Gordon Brown, left, with George W. Bush at Camp David, 30 Jul 2007

Ronald and Nancy Reagan

"Camp David is an isolated area. Tourists cannot get close to it, it is fenced off (and) there is a large amount of government property there,” says Presidential historian Michael Barrone. He says the camp's isolation also makes it an ideal location for hosting foreign leaders and staging, sometimes, intensive negotiations as well.

Michael Barrone

And 87-year-old George Wireman of Thurmont, Maryland, the community closest to the camp, was here when it happened. "When Carter brought Begin and Sadat, then I realized, hey, we have really got something here in Thurmont we can be proud of."

George Wireman

Cozy is a resort complex just 10 kilometers from Camp David. Less exclusive than its more famous neighbor, it is still about as close as most people will ever get to experience Camp David itself. There is even a Camp David Museum.

Vickie Grinder is Cozy's general manager. She spoke about the items on display. "All of the articles and pictures that you see in the Camp David museum have been donated to Cozy. They have all been donated by the reporters who have stayed with us over the years."

Vickie Grinder

Grinder adds, "It is a pride when you go somewhere and people say:
'Well, where is Thurmont, Maryland?'
'Never heard of it.'   
'Well, have you ever heard of Camp David, the presidential retreat?'          
'Oh yes.'
And then that puts us on the map."

Ford family

Sometimes stories of what happens up on the mountain retreat known as Camp David find their way into headlines and history books. But much of what is known about Camp David comes from the local people here who are its neighbors.