Western PA National Parks Launch Summer Special Events

News Release Date: May 22, 2013

Contact: MaryEllen Snyder, [phone]

Western PA is the home to five National Parks that showcase the history of the region and beauty of the outdoors.If you're planning a "staycation" check out the five National Parks right here in our own backyard; Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Friendship Hill National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial.The sites have new offerings and events for family and friends of all ages and interests.Visiting the Western PA National Parks, you will encounter inspiring stories of native people, immigrants, first citizens and founders, and heroes of our nation.

In addition to daily programs the park service offers from June through August, over 50 special events are planned in western Pennsylvania's five National Parks sites.Whether by hiking the trace of one of America's early engineering triumphs, by quiet contemplation of tragedy highlighted by luminaries for lives lost, to taking in an summer's evening VFW Band concert on preserved battlefield, talking tactics with soldiers and warriors from the French and Indian War, or honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93 near Shanksville there are endless opportunities for learning and recreation in western Pennsylvania's National Parks.

Five special events you won't want to miss include:

On Friday May 31 the National Park Service will commemorate the 124th Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, from 9:00 am through 10:00 pm. All park facilities will be open and admission is free. Tour the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Clubhouse and talk with park staff and volunteers in historic attire.Visitors can view the award winning film, "Black Friday," at the Visitor Center near the remains of the Dam.At the end of the day the public is invited to join park volunteers as we honor the memories of those who perished in the Flood, with the lighting of

2,209 luminaries from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/jofl.

On June 29, "Allegheny Portage Railroad Day" will be held at Alleghany Portage Railroad NHS. Visitors can learn about life and work from the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The National Park Service presents this special day of demonstrations and programs to show skills and daily activities of the 1830s and 1840s. Events will last from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will include stonecutting, rope making, log hewing, spinning & weaving, clothes washing, cooking, historic weapons demonstrations, a recreated workers encampment, and children's games & activities. Children are invited to participate in Junior Ranger Day which will include a special archeology activity. For more information visit www.nps.gov/alpo.

On July 20 and 21, Fort Necessity, will commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of Pontiac's Rebellion. Visit Fort Necessity, and learn about Pontiacs Rebellion. Visitors will tour an encampment of Warriors and British Soldiers in the Great Meadows and watch historic weapons demonstrations. Pontiac's Rebellion tells the story of Chief Pontiac, a powerful and respected leader of the Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi who led a rebellion of many tribes against the British and the colonists. Many of the American Indian Nations , primarily from the Great Lakes region, had close trading relationships with France and were appalled to find that at the end of the French and Indian War their lands were now under the control of the British. Pontiac's Rebellion was an attempt by an alliance of American Indian Nations to prevent Great Britain from occupying the land previously claimed by France. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/fone.

In September, Flight 93 National Memorial will conduct the 12^th commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2011. This year the event will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 9:30 am. This outdoor event is open to the public and traditionally includes reading the names of the passengers and crew on Flight 93 while the "Bells of Remembrance" are tolled. On the evening of September 10 at sundown, the Friends of Flight 93 will sponsor a display of luminaries at the Wall of Names, lighting the forty names until a special late closing at 9:00 pm. Other programming will take place on the weekends before and after September 11. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/flni.

For a great fall weekend on September 20 and 21,plan to attend FestiFall & Market Fair at Friendship Hill NHS. This event is co-sponsored with the Friendship Hill Association and celebrates the life and times of Albert Gallatin, the original owner of Friendship Hill. This free event includes demonstrations of historic trades and crafts and live period music, providing the perfect ambiance for a peaceful afternoon of good food and family fun.While children explore historic toys, the family can enjoy eighteenth century foods that have been the staple of FestiFall since its inception in 1988. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/frhi.

In addition to the individual park events National Park Service celebrates its 97th birthday on Sunday August 25.To commemorate this special day all entrance fees will be waived at National Parks nationwide.Celebrate by visiting the five Parks in Western PA.

About the National Parks in Western PA: To obtain driving directions, fee information andobtain a listing of the special events presented at the five National Parks located in Western PA visit thepark websites, or Facebook. You may also email the Western PA Parks as at e-mail us, or write to: Superintendent, Fort Necessity NB, One Washington Parkway, Farmington PA 15437 Attn: Special Events Calendar.

                                                                       NPS

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