On Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, the National Park Service will sponsor a World War II living history weekend at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. An authentic recreation of both Allied and German army camps, complete with original World War II vehicles, will be set up on the site. Over 150 living history enthusiasts will portray military personnel from the European Theater in 1944.
Living history volunteers representing American, British. Soviet, Canadian, Polish and German soldiers will present programs on World War II medical services, weapons and equipment, communications, military vehicles, and the life of the common G.I.
The weekend will feature several special guest speakers.
The encampment will be open to the public Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the Eisenhower National Historic Site is by shuttle bus. Buses depart regularly from the National Park Service Visitor Center located on Taneytown Road. Weather permitting, on-site parking for cars only will also be available in a farm field accessible off of Emmitsburg Road, Business Route 15. Bus groups and people who use wheelchairs should plan to use the shuttle system. For group reservations call 1-877-874-2478. Fees to enter the site either by shuttle bus or by parking in the field are adults, $6.50; children 6-12, $4.00.
Did You Know?
While a member of the West Point football team in 1912, Cadet Dwight Eisenhower played linebacker against the legendary Jim Thorpe of the Carlisle Indian School. Recalling Eisenhower’s performance years later, Thorpe remarked, “Good Linebacker!”
