Preparing for your visit to the C&O Canal National Historical Park has just gotten easier, thanks to the release of a revised and updated Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Official National Park Handbook.

You can purchase a copy on-line at www.candocanal.org/store.html and at www.eparks.com/store/, or find it in the park's visitor centers.

This update of the popular 1991 handbook is 20 pages longer than the original. It was developed through a partnership between the C&O Canal Association and the C&O Canal National Historical Park. It retains all of the informative illustrations and historical photographs that the original was known for. Among the updates are:

* Revised text to reflect recent research and findings about the canal's history

* Features reflecting the improvements and additions to the park's recreational and interpretive opportunities

* ·Revised photographs that show present day views of the canal's features

* Updated maps that reflect revisions to the park, nearby trails, and access routes

* An updated printed resource listing

* A new list of Internet resource web addresses

The project to develop the revised handbook was conducted on a volunteer basis, while the association funded book printing. 

To celebrate the re-printing of this handbook, the park is holding several book launch events with contributors Steve Dean and Karen Gray.These events will be held at:

* Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, July 25, 10 a.m.-noon

* Cumberland Visitor Center, August 22, 10 a.m.-noon

* Williamsport Visitor Center, August 29, 10 a.m.-noon