National Park Service
2007 Park Visitor Information

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National Capital Region

Anacostia Park, National Capital Parks-East, D.C.
Spring Bike/Bird Tour, March 22: Welcome spring with a ranger and bike ride to see the spring changes in birds along the Anacostia River.  An easy flat ride, beginners welcome.  Bring your bike – binoculars are helpful.  Meet at the skating pavilion.  For more information, contact the park at (202) 472-3873.

Arlington National Cemetery, VA
Memorial Day – May 28: Memorial Day will be commemorated at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a wreath laying ceremony and a special military concert on May 28 at 11 a.m. The U.S. Army Band will perform. For further information call 703-695-3175.

The Women’s Memorial Annual Memorial Day - The Women's Memorial annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 28 will include remarks by military women and personal tributes to departed comrades. The Women In Military For America Memorial is the nation's only major memorial honoring all servicewomen, past, present and future. For further information call 703-533-1155.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - The nation's veterans who died in war are honored with a wreath-laying ceremony on November 11 at 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service. The President of the United States or a representative will lay the wreath. A military band will provide music. For further information call 703-607-8000.

Women In Military Service For America Memorial, at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery - A wreath will lay at the memorial during a ceremony at the memorial with formal military honors, keynote address and veteran's remarks on November 11 at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 1-800-222-2294.

Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park, MD
Basic Orienteering, March 18, 24, 25 & April 7, 18: Learn basic map and compass skills to navigate your way through the woods.  Join park staff for a one hour instruction indoors followed by self navigation on the orienteering course which takes approximately 2 hours.  All supplies will be provided, but dress for outdoor and trail walking.  Reservations are required; contact the park at (301) 663-9388.

The park also offers a variety of other programs throughout the year, including Junior Ranger programs, nature walks, campfires talks, and wildflower walks.  For a complete list of events and programs contact the park at (301) 663-9388 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov.

The park also offers a variety of Junior Ranger Programs and this year from May 1-31, The Art of Clara Barton exhibit will be open to the public.  For more information about Junior Ranger programs, the art exhibit and other programs, contact the park at (301) 320-1410 or go to the park’s website at www.nps.gov.

Columbus Memorial Statue, D.C.
Anniversary Celebration, October 8: Columbus Plaza, Union Station. This year we celebrate the 95^th 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 Ceremony. The official national ceremony celebrates the achievements of the great explorer. Columbus Day is always celebrated the 2^nd Monday in October (this year it’s October 8 at 11 a.m.) For information call 202-619-7222.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, MD
Special Memorial Day Program , May 28 : Park Rangers at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will present several special programs in honor of Memorial Day:

Honoring Forgotten Heroes
From 8:00 p.m. on May 27, until 8:00 a.m., May 28, Park Rangers and living history participants of the Fort McHenry Guard will hold an all night honor guard at Old Saint Paul’s Cemetery on Redwood Street. The cemetery is the final resting place of Major George Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry, and hero of the Star-Spangled Banner, Samuel Chase, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, General Lewis Armistead, commander during the Civil War, and other heroes of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.

Memorial Day Observed – May 28 (Fort McHenry)
Events begin right at the historic flagpole at Fort McHenry at 9:30 a.m. with a Ranger program about the origins of Memorial Day and the raising of a World War Two-era American Flag to half staff.

Join the staff for a special reading of popular Memorial Day poems such as “Bivouac of the Dead” and “ Flanders’ Fields” at 11:00. The reading will be followed by a brief discussion of Memorial Day traditions.

At noon the colors will be changed to a Civil War era Flag and hoisted to full mast. Members of the Free State Basha – Veterans from the China, Burma, India campaign during World War II, will lay a wreath at the flagpole as the flag is changed. Afterward, a living history presentation will recreate a traditional Memorial Day speech and ceremony given in the fort in the 1880s.

The highlight of the Memorial Day observance at Fort McHenry will be the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. by the flagpole. A Ranger-led talk on the origins of Memorial Day will begin at 2:45 p.m. A park-wide moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. will be followed by the playing of “Taps” on an original Civil War bugle.

In the Visitor Center: Throughout the day visitors will be able to view a continuously running video about the history of Memorial Day. A special display focusing on the Civil War origins of the holiday will be on exhibit. Special fliers, Memorial Day literature and “Buddy Poppies” to support Veterans will also be available.

Wreath-Laying 1:30 p.m. May 28 at Old Saint Paul’s Cemetery
Join the Rangers and volunteers of the Fort McHenry Guard at Old Saint Paul’s Cemetery on Redwood Street (near Martin Luther King Blvd.) at 1:30 p.m. for a short wreath-laying ceremony at the graves of Civil War General Lewis Armistead and Major George Armistead, “Guardian” of the Star-Spangled Banner and hero of the War of 1812.

Fort Washington, National Capital Parks-East, D.C.
The Women of Fort Washington, March 10 & 11:   Why did women choose to leave their homes and join the army? What were they doing at Fort Washington during the Civil War and World War II?  Join a park ranger as they answer these and other questions about the women’s involvement in Fort Washington’s history.  Programs run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Contact the park at (301) 763-4600 for more information about this program.

Hampton National Historic Site, MD
Memorial Sunday at Hampton – Honoring an American Family , May 27 : Honor an American family at Hampton National Historic Site. As a prelude to Memorial Day, a special ceremony will take place in the family cemetery highlighting the military contributions of the Ridgely family at 1:00 p.m. on May 27.

From Colonial times through World War II members of the Ridgely family have served in every one of America’s conflicts. Join the park staff for a special living history presentation and wreath laying ceremony at the family graveyard. The program begins at noon in front of the Mansion house. Participants dressed in uniforms from the Colonial Era, War of 1812, Civil War, World War I and World War II will lead a procession to the family cemetery. Activities in the cemetery include presentations highlighting the military contributions of various Ridgely family members throughout American history, firing detail and wreath-laying ceremony. A 30-minute tour of the Mansion follows the program.

Special exhibits of rare photographs and uniforms will be on display at the Hampton farmhouse throughout the weekend.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, WV
Don Redman Heritage Concert, June 30: The Sixth Annual Don Redman Heritage Concert will be held on the grounds of Mather Training Center (former Storer College) on Saturday June 30 at 6:00 P.M.  The concert is free and will feature special guests and the Howard Burns Quartet.  For more information about the concert, contact the park at (304) 535-6029.

Junior Ranger Day, August 1: Join park staff and learn about bike safety, first aid, double Dutch, baseball pitching, pond fun, pet care and many other fun activities.  Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing five events.  For more information, contact the park at (202) 426-6905.

Korean War Veterans Memorial, D.C.
Korean War Armistice Day Ceremony - (July 27 at 10 a.m.) This year marks the 57th Anniversary of the Korean War.  On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army-organized, equipped, and abetted by the Soviet Union-lunged across the 38^th Parallel to subdue its countrymen to the south. This year also marks the 53^rd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and 9th Anniversary of the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Armistice Day will be observed on the same day and time the cease fire took effect in Korea in July 27, 1953. A formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place. Contact: 202-619-7222.

National Mall, D.C.
41st Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival - The 41st Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 27 -July 1 and July 4-8) is co-sponsored by the National Park Service and continues its run on the National Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between 7^th and 14^th Streets. Evening performances are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The 2007 program will highlight diverse cultures of the Mekong River; Northern Ireland and the roots of Virginia. For additional information, call 202-357-2700.  All events are FREE.

America’s 2006 Independence Day Parade - Constitution Ave. between 7^th to 17^th Streets, NW. The parade on July 4 at 11:45 a.m. celebrates the 231st birthday of the United States of America.  More than 3000 performers, dancers, cultural organizations, giant balloons, floats, and military personnel from thirteen States will march down Constitution Avenue from 7^th to 17^th streets. The parade is estimated to last approximately 2 hours. The parade is free and open to the public. Contact: 202-619-7222.

President's Park (White House)

Presidents Park (White House), D.C.
National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace - This year marks the 84th National Christmas Tree, opening the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace. Date and time to be determined.  For further information call 202-208-1631.

Lighting Ceremony – (NW end of Ellipse near Constitution Ave) - This year is the 29^th Anniversary of the National Chanukah Menorah and the 28^th Lighting Ceremony. The lighting of the world's largest Menorah to mark the Festival of Chanukah, eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the success of the Jewish Maccabean army against Syrian oppression, and the liberation and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem nearly 2,200 years ago. Tickets are required.  Date and time to be determined.  For further ticket information please call 202-332-5600.

Special Exhibit – “White House Pets”: Animals - whether pampered household pets, working livestock, birds, squirrels, or strays - have long been a major part of life at the White House. A new exhibit, White House Pets, organized by the White House Historical Association and the White House Curator’s Office in cooperation with the National Park Service looks at the many ways in which these creatures have been part of the history of the White House. The exhibit will be on display Daily from June 18, 2007, through March 9, 2008 at the White House Visitor Center. For more information, contact the park at 202-208-1631.

Special Exhibit - "The Presidential Seal": The Presidential Seal was inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, created in 1782. The seal began as a small, hand-held die which the President pressed into wax to seal important messages. An early die, probably created by President James K. Polk in 1845, was also used by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. During the Truman administration changes were made to the Presidential Seal, resulting n the creation of this symbol of the Presidency that we know today. The exhibit is located at the White House Visitor Center on 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. For more information, contact the park at 202-208-1631.

Rock Creek Park, D.C.
BioBlitz, May 18 & 19: The Rock Creek Park BioBlitz, presented and sponsored by National Geographic and the National Park Service – Rock Creek Park, is a 24-hour inventory of the species in Rock Creek Park.  Teams of scientists and naturalists, along with volunteers, will comb the park observing and recording as many species as possible.  The goals of the BioBlitz are to add to species lists for as many taxonomic groups as possible, and to increase public awareness about Biodiversity in an urban environment.  For more information about this event, contact the park at (202) 895-6004.

U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Wreath Laying Ceremony - A wreath-laying ceremony in observance of Memorial Day - Takes place at the Navy Memorial on May 28 at 1 p.m. For further information call 202-737-2300.

The United States Navy Band - Outdoor concert at the Navy Memorial on May 28 at 8 p.m. For further information call 202-737-2300.

Wreath Laying Ceremony - The Naval District of Washington will lay a wreath at the Lone Sailor Statue in commemoration of Veterans Day on November 11 at 1 p.m. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, Ceremonial Guard and Color Guard will participate in the public ceremony. For further information call 202-737-2300.

Wreath Laying Ceremony - December 7 at 1 p.m. to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Contact: 202-737-2300.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, D.C.
Groundbreaking Anniversary, March 26 – A special ceremony will be held at the Wall to commemorate the anniversary of the groundbreaking ceremony.

Memorial Day Observance - This year's annual Memorial Day observance on May 28 at 1 p.m. pays tribute to those that served and died in Vietnam. The ceremony will include Presentation of the Colors, remarks by special guest. The observance also includes a lying of wreaths by Patriotic Organizations. Contact: 202-619-7222.

Veterans Day Observance – Veterans Day will be observed with speeches, speakers and color guard, and a wreath-laying ceremony on November 11 at 1 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For further information call 202-619-7222.

Vietnam:  In Their Own Words - This year marks the 14^th anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Come and witness Vietnam: In Their Own Words-Throughout the day (November 11, 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) storytelling will be featured every 10-15 minutes near the Vietnam Women's Memorial, located at 23^rd and Constitution Ave. NW. Children and families will find the stories compelling and educational. For further information call 301-314-8505 or visit www.VietnamWomensMemorial.org.

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