Northeast Region Activities and Events

National Park Service
2006 Park Visitor Information

Northeast Region

Acadia National Park, ME
Children's Programs (June through August) - During the summer, families can join park rangers on a variety of programs designed for children of all ages. Get a frog’s-eye view of the pond habitat, hike Acadia's trails, read the landscape for its geologic past, and more as you explore the park with a ranger on these fun family programs. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult on all programs. Two of these programs are listed below. For a complete schedule, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/acad/ranger.htm.
Family Field Studies (Tuesdays and Fridays in July and August) - Conduct your own research! Investigate and explore as a family by conducting field studies in the park. Work as a team of researchers identifying and inventorying the park’s natural and cultural resources. Recommended for children ages 6 and older. Reservations required. For more information, call 207-288-3338 and press '0.'
Open House at Carroll Homestead (Tuesdays in July and August) - Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to examine the interior of a 1800s farm home. Walk the grounds and imagine what life was like for the families that lived on this subsistence farm. A ranger will be available to answer questions. For more information, call 207-288-3338 and press '0.'
Beyond the Beach ( 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays from July 1 to August 29) - Join park rangers for an up-close and personal look at some of the ocean's amazing inhabitants. Each small group has its own ranger and plenty of sea creatures to examine. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $10 adults, $5 children 5-12, free under 5. Purchase tickets on the day of the program at Sand Beach. For more information, call 207-288-3338 and press '0.'
Junior Ranger Program (mid-May through mid-October) - Kids of all ages can take part in the Junior Ranger Program to learn more about the fascinating world of Acadia National Park. Complete fun activities like drawing a favorite animal or scavenger hunt bingo, participate in ranger-led programs, and take the junior ranger pledge to earn a signed certificate and an embroidered junior ranger patch. Content and number of activities vary based on age. Purchase junior ranger booklets at Eastern National outlets in the park. The young at heart can take part, too, with the Senior Ranger Program designed for ages 18 and older.

Adams National Historical Park, MA

Treasures of Penn's Hill, June 17, 2006, 3:00 p.m. - Join Abigail Adams in retracing the June 17th walk Abigail and John Quincy Adams took from their home to the top of Penn's Hill to view the smoke from the Battle of Bunker Hill! Learn about the history surrounding the event! View the commemorative monument! Tour the Penn's Hill garden of herbalist Iris Weaver and view a demonstration of dyeing fabric with plants from her garden! Meet at the Adams' birthplaces, 133 Franklin St. (intersection with Independence Ave.). We will walk up a steep hill on this tour. Participants who do not wish to walk up the hill may drive to the top.For more information call (617) 472-0799.
Father's Day at the Park, June 18, 2006 - What better way to spend Father's Day than touring the Adams National Historical Park? Dads will have free admission to the park this day. Continental Congress, July 4, 2006, 12 noon and 3:00 pm –- Reenact the Second Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You will assume the role of a delegate and debate various issues leading up to the vote for Independence. This is a family friendly event and a great way to learn about why we celebrate the Fourth of July! Meet at the Adams Carriage House, Melissa Burnham, (617) 770-1175. The Carriage House is located on the grounds of the Old House at 135 Adams Street.
Jefferson and Adams, A Stage Play, July 4, 2006, 7:00 pm - A moving and powerful dramatization of the remarkable friendship between two presidents of the United States- with the forthright Mrs. Adams always playing a major role. In a fast-paced series of encounters, we see the turbulent relationship between Thomas Jefferson (Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Bill Barker) and John Adams (veteran actor Sam Goodyear) as their friendship ignites, flourishes, ruptures, and resolves itself. The perceptive Abigail Adams (Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Abigail Schumann) acts as a catalyst and motivator while steadfastly maintaining her own beliefs. The play spans 50 years of their friendship, beginning in the early days of the republic, extending through two wars with England, and continuing through their vigorous retirement. They continually clashed over foreign entanglements, domestic politics, and the proper role of the federal government. This event is free and open to the public. It will take place on the grounds of the Beale Estate under a tent. Beale Estate, 181 Adams Street
Melissa Burnham, (617) 770-1175.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, PA
Evening on the Summit 2006:
June 24, 2006 - August 12, 2006
June 24 - Pennsylvania Game Commission " Pennsylvania's Wild Side"
July 1 - Ranger Doug Richardson "Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick
July 8 - Bruce Young " Pennsylvania Mountain Voices"
July 15 - Ranger James Tomasek "What Happened after 1754"
July 22 - Men of Steel "Tales and Tunes of the Allegheny Ridge"
July 29 - Dr. Martin Rice "Enjoying the Night Sky"
August 5 - Tim Daubs " Pennsylvania Highways and Byways"
August 12 - Johnstown Reader's Theater "The Johnstown Flood"
Call the park at 814-886-6150 for more information.

Access Staple Bend Tunnel Tour - June 25, 2006, Heritage Hike: Ranger guided tour of Staple Bend Tunnel. This four mile round trip will be over the original railroad trace of the Allegheny Portage Railroad which operated from 1834-1854. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enter Staple Bend Tunnel the oldest railroad tunnel in America.
The Ghosts of Staple Bend Tunnel - October 28, 2006, The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site invites the public to a night of ghost stories. Take a trolley ride back to the Staple Bend Tunnel and listen to the stories of the Portage Railroad as told by ghosts. The event is free to the public but reservations are required. Call 814-886-6150 to make a reservation. Only 27 people per tour. Tours are at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm Saturday October 28, 2006. Make your reservation early.

Eisenhower National Historic Site, PA
Hike with Ike, June 15, 2006 - August 10, 2006 - Join a National Park Ranger for a walk through downtown Gettysburg to learn more about the Eisenhowers' life in this community. Thursday evenings, 7:15 p.m. Meet at the Gettysburg College gates at the corner of North Washington and Water Streets. Free.
Fifties Weekend, June 17, 2006 - June 18, 2006 - Revisit the popular culture of the 1950s. See Detroit's finest 1950s cars, Rock and Roll, the Hula-Hoop and more. Ranger programs and guest speaker on the issues of the day. Included in site admission.
WWII Weekend, September 16, 2006 - September 17, 2006 - A living history encampment at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Featuring Allied soldiers, a German camp, and World War II vintage jeeps, trucks and tanks. Saturday, 9-5; Sunday, 9-4.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield, PA
Memorial Program, July 03, 2006 - This twilight ceremony commemorates the anniversary of the surrender of Fort Necessity.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, VA
11 th Annual Grand Illumination in Fredericksburg National Cemetery, May 27, 2006 - 15,300 candles light the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, one for each soldier buried in the cemetery.

Gettysburg National Military Park, PA
Ranger Walks -Every day from June 10 through August 12, Explore the Gettysburg battlefield with Park Rangers. Gettysburg Park Rangers offer a variety of guided walks and tours of the battlefield. A full schedule of programs is available on the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/gett and at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. beginning June 10.

A few of the programs offered are:
National Cemetery (35 minutes) Join a guided walk for a 35-minute program that explores the meaning and cost of the Battle of Gettysburg, and of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Meet at the red brick rostrum near the cemetery entrance opposite the Visitor Center.

Little Round Top (1 hour) This program focuses on the July 2 fighting for this critical terrain feature. Meet at the General Warren statue on the summit of the hill, Auto Tour Stop 8.

Battle Walks (2 hours or more) Walk the route of Pickett’s Charge or visit such places as Devil’s Den, the Wheatfield, East Cemetery Hill and many others. Check at the information desk or www.nps.gov/gett for a schedule. Water, hat and proper footgear are highly recommended.

Evening Campfire Programs - Rangers present programs on a wide variety of topics on the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Nightly at the park amphitheater, Pitzer Woods, Auto Tour Stop 6.

Especially for kids:
Junior Ranger Program -This free family-oriented activity allows children (ages 5-13) to become Junior Rangers by completing an activity guide as they visit the park. Ask for details and the guide at the information desks.

Family Learning Hour: The Battle of Gettysburg for the Whole Family - Have you ever seen a Civil War cannon fired? How about hiking Pickett’s Charge or listening to Lincoln deliver his Gettysburg Address? You are invited to view, with your whole family, one of the award-winning Gettysburg National Military Park’s educational broadcasts. These include: “The Soldiers’ Battle,” “Stories of Monumental Courage,” “The Face of Battle” and “A New Birth of Freedom.”

Independence National Historical Park, PA
Looking through Franklin's Eyes - This year Philadelphia celebrates Franklin's 300 th Birthday and Independence and the events include offerings from both the park and our partners. The Park used the changing exhibits gallery of the NPS exhibit space in the Independence Visitor Center for a temporary exhibit. This exhibit gives visitors an overview of park sites related to Franklin's life and extraordinary accomplishments. A new self guided walking tour brochure guides visitors to the sites mentioned in the exhibit. The American Philosophical Society's exhibit runs from April 17 through December 31.
Armonica Concerts - Benjamin Franklin's achievements included the invention of a new musical instrument, the glass armonica. On May 21, 2006 Dennis James, a professional musician, will give two armonica concerts. Contact: National Park Service, 215-965-2305.
The Princess and the Patriot - Ekaterina Dashkova, Benjamin Franklin, and the Age of Enlightenment, a 2006 exhibition at the Museum of the American Philosophical Society in Philosophical Hall, visitors will be introduced to these two fascinating personalities. Portraits, memoirs, letters, maps, court attire, jewelry and other decorative arts - many items never seen before in this country - will be on view. They will document the extraordinary lives of America's favorite founding father and the outrageous Russian princess who spoke five languages, helped overthrow a czar and directed the most prestigious scientific organization in her country. Contact: American Philosophical Society, 215-440-3400.
Breakfast with Ben - Thanks to the Independence Visitor Center Corporation, families can now enjoy a special breakfast with Philadelphia's most popular founding father, Benjamin Franklin. Breakfast with Ben includes a meet-and-greet session with Ben, where children can talk to the man himself, ask their own questions, and even pose for photos with him!
In addition, they will learn about Franklin's many achievements and inventions, from swim fins to bifocals. Each guest will receive a goodie bag of souvenir items to commemorate the special event. Reservations are recommended ($12 for kids; $19 for adults). Contact: Independence Visitor Center, 1-800-537-7676.
Learning Through Archaeology - The Park's educational branch, the Independence Park Institute, introduces a new curriculum this spring. Learning Through Archaeology features hands on participation by students using reproduction of park artifacts, historical documents, maps and portraits. Teachers receive standards based guide with pre-visit and post-visit lesson plans. Contact: Independence Park Institute, 215-597-2760.
Exhibit - In cooperation with the Northeast Region and a park partner, the Park will offer a temporary exhibit in September to commemorate the 225 th Anniversary of the Washington Rochambeau march from Rhode Island to Yorktown.
Two new tours - Our Park partner, Once Upon A Nation, will offer two new tours in the summer of 2006. Where's the Declaration? Designed for children this tour leads young visitors on a scavenger hunt through the Park. Costumed tour guides, assisted by their puppet friends, help the children follow the clues. Philadelphia to Valley Forge. This five hour long tour will allow visitors to recreate the experience of Lydia Darragh as she courageously went through enemy lines to deliver information to George Washington. Contact: Once Upon A Nation tours, 215-629-5801 ext. 206.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, NY
4th Annual Harvest Day at Lindenwald, September 23, 2006: An afternoon of family fun and interesting events to celebrate the importance of agriculture to our eighth president, Martin Van Buren, and its continued importance to Columbia County, New York. Among this year’s events will be milking, butter making, tinsmithing, broom making, wool dying, sheep shearing, horse shoeing, live music, farm animals, story telling, free horse drawn wagon rides and much more! Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, Rt. 9H, Kinderhook, NY, 1-5pm, 518-758-9689 http://www.nps.gov/mava.

Morristown National Historical Park, NJ
A Farmer's Viewpoint - (May 14) Step back in time to 1780 and meet a farmer at the Wick House. Hear the views of a local civilian concerning Washington's army after their long stay in Morristown. Ask him about the latest news and his opinion of the war.
Weaving - (May 27) Visit the Wick House to learn how different looms produced the variety of cloth used by families in the 18th century.
The Council of War and the French Alliance , Sunday, June 4 - Our French allies are sending soldiers and ships! How should we use them? Become a general in the Continental Army and assist in the planning of the campaign for the summer of 1780. Learn how the French assisted the American cause. This program will be part of the hourly guided-tours of the Ford Mansion. 1, 2, 3 & 4 p.m. At the Ford Mansion.
Yesterday’s Games, Sunday, June 25 - Step back in time to the Revolutionary period when toys were made of wood, cloth, and yarn. Bring a parent or friend to the Wick Farm and learn to play such games as Fox & Geese, Nine Men Morris, Battledore & Shuttlecock and Quoits. 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Wick Farm.
Soldier Life, Sunday, July 2 - Learn about the life of a common soldier from a costumed ranger at our replica soldier huts. 1-4 p.m. at the Jockey Hollow Pennsylvania Line Soldier Huts.
Warm-Up for the Declaration, Tuesday, July 4 - S tories, riddles, jokes and an inspection of the troops are just part of the warm-up activities prior to our reading of the Declaration of Independence. Join in the fun as a costumed park ranger entertains the crowd and gives a "kids level" explanation of the Declaration. 12 noon at the Ford Mansion Grounds.
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence , Tuesday, July 4 - Celebrate the Fourth of July the way our ancestors did, with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Cheer along with costumed park rangers as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty! 1 p.m. at the Ford Mansion Grounds.
Revolutionary War Encampment: Joseph Plumb Martin Challenge - (May 6 & 7) Join members of the Second New Jersey Regiment, Helms' Company and other invited reenactment groups encamped at Jockey Hollow. The reenactors will participate in the Joseph Plumb Martin Challenge which will feature military life competitions with regiments competing in activities such as exercises from the Manual of Arms, musket firing, and setting up tents. 10 AM - 5 PM. Jockey Hollow.
Monthly Trail Work Day, Saturday, July 8 - Become one of the park's dedicated volunteers and help maintain its over 25 miles of hiking trails. Tools provided. Wear work clothes including gloves and boots. Please bring your own drinking water. Registration required. To register and for directions and more information, call Ranger Gregory Smith at 908-766-6841. 9 a.m. at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center.

Petersburg National Battlefield, VA
Caravan Tours -Ranger staff from Petersburg National Battlefield will lead caravan tours which will enable visitors to tour the battlefield in the comfort of their own vehicle. Tours will include interpretive talks at various stops such as the Crater, Fort Stedman, Poplar Grove National Cemetery, and other sites where significant events took place. Tours will take place from mid-June through mid-August. Further information regarding times will be listed on the park's web site, www.nps.gov/pete in early June. Contact: 804-732-3531, ext. 203.
Civil War Petersburg - Partnership Programs between the City of Petersburg and the National Park Service - Blandford Cemetery: Where else better to explain the toll of war than a cemetery that includes the graves of over 30,000 Civil War soldiers. Historic Blandford Church and Cemetery will be the setting of a number of summer programs which will honor both soldiers and civilians who had to endure the tragedies of war. Contact: Elizabeth Dinger-Glisan, at 804- 732-3531 ext. 217.
Siege Museum: A number of programs will depart from Petersburg's Siege Museum at 15 West Bank Street. Programs will include various walking tours of Old Town Petersburg focusing on the Battle of Old Men and Young Boys as well as civilian life within the City during the Siege of Petersburg. Contact: Ann Blumenschine, 804-732-3531 ext. 203.

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site, NY
60th anniversary of the Dedication of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt as a National Historic Site -A special program will be held on April 7 at 6:30pm to celebrate the occasion.
The American Presidential Community: Engaging the Power of Presidential Connections To Place, Community and the Future" - A conference sponsored by The National Park Service, National Archives, and American Association of State and Local History. To take place at the Roosevelt sites and Wallace Center, June 19-22. Registration information is available at www.aaslh.org. Contact: Carol Kohan, Deputy Superintendent, 845-229-9115.
Hyde Park Healthy Trails "Walkabout” 2006 - Kick-off event April 22, 10:00am at the Vanderbilt Overlook. "Walkabout" is a project to promote healthy physical activity on Hyde Park Trails, including National Parks, town parks and nonprofit nature preserves. Participants who complete at least 5 of 8 selected trails will receive a free "Walkabout 2006" patch. Sponsored by the Hyde Park Trail Committee. April 22 activities will include Ranger-led walks on the Vanderbilt grounds, a free Nordic Walking clinic, and walks on other Hyde Park trails. Additional 2006 events TBA. Contact Karl Beard, 845-229-9115 x34.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site, MA
Salem Maritime Festival - (Aug. 5-6) Two days of nautical crafts, exhibits, music and food on the historic Salem waterfront on Derby St. Family friendly fun. Free tours of the Salem Maritime's sailing ship FRIENDSHIP, plus free sail and cargo handling demonstrations. Contact Martin Fucio, 978-740-1659.
Trails & Sails: A Weekend of Walks and Water. - (Sept. 23-24) Salem Maritime offers free tours as part of this celebration of over 100 events throughout the Essex National Heritage Area. Contact: Martin Fucio, 978-740-1659.

Saratoga National Historical Park, NY
Summer Programs – Saratoga NHP will offer a variety of interpretive and special programs for visitors this summer and throughout the year. The flowing are just a few of the great programs offered by the park. For more information about programs and times, contact the park at 518.664.9821 or click on the name of the park above to visit their web site.
Guided Bicycle Tours - June, July, August, 3rd Wednesday each month at 6 pm.Fantastic scenery and stories of 1777 mark these guided Battlefield bike tours by volunteers Kyle and Lynn Jenks. Helmets required. Water and snacks recommended.
Children's Program Series - Saturdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Schuyler Hous e at 1 pm.Just for children, ages 5-12. Come play games, try on Colonial clothes, cook, make candles, or enjoy afternoon tea! Sponsored by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
18th Century Soldier Trek & Encampment - Saturday & Sunday, July 15 & 16, 10am – 4 pm.A scouting party of 18th-century soldiers trek through the Battlefield to encamp at the " Summit" of Bemis Heights within American fortified lines. See demonstrations of flint and steel fire starting, cooking, baking, and casting musket balls.
229th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga; Stillwater Heritage Weekend - On Saturday & Sunday, September 16 & 17. 50+ re-enactors come from the 25th Continental Regiment, 2nd Continental Artillery, and Oneida Indian Nation, setting the scene with muskets, cannons, and campfires. Discuss strategy with officers, see a court-martial, learn stitching styles and open-fire cooking recipes, and take part in mock military drills. Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 10am-3pm

Sunday Wreath Laying —by Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution; public welcome. 2pm
Special displays by Stillwater Historical Society and the Town Historian's Office.
Guided Bicycle Tour —Saturday, 1pm

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, MA
Two new high speed ferries - Harbor Express will cut in half the travel time from downtown Boston and double the amount of time to spend on the islands. In addition to camping and hiking on four of the islands, the park will feature special Citizen Science tours that will focus on the park's unique flora and fauna. Weekly programs will offer the opportunity to learn sea-kayaking, enjoy performances by the Boston Children's Theatre, and learn about the park through Family Fun Days. Guided tours to Boston Lighthouse on Little Brewster Island continue and groups can combine this tour with a visit to the Hull Lifesaving Museum. As the summer winds down the Islands will host the second annual Boston Harbor Islands Sailing Regatta on September 30th. Contacts: Kelly Fellner, 617-223-8668 or Larissa Fawkner, 617-223-8636.

Colonial National Historical Park, VA
225th Anniversary of the Victory at Yorktown - The 225th anniversary of America's decisive Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated October 19-22 with four days of festivities and - A Salute to the Military.” Events including re-enactments, parades, patriotic ceremonies, hands-on activities, live performances, tall ship displays and fireworks will take place at the Yorktown National Battlefield, Riverwalk Landing and the Yorktown Victory Center. Contact: Mike Litterst, 757-898-2409.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, NY
The Site offers a full schedule of events for adults and children throughout the summer.

Weekly Guided Tours of Historic Allentown - Learn about Buffalo’s early history while experiencing the unique shops, eateries, and galleries that create the Allentown experience! Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets and Victorian architecture of this historic preservation district. Discover the childhood home of a First Lady of the Unites States, the residence of a grand dame of theater, and the boyhood home of a famous playwright. Reservations are not required. Every Wednesday in June, July & August, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Special Event Walking Tours: These tours begin at 10:00 a.m. at the TR Site and include lunch. Reservations are required. Please call (716) 884 – 0095.
Secret Garden (Saturday, July 8, 2006) - One of the most spectacular gardens in Buffalo will be the focus of this year’s garden tour. Encompassing 4.5 acres, it is the largest remaining privately held garden estate in the city. Within walking distance of the TR Site, the estate has historical and architectural significance and features beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, walkways, fountains and sculpture. Since the garden is rarely available for tours, you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity made available to the TR Site’s members and friends.
Getting to Know Our New Neighbor - The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (Wednesday, July 26, 2006) - Just across Main Street, within walking distance of the TR Site, is a world-class medical campus on 100 acres. In June, the last two buildings of the three-building Life Sciences Complex will open. Come tour these state-of-the-art facilities: Hauptman-Woodward’s Structural Biology Research Center, the NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, and Roswell Park’s Center for Genetics & Pharmacology. Appreciate the architecture and find out why this campus is so important to downtown Buffalo and our region.
Delaware Avenue Mansions ( Wednesday, August 16, 2006) - The mansions along Delaware Avenue will never lose their appeal and intrigue. Built during Buffalo’s gilded age, they tell a story of the city’s past and add to a sense of pride in all that Buffalo has to offer. We’re fortunate that these exquisite homes have been saved and are now used in so many different ways. Our tour will include several structures including the Butler and Pratt mansions, both designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White.
Just for Kids! - Reservations are required for the following programs. Please call the TR Site, (716) 884-0095.
Teddy Bear Picnic ( Thursday, August 3, 2006, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) - In 1902, the first teddy bear was made, taking its name from the 26 th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The Teddy Bear Picnic has become a favorite annual event sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Special entertainment, a yummy picnic lunch, stories, games and other surprises are all part of the fun for children ages 4 - 12. Be sure and bring a blanket to sit on and don’t forget your favorite teddy!
Children’s Camp - Erie Canal Summer Adventure ( August 7-11, 2006 , 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) - This is a unique opportunity for children ages 7 - 12 to explore the Erie Canal while also visiting museums and other historic sites in Western New York. This joint program brings together the educational resources of three of the area’s premier historical organizations. The Niagara County Historical Society, Amherst Museum, and the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site are collaborating to create a fun-filled and educational experience. Discover the Erie Canal, why it was built, and why it was so important to Western New York. Find out what life was like in Western New York when the canal opened, and how it changed as a result of the canal. See the homes Western New Yorkers lived in, from the early modest homes to grand mansions of later years. Find out what daily life was like, and even play the games of a century ago!

Johnstown Flood National Memorial, PA
Special Program, “Explore the story of the Johnstown Flood and leave your gas gauge where it is” – Be escorted through the Conemaugh Valley by a National Park Service Ranger on a special four-hour tour offered every Saturday, from June 17 to August 19, starting at 12:00 noon. The tour will begin at the park visitor center, where the ruins of the South Fork Dam is preserved, and where a chilling movie recreates the horrors of May 31, 1889. The tour continues to the Club House of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, where men with names like Carnegie and Mellon recreated in the 1880’s. From there the tour continues into Johnstown, where visitors will have the opportunity to visit a house that represents the whole of Johnstown history, the newly-restored Wagner-Ritter House, visitors will also have the opportunity to ride the Johnstown Inclined Plane, before being escorted through Grandview Cemetery, where victims and survivors from all three major Johnstown Floods rest for eternity. The trip concludes with a visit onto the remains of the South Fork Dam, where visitors will have the opportunity to reflect on all they experienced during the day. The van transportation is free….the only charges are for the park entrance fee and the optional ride at the Incline Plane. Because the van has limited space, interested persons are asked to call for reservations. For more information on this program and other activities at the park this summer call (814) 495-4643. The park will be open daily throughout the summer from 9:00am to 5:00pm. You can also visit our website at www.nps.gov/jofl/.

Independence National Historical Park, PA
When in the Course of Human Events, July 8, 2006 - Americans heard their new Declaration of Independence for the first time at public readings on July 8, 1776. Help celebrate this historic occasion by joining park rangers and costumed interpreters behind Independence Hall at noon for a commemorative reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Fun With Franklin, daily at 10:00, 11:00, noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 - Learning by doing can be beneficial and fun for kids! Franklin himself learned much this way and believed in practical education. Have fun learning about Benjamin Franklin’s world and his accomplishments through special hands-on activities for children. Franklin Court Courtyard.

Franklin’s Glass Music, daily 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 - Benjamin Franklin’s wife described the sound of the musical instrument (the glass armonica) he invented as like “voices of angels.” Hear the story of this unusual instrument and a demonstration of the sound that captured the imagination of a generation. Franklin Court Underground Museum.

Franklin Film Festival, daily 9:15 to 4:15 - To celebrate the 300 th anniversary of the birth on Benjamin Franklin ( January 17, 1706), the Franklin Court Underground Museum is hosting a “Franklin Film Festival.” Enjoy three 30 minute films on Benjamin Franklin: Walt Disney’s Studios: Ben and Me, TheDiscovery Channel’s: The Real Ben Franklin and the original film created for the Museum: Portrait of a Family. See one or see them all!

Hidden History, daily by request - Based loosely on the film “National Treasure,” young visitors are invited to use a series of clue cards to complete a treasure hunt through the “People of Independence” exhibit in the Second Bank of the United States.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA
Summer Programs: Programs will include new guided trolley tours, bike rentals and casual dining and a variety of ranger programs and special events.

March Out Commemoration Weekend - This weekend marks the 228 th annual “March-out” celebration at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The celebration commemorates the Continental Army’s march out of the Valley Forge Encampment on June 19, 1778 as a highly trained, fully outfitted fighting force in pursuit of the British who were moving toward New York. This free event, which includes formal tactical rifle, musket, and cannon firing demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. is being held 10am – 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.

Once Upon a Nation’s “The Road to Valley Forge: Secrets and Spies” - Once Upon A Nation journeys to the Park with “The Road To Valley Forge: Secrets & Spies,” where visitors journey back in time for a top-secret mission led by an American spy. Danger abounds as guests travel the roads from Philadelphia to Valley Forge where George Washington awaits their arrival. Each visitor receives a secret identity they are trusted not to reveal. June 17 – September 2: 1 p.m., Saturdays Departs from Independence Visitors Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets $40 adults, $35 student/senior/military, $25 children 12 & under. Duration: 4 hours.

New Valley Forge Trolley Tours - Beginning Saturday, June 17 th you can ride in style on an old-fashioned, open-air trolley and experience Valley Forge in a whole new way. These 90-minute guided tours stop at key landmarks in the park, and present an abundance of informational commentary. The trolley tours depart from the Welcome Center Thursday through Monday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. $13 adults, $7 students/pass holder, $5 children 10 and under.

Quest for Freedom - On Saturdays at 1 p.m. through August 19, join “Quest for Freedom,” a regional African-American program. Meet Hannah Till, a cook for George Washington and hear her story about what it was like to be enslaved during the Revolution. This program takes place at Washington’s Headquarters. $3 adults, free for Children 16 and under, National Parks Pass and Golden Pass holders.

Storytelling around the Campfire - Gather around the campfire and join one of our park rangers in a discussion about a variety of important topics relating to the Philadelphia Campaign and the Valley Forge Encampment. Friday nights at dusk from June 23 rd to August 18 th. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Admission is free.

Bike Rentals, Gallery Talks and Ranger Tours - For a more hands-on way of touring the park, visitors can rent a hybrid bike and explore the Park on their own, or take a ranger-led bike or walking tour. Bike rentals are available from the lower Welcome Center parking lot daily 10a.m. – 5 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting. Rentals start at $15 adults, $12 children, $49 family rate (2 adults and 2 children) for two hours. The 40-minute ranger-led walking tours are free and depart twice daily, at 11:50 a.m. and at 1:50 p.m. Curator-led gallery talks are also planned this summer. Inquire at the Welcome Center for availability.

Kid’s Corner - Every Saturday is dedicated to children at Kid’s Corner, a free event located in the Welcome Center. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. kids can learn about the history of Valley Forge while making various crafts they can take home. Upcoming activities include metal tooling, bug bells, patriot necklaces, ladybug thermometers and balsa planes to name a few.

Valley Forge Canteen - Casual and affordable dining is now available at the Valley Forge Canteen. Enjoy all Pennsylvania-made products including hot dogs, ice cream, soft pretzels, chips, candy, cakes and beverages. Located in the lower Welcome Center parking area next to bike rentals. Open 10am to 5pm daily through Labor Day.

Concerts at Washington Memorial Chapel - The Washington Memorial Chapel is hosting a series of Carillon Concerts, every Sunday afternoon in June and July from at 2pm and throughout July and August on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. All concerts are free to the public and will carry on, rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the performances, refreshments available at the Chapel Cabin Shop.

Encampment Store at Valley Forge - Located in the Welcome Center. The store offers unique gifts, one-of-a-kind books, snacks and souvenirs. Open daily 9am to 6pm

Friends of Valley Forge Lunch and Learn Series - Wednesdays 12 p.m. June 21 - July 26, 2006. See Welcome Center staff for details.

Receive your free summer program guide and information on other upcoming events at the Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Route 23 and North Gulph Road in King of Prussia. For further information, please call 610-783-1077 or visit www.nps.gov/vafo.