Monthly CALENDAR OF EVENTS
In our National Capital Region Parks
New or updated entries as of 9/30/09
Contact: Toni Braxton
Welcome to the
National Capital Region of the National Park Service. National Park Service rangers
present interpretive programs, biking and walking tours and special events
throughout the park sites. All events are free except where noted and open to
the public. Dates, times and information are subject to change. Please watch
for updates. An electronic version of this document can be obtained via the
World Wide Web at "http://www.nps.gov/ncro". These are the
major events of the year on the Mall and at National Park sites in the
Metropolitan area. The calendar is prepared in the Office of Communications.
For additional information you may call (202)
619-7222.
America the Beautiful -
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- the National Park
Service is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which
was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by
Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. To learn about
the America
|
October
CANAL BOAT RIDES
October 2009
Great Falls:
Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Georgetown:
Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00.
Great Falls Tavern
Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD and the Georgetown Visitor
Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Take a trip back in time to the 1870’s! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules.
Experience rising 8 feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing
describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the
canal. Enjoy life at a slower pace. Each visitor pays $5.00, Children age three and under ride free. Ten or more people are required
to make advance reservations on either boat. Otherwise, seats are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. Boat visitor capacity is 70 people.
Canal Boat Schedule:
Georgetown: Public boat
rides are offered during the spring, summer, and fall months. The boat season
usually lasts from early April through the end of October. Canal boat rides run five days a
week, Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the visitor center for specific
dates and times as well as additional information.
Great Falls: Public boat rides are offered during
the spring, summer, and fall months. The boat season usually lasts from early
April through the end of October. Canal boat rides run five days a week,
Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the visitor center for specific days and
times, or refer to the Canaller for alternative
programs.
“CANAL FAMILY REUNION”
3:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m., Saturday, October 3
Byron Park Cushwa Basin along the C&O Canal, Williamsport, MD
Do you recall the
days over eighty years ago when the C&O Canal still operated? Are you a
descendent of a "canaller?" Do you have
tales that have been passed down through your family about the C&O Canal?
Would you like to learn more about the people that made the story of the
C&O Canal so compelling? If so, you are invited to attend a Canal Family
Reunion. Along the 184.5 mile C&O
Canal that stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland, there are families who link
their heritage to the canal’s
operation. The canal families are
descendants of lock keepers, boat operators, and workers who labored in
construction and maintenance of the canal.
The reunion is open to all who wish to share stories and interact with
canal families. Participants are also
asked to bring canal artifacts to show during the reunion. Contact the C&O Canal visitor center in
Williamsport at 301-582-0813 for more information.
2009 BIKE TOURS ON THE NATIONAL MALL
1:00 -4:00 p.m.,
Saturday and Sundays, October 3-31
Meet at the
Jefferson Memorial Plaza at the base of the memorial steps
Join National Park Service Rangers every Saturday and
Sunday for FREE guided bike tours of the Nation’s Capital. The tour season begins March 28 and concludes
November 29, 2009. For additional information contact Jason Martz at
202-438-4391. All riders must bring a helmet and water.
FALL WALK
12:30 p.m., 1:15
p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-31
Great Falls Park,
Visitor Center, 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA
Join a park ranger for a forty five minute walk along the
falls overlook. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. The
program is free, and reservations can be made by calling 703-285-2965. Dress
for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet the ranger
at the Visitor Center.
2009 JOHN BROWN RAID SESQUICENTENNIAL
October 4,
2009 - December 16, 2009
Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, WV
Harper Ferry NHP and partners will host a variety of
events commemorating this anniversary. More information on Sesquicentennial Events or you can call 304-535-6029.
·
October 4, 2009 – “In the Footsteps of John Brown”
·
October 7, 2009 – “John Brown’s Body”
·
October 10-11, 2009 – Exhibit Opening, “The Secret Six”
·
October 11, 2009 – “In the Footsteps of John Brown”
·
October 14-17, 2009 – Academic Symposium “John Brown Remembered
·
October 15, 2009 – “Sword of the Spirit”
·
October 16, 2009 – Anniversary Procession from Kennedy Farm to Harpers
Ferry
·
October 16-18, 2009 – Sesquicentennial Commemoration of John Brown’s Raid
·
October 21, 2009 – John Brown Community Forum
·
October 24, 2009 –Tour of the John Blessing House
·
October 24-25, 2009 – “Remembering Private Luke Quinn and the
U.S. Marines”
·
October 25, 2009 – “In the Footsteps of John Brown”
·
October 25, 2009 – John Brown Walking Tour of Charles Town, Jefferson
County
·
November 7-8, 2009 - “If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at
least begin the war that ended slavery.”
·
November 22, 2009 – John Brown Walking Tour of Charles Town
Jefferson County
·
November 28, 2009 – Tour of the John Blessing House
·
December 2, 2009 – NAACP John Brown Observance
·
December 2, 2009 – Freedom Fighter –v- Traitor?
·
December 16, 2009 – NAACP Green/Copeland Observance
·
December 16, 2009 – John Brown Community Forum
“IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JOHN BROWN”
11:00 a.m., October
4, 11, and 25
Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park, 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV
Join a park ranger and discover some of the places and
people of John Brown’s Raid on a two hour, two mile walking tour of Harpers
Ferry. Entrance fee to the park is $6 per vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person
on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. For further information call 304-535-6029.
“JOHN BROWN, ROBERT E. LEE AND THE COMING OF THE CIVIL
WAR”
7:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m., Saturday, October 10
Arlington House, the
Robert E. Lee Memorial, inside Arlington National Cemetery, across Memorial
Bridge, McLean, VA
Come out for a special evening program at Arlington
House. Author Fergus Bordewich will lecture on John
Brown’s Raid. Through a series of talks, tours and exhibits
you will explore the radical abolitionism and its influence on the politics and
culture of the country. Reservations are required for this free event; please
call 703) 235-1530.
FIRST MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD HIKE
1:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m., Saturday, October 10
Henry Hill Visitor
Center, 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA
Join a park historian for an extended hike along the
First Manassas Trail, and learn about the first major land battle of the Civil
War. The hike will visit many of the landmarks associated with the Battle of
First Manassas (Bull Run). The hike is 5.4 miles and will depart from the
visitor center. Please bring plenty of water. Rain or shine. Entrance fee to the park is $3 per adult, 16
years and older. For further information call 703-361-1339.
JOHN BROWN’S LEGACY AND AT ALL TIMES READY THE U.S.
MARINES
12:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m., Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11
Lower Town District,
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV
Come and be a part of a military and civilian living
history event that features how the citizens, militia, U.S. troops and voters
reacted to the town’s former inhabitants. Entrance fee to the park is $6 per
vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. For further
information call 304-535-6029.
EXHIBIT OPENING, “THE SECRET SIX”
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday,
October 10 and 11
Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park, WV
This weekend the park opens of the temporary exhibit on,
“The Secret Six.” The exhibit and
special programs will shed light on the men behind John Brown’s Raid. Entrance
fee to the park is $6 per vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person on foot, bicycle
or motorcycle. For further information call 304-535-6029.
COLUMBUS DAY
OBSERVANCE
11 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2009
Columbus Plaza, Massachusetts Ave., NE,
opposite Union Station, Washington, D.C.
This year celebrate
the 97th Anniversary of the dedication of the Columbus Memorial
Statue. The monumental statue was dedicated June 8, 1912. The National Columbus
Celebration Association and the National Park Service invite you to participate
in the Columbus Day wreath laying ceremony. The official national ceremony
celebrates the achievements of the great explorer. Program highlights include
United States Joint Armed Forces Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus Color Corps,
United States Military Band and the Diplomatic Corps. For further information call
202-619-7222.
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY
11:00 a.m., October 15, 2009
E Street, between 4th and 5th
Sts. NW, Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was
dedicated on October 15, 1991 and every year on the anniversary of the
dedication a wreath laying ceremony is held at the memorial. Throughout the
year, wreaths and flowers are placed at the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial in honor of fallen soldiers. This
year marks the 18thanniversary of the dedication of the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial. This event is free. Let us remember those
to whom this memorial pays tribute. For further information call 202-737-3400.
150 ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF JOHN BROWN’S RAID
10:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 16- 18
Lower Town District,
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV
Three days of public education events focusing on the 36
hours of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, 150 years ago. The weekend
includes presentations of music, drama, scholarship, living history, family and
youth activities, and ranger conducted programs. Entrance fee to the park is $6
per vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. For
further information call 304-535-6029.
WOLFTRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
ANNIVERSARY
9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m., Saturday, October 17
Wolf Trap National
Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA
|
A celebration of Wolf Trap! October 15,
1966 Wolf trap was created by an act of legislation, at that time the park
was called Wolf Trap Farm Park. This year we celebrate 43 years of Wolf Trap
in operation. In honor of the park’s
anniversary there will be a celebration to include ranger-led activities,
volunteer opportunities, and other festivities offered throughout the day.
All activities are free and open to the public. Please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/wotr for the most up
to date schedule of events or you may call 703-255-1893. The
rain date is October 31. An RSVP
is required to volunteer, please call 703-255-1893. No RSVP is required for
the ranger programs or kids activities. All volunteers must wear a hat, long
pants, long sleeves shirts, and sturdy shoes.
Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The park will provide water, healthy
snacks, work gloves, trash bags and tools. All volunteers will receive a Wolf Trap
water bottle as a Thank-You. Event Details: Activities for kids Lend a hand Enjoy the park LIFE & DEATH ON THE C&O CANAL 6:30 p.m. to 9:00
p.m., Saturday, October 17 Great Falls Tavern
Visitor Center, Great Falls, MD This year C&O Canal National Historical Park
celebrates their 13th annual Life & Death on the C&O Canal
living history interpretive program.
During this one-hour interpretive program, visitors experience the
struggle to survive on the C&O Canal during its construction and
operation. This program will be presented approximately 12 times. Volunteers are always welcome. If you are
interested in volunteering for this event please call 301-491-1902. Reservations and tickets are required. Adults $6 children (4-14) and seniors $4.
For further information and reservations call 301-767-3717. Reservations will
be taken starting October 1 at 9:00 a.m. This program is not recommended for
young children. Light refreshment will be served. FALL GARDEN TOURS AT THE WHITE HOUSE 10:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Saturday, October 17 and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18 The White House
gardens and grounds, Washington, D.C. Visitors to the gardens will be able to view the
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and the South Lawn
of the White House. The Kitchen Garden, a new addition to the South Lawn,
will be viewable from a distance along our route. There will be a visual
explanation to help educate tourists on the elements of the garden. The tours
are open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees,
including small children. The National Park Service will distribute free,
timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and
E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed—one
ticket per person—on a first come, first served basis. Tours of the Residence
will be closed on the dates of the Garden Tours. In case of inclement
weather, the Garden Tours will be cancelled. Please call the 24-hours
information line at 202-456-7041 to check on the status of the event. Or you
may call the White House Visitor Center at 202-208-1631. SECOND MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD HIKE 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24 Henry Hill Visitor
Center, 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA Join a park historian for an extended hike along the
Second Manassas Trail, and learn about the Confederate victory that brought
them to the height of their power. The
hike will visit many of the landmarks associated with the Battle of Second
Manassas (Bull Run). The hike is approximately 7 miles and will depart from
the visitor center. Please bring
plenty of water. Rain or shine.
Entrance fee to the park is $3 per adult, 16 years and older. For
further information call 703-361-1339. THE CONDEDERATE MILITARY FORCES Saturday, October 31 Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD Living history volunteers will
recreate the life of a Civil War soldier, how he lived, marched, and fought.
Weapons and tactics demonstrations will be held, with ongoing interpretation
in the camp throughout the weekend. For further information call the park’s
visitor center. "UNDER
FIRE: THE BATTLE OF HARPERS FERRY 1862" 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday, October 31 and November 1 Harpers Ferry National Historic Park,
Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, WV This program will
interpret the Battle of Harpers Ferry and the surrender of the Union garrison
to southern forces under General Stonewall Jackson and includes artillery
firing demonstrations. Visitors are invited to witness the power of
Confederate artillery that sealed the fate of the federal soldiers. Programs are scheduled for 12:00 p.m., 2:00
p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Entrance fee to the
park is $6 per vehicle for 3 days or $4 per person on foot, bicycle or
motorcycle. For further information call 304-535-6029.
|
|
||
LINKS
October
offers a spectacular show of fall foliage bright colors of gold, orange, and
red. If you want to check out the fall foliage at a national park this fall contact one of our national parks. Programs and
activities vary throughout the year, with a variety of ranger programs.
Programs are offered by rangers and at special events in coordination with
Living History volunteers. For more information about these programs and
activities, contact the park or visit the park website listed below.
For a
complete listing of ranger-led programs/ special activities/ in our National
Capital Region park sites visit:
-NPS-