screenings and panel discussions. The opening film is “That’s Black Entertainment,” film clips from 1923 to 1957. Feb. 22 and 23. Lincoln Theatre. Tickets $3 to $9.(202) 328-6000, www.thelincolntheatre.org.

“Captive Passage”: More than 200 objects drawn from museums and private collections in the U.S. and Britain tell the story of slave trading from a maritime perspective. They include maps and charts, shackles, African artifacts, artwork and a model of the slave schooner Dos Amigos. Feb. 3 to Aug. 31. Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture. Free. (202) 287-2060, www.anacostia.si.edu.

“Forgotten Patriots”: This exhibit focuses on African Americans and American Indians who served in the Revolutionary War. Through Aug. 2. Daughters of the American Revolution Museum. (202) 879-3241, www.dar.org/museum.

Americans living abroad advised to be cautious

The State Department issued a public announcement reminding Americans who live overseas to keep bank records and other vital documents at hand, make sure visas and passports are current and take other steps that could aid quick evacuation. It described these as “precautionary measures” in view of the potential for “violence, terrorism or anti-American demonstrations.”

A long-standing worldwide caution from the department advises U.S. travelers to remain vigilant, avoid places where large numbers of Americans gather and take other measures because of “the continuing threat of terrorist actions.” For updates, call (888) 407-4747 or visit www.travel.state.gov.

QE2 passes sanitation test by CDC

Cunard’s flagship Queen Elizabeth 2, after failing a Jan. 3 sanitary inspection by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, passed its reinspection Jan. 23. Its score was 92 out of 100. A minimum of 86 is required to pass.

Ship misses 2nd port call on Hawaii’s Molokai

Holland America’s Statendam was thwarted in its second attempt to become the first big luxury cruise ship to call on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

The Statendam canceled its first call in December because rough water made it unsafe to tender ashore, spokesman Erik Elvejord said.

Last month, the ship missed the next call when it was diverted on the way to Hawaii by a U.S. Coast Guard request to rescue three sailors on a private yacht in 25-foot seas. It did so, then bypassed Molokai to make up lost time, Elvejord said.

He said there were no plans to alter the Statendam’s next planned visit to Molokai in April.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

$19 lift ticket for Tahoe half pipe

Here’s one way for skiers and snowboarders to beat steep lift-ticket prices: If you use only the half pipe, terrain park and “boardercross” (racing) course at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe, you can pay $19 per day versus the $42 (ages 13 to 18) or $56 (adults) charged to access the whole resort. The new $19 ticket is available daily, except on Presidents Day weekend (Feb. 15 to 16), for those ages 13 and older. (800) 441-4423, www.skialpine.com.

FREE FOR THE ASKING

Get on the right track in Europe

If you’re confused about the many types of rail passes in Europe, consider ordering “Europe on Track” from Rail Europe, which describes all the pass options and offers a map of the rail lines. Call (888) 438-RAIL (7245) or download the guide at www.raileurope.com. (Click on “Download Brochure” from the menu on the left side of the home page.)