National Park Service
2007 Park Visitor Information
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Booker T. Washington National Monument, VA
Juneteenth Event, June 16: Share in the fellowship, fun, and festivities to celebrate one of the most important moments in our nation’s history, the moment of emancipation. Great music will be provided by various regional gospel groups. The celebration will be a family affair for all. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for the young and young at heart to learn more about Washington’s life and various meanings of freedom through the park’s Junior Ranger Program. Everyone is invited to attend.
The celebration commemorates the release of approximately four million people of African descent from the bonds of slavery after the end of the Civil War. Booker T. Washington remembered the great day of emancipation stating his mother “was standing by my side, leaned over and kissed her children, while tears of joy ran down her cheeks.
For additional information about this program and the many other programs offered by the park throughout the year, please contact Park Ranger Tim Sinclair at Booker T. Washington National Monument at (540) 721-2094.
Cape Cod National Seashore, MA
Highlands Fest , July 7 : Join us for a celebration of the arts and sciences, showcasing the vision of the Highlands Center & its Partners to the Cape Cod Community. Highlands Fest will take place on Saturday, July 7, 2007 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore. The day will feature storytelling, youth water conservation activities, lunch, research scientist presentations, and kiln construction and interpretive tours. For more information about this event, contact the park at (508) 349-3785.
Family Fun -- Cape Cod-Style! Everyday between July 1 and August 31 : Climb a circular staircase to the top of a lighthouse and imagine the Atlantic Ocean dotted with sailing ships. Dip a paddle into a calm freshwater pond and look for fish and other aquatic life alongside a canoe. Take a surfcasting lesson and learn a little about the fish you might catch. Hike along the beach looking for seals and watching waves. Stop by a visitor center and ask how to become a Junior Ranger. These, and many, many other adventures await families making a trip to Cape Cod National Seashore this summer. Family-oriented programs, both indoors and out, are offered every day between July 1 and August 31, with many programs also being offered during the spring and fall seasons. Most ranger-guided programs are free and appropriate for visitors of all ages. Hiking and bicycle trails beckon families who want to explore on their own. Join us!
Colonial National Historic Site
Colonial National Historical Park, VA
400th Anniversary of Jamestown, May 11- 13: Colonial NHP will hold three days of events celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America on May 11-13, 2007. For a more detailed list of events scheduled for this special event, contact the park at (757) 898-3400 or visit the park web site at www.nps.gov/colo/
Eisenhower National Historic Site, PA
World War II Weekend, September 15 & 16: The Park will sponsor a WWII living history weekend at the Eisenhower NHS. An authentic recreation of both Allied and German army camps, complete with original WWII vehicles, will be set up on the site. Over 150 living history enthusiasts will portray military personnel from the European Theater in 1944. Several featured guest speakers, all veterans of WWII, will give talks about their war time experiences. The encampment is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about this event, fees, and to make reservations, contact 1 877 438-8929, or contact the park at (717) 338-9114.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield, PA
Pike Days, May 19 & 20: The National Pike Festival held every year is the “world’s longest festival”. Celebrations continue along 300 miles of the Historic National Road. In Pennsylvania, the festival is held during the third weekend in May and is organized by volunteers from every community along the road. The park will host programs relating to the National Road from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day at the Mount Washington Tavern. For more information about this event, contact the park at (724) 329-5470.
Battle Anniversary Program, July 3: Join staff as they celebrate and commemorate the 253rd anniversary of the capitulation of Fort Necessity. For more information, contact the park at (724) 329-5811.
Fort Stanwix National Monument, NY
Honor America Days Concert, July 28: Come join park staff and bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a concert played by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra honoring America. A grand illumination concludes the concert as cannons and muskets from the Fort and fireworks accompany the “1812 Overture” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm. For more information about this event, contact the park at (315) 338-7730.
Revolutionary War Living History Weekend, Wintering at the Fort: November 10 & 11: The park will present a special living history weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Visitors will be able to enjoy historic weapons demonstrations s as well as military drill and camp life. For more information, contact the park at (315) 329-5811.
Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site, MA
Earth Day program at Olmsted Park, April 22, 1:00 pm
Franklin Park from “A” to Z” walk, April 29, 1:00 pm
Back Bay Fens Bird Walk (cosponsored by the Brookline Bird Club), May 6, 7:00 am
Jamaica Pond: Of Ponds and Plans walk, May 20, 1:00 pm
Franklin Park Poetry Tours (co-led with Christine Poff of the Franklin Park Coalition), June 2, 4:00 pm.
Forest Hills Cemetery/Franklin Park walk (co-led with Cecily Miller of the Forest Hills Educational Trust), June 3, 11:00 am
“A Short Walk on a Long Day” Summer Solstice walk at Franklin Park (cosponsored by Franklin Park Coalition), June 21: 6:00 or 7:00 pm
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, VA
143rd Anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness, May 5 & 6: Living history event will commemorate the 143rd anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness with infantry programs focusing on the Union soldier experience during the battle. There will be a field hospital set up at historic Ellwood all weekend. Special tours will be offered by park rangers. This event takes place on the actual anniversary dates. For more information, contact the park at (540) 373-6122.
Lincoln at Chatham, May 20: The park will offer a series of programs commemorating Lincoln’s May 23, 1862 visit to Chatham.
Illumination of the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, May 26: From 8-11 p.m., the community places 15,000 candles—one for every man buried in the cemetery. Volunteers staff tour stops throughout the cemetery. Taps played every half hour. Rain date, May 27.
Memorial Day Observance, May 28, Fredericksburg National Cemetery. 11 a.m.
Chatham Living History Event, June 23-24: Infantry and artillery programs and firing demonstrations, tours of the house, special programs.
Artillery Weekend at Hazel Grove and Fairview, July 14-15: Artillery programs and firing demonstrations on both the Union and Confederate experience at Chancellorsville.
Artillery Weekend at Marye's Heights, August 11-12: Artillery programs and firing demonstrations on Marye’s Heights, overlooking the Sunken Road.
145th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg, December 8-9: Living History weekend will commemorate anniversary of the battle. Infantry and artillery will be located at the Sunken Road and Marye's Heights. Special tours, firing demonstrations, and the Innis House will be open. On December 9, at 2 p.m., a special ceremony commemorating the145th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg, will be held at the Kirkland Monument.
Ranger Programs, June 8 to August 10: Park ranger s and historians will present special interpretive programs about various aspects of the several battles fought around the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania area. For more information about these programs and other special events, contact the park at (540) 373-6122.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Friendship Hill National Historic Site, PA
Spring Concert, May 6: The park is pleased to present an afternoon spring concert performed by the Albert Gallatin South Middle School Band. The spring concert will begin at 2:00 p.m. on the north lawn of the Gallatin mansion. The public is asked to bring folding chairs or blankets for their comfort while listening to the performance. For more information about this concert, contact the park at (724) 725-9190.
Gateway National Recreation Area (Sandy Hook Unit), NJ
Ocean Fun Day and Sandy Hook Defenses Day, Sunday, May 20: NPS and the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium offer a day of demonstrations and family activities centered on Sandy Hook’s ocean environment and military past. There will be living history re-enactors from the time of the Revolution to the Cold War era.
Sandy Hook Beach Concerts, Wednesdays, June through Labor Day: Evening concerts on the beach presented by the Sandy Hook Foundation, the park’s Friends Group. A different band plays each Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Beach Area E. Concert schedule will be available in May.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Day, Saturday, June 9: This annual event marks the anniversary of America’s oldest Lighthouse first lighted in June 1764. This day of tours, displays and music is sponsored by the NPS, the Sandy Hook Foundation and the NJ Lighthouse Society.
Cold War Day, Sunday, September 23: Tours and displays at Sandy Hook’s Nike missile launch and radar facilities that protected the New York Area in the `950s through 1970s. Tours led by Cold War veterans.
Fort Hancock Establishment Day, Sunday, October 28: Mark the anniversary of the 1895 founding of Fort Hancock. Tours through buildings not usually open to the public.
Fort Hancock Christmas in the 1940s, Weekends in December: The History House museum, a furnished home on Fort Hancock’s Officers Row will be decorated from the period when the post was most active. There are different activities every day, including music from the ‘40s, craft workshops and a visit by Santa. Program schedule will be available November.
For information on these are other programs contact the Sandy Hook Visitor Center at (732) 872-5970 or visit: www.nps.gov/gate
George Washington Birthplace National Monument, VA
Spring on the Plantation, May 5: George Washington was a product of plantations and to understand him it helps to understand Plantation life. Join park staff at Pope’s Creek Plantation as the daily activities of the plantation come to life with sheep shearing, open hearth cooking, spinning, blacksmithing and more. For more information about this program, contact the park at (804) 224-1732.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, MA
Conference for educators, school librarians and historians entitled, "One Country, Many Voices: Teaching American History through Children's Literature,” co-sponsored with John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. March 24.
Public Ceremony highlighting students' poems and essays on what John F. Kennedy means to them. The ceremony is the culmination of a month-long study of John F. Kennedy undertaken by third grade students at the nearby Edward Devotion School. May 21 or May 22 (or possibly another date the same week).
Hampton National Historic Site, MD
Meet a Racehorse at Hampton , May 6 : Get in the mood for the Preakness early by coming to Hampton National Historic Site! For the first time in over 100 years thoroughbred racehorses will be seen on the estate. Join Stephanie Dahne and her thoroughbred racehorse Wynter’s Slew for special presentations at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at the Hampton Farmhouse. Wynter’s Slew is the grandson of Seattle Slew who won the Triple Crown in 1977. In addition to Wynter’s Slew, Stephanie Dahne will be bringing a trove of riding implements, tack, and outfits. Learn what it takes to raise and train a thoroughbred racehorse, the art and rituals of foxhunting and how the Ridgely family of Hampton helped found the Maryland Jockey Club and brought the great equestrian tradition to Maryland. Admission is free, and the site is handicap accessible. Note: The racehorse may not be available if the weather is rainy. For more information, call Vince Vaise at (410) 962-4290 Ext. 224.
Experience Spring with Music and Carriage Rides at Hampton , May 13 and 20 : Get rid of cabin fever and enjoy the Spring air and blooming flowers by coming to Hampton National Historic Site! Special FREE carriages rides will be given on the estate from 12:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on May 13 and 20. Treat mom to a special Mothers’ Day carriage ride along the beautiful Hampton estate! Each narrated ride will follow the original carriage lane up to the grand mansion; pass the racing stables and cutting garden.
Enjoy historic music inside Hampton’s Colonial farmhouse! Whether you are waiting for your carriage ride to take place, or just returned, the historic farmhouse and slave quarters will be opened for tours. On May 13th at 2:00 p.m. John Burkhalter and Eugene Roan will be performing a special concert on the harpsichord and recorder. Favorite melodies from the Revolutionary War and Colonial period will be played.
On May 20th the Back Porch Players will be playing favorite American melodies from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Dressed in period attire, the Back Porch Players capture the spirit and enthusiasm of a bygone era. Children are encouraged to participate in the old-fashioned sing-along. Reservations for carriage riders are strongly recommended. To make a reservation, call Ranger Kirby Shedlowski at 410-828-0157.
Longfellow National Historic Site, MA
Public Poet, Private Man: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow at 200, January 17 - April 21: An exhibition at Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, MA., Free and open to the public. For more information about this event, contact the park at (617) 876-4491.
In collaboration with the National Park Service/Longfellow National Historic Site, Harvard University’s Houghton Library has organized a commemorative exhibit as part of the Longfellow Bicentennial year-long celebration, entitled “Public Poet, Private Man: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow at 200.” Curated by Christoph Imscher, author of Longfellow Redux, the exhibit offers an innovative view of the poet’s connection with his audience and his efforts to give an international dimension to American Literature. Using manuscripts, drawings, photographs and objects from the collections of the Houghton Library and the Longfellow National Historic Site, this exhibit creates a portrait of the professional author, devoted friend, and loving family man, bringing humor and humanity to our view of this American icon.
Drawing Together: The Arts of the Longfellows, February 16-June 3: An exhibition at the Maine Historical Society, Portland, Maine, www.mainehistory.org/
In collaboration with the National Park Service/Longfellow National Historic Site, the Maine Historical Society explores the lives of Henry W. Longfellow and his family through an exhibit of the art they created. Entitled Drawing Together: The Arts of the Longfellows, organized by museum curator John Mayer and guest curator Laura Fecych Sprague, this exhibit features works from the collections of Maine Historical Society, Longfellow National Historic Site and Houghton Library at Harvard University. The exhibit will feature a large number of little-known works, ranging from drawings of Tripoli made in 1804 by Henry Wadsworth, the poet’s namesake, to sketches made by Henry and his brother Alexander for and with their children. The objects in this exhibition will reveal not only how drawing, painting, and other artistic pursuits were central to the Longfellows’ daily lives but also reflect the rise of arts education in 19th century America.
Longfellow Poems to Music, February16-June 3: An exhibition at the Maine Historical Society, Portland, Maine, www.mainehistory.org/ An exhibit of 14 original sheet music and manuscript compositions of Longfellow’s poems set to music on loan from the Longfellow National Historic Site museum collection.
Longfellow and His Contemporaries-Evening Conversations, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 30, (Thursdays): Commentary and discussion between Longfellow’s 19th century contemporaries (represented by professional actors) and the audience. Edward Everett, Ellen Craft, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson and others will attend. Sponsored by Solo Together/American Theater of Living History and Longfellow National Historic Site. Location – Longfellow NHS Carriage House, 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, from 6:30 to 8 pm. Free and open to the public. Students, teachers, historians are encouraged to participate. Space limited; reservations required. Please call
617-876-4491.
A 200th Birthday Celebration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, March 25: The two-hour gala will educate and inspire while celebrating Longfellow’s 200th birthday in the same place where his centennial celebration was held in 1907. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra will accompany a reading of “Paul Revere's Ride.” Program sponsored by the Longfellow Bicentennial Committee with the participation of Longfellow National Historic Site. Location – Sanders Theater, Harvard University, from 2 to 4 pm. Free and open to the public.
Additional music, a tribute to Longfellow, and the Haggarty School children’s choir of Cambridge will make a festive afternoon. A special Longfellow exhibition at Houghton Library, Harvard University will be open before and after the concert.
A 200th Birthday Choral Tribute to Henry W. Longfellow, May 5: Harold Rosenbaum-Artistic Director and Conductor. Hear 5 great choral works, inspired by Henry W. Longfellow’s poetry, composed by Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir Edward Elgar, David Del Tredici, Ned Rorem, and Stephen Schwartz (New York Premiere). Melissa Fogarty, soprano, Cristina L. Valdes, piano.
Location: The Great Hall at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003-7120
Tickets: $25 at door at 7 pm the night of the concert
Or call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200
Pre-Concert readings of his poems by great-great grandchildren of Longfellow and Longfellow NHS staff begin at 7 PM, and are free to ticket holders. Longfellow's poems were translated throughout the English-speaking world, making him the most famous American of his day.
A Choral Concert for Longfellow’s 200th Birthday, July 15: A concert celebrating the life and poetry of one of America's most popular writers. Co-sponsored by The First Parish Church in Portland, Maine, the Friends of the Longfellow House and Longfellow NHS, National Park Service. Location – East lawn and garden of Longfellow NHS, 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, at 4 pm. Free and open to the public.
The Cambridge Forum: A Poetic Tribute to Henry W. Longfellow, September 23: Co-sponsored by The Cambridge Forum, Longfellow National Historic Site, The Poetry Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts.
Location – Meetinghouse of First Church, 3 Church Street, Cambridge, MA.
Time and speakers to be determined. Open to the public.
Lowell National Historical Park, MA
Lowell Folk Festival, July 27 – 29: This is the largest free Folk Festival in the Nation. The Lowell Folk Festival celebrates the best in traditional folk music, ethnic foods and artisan /crafters. The event is held the last full weekend in July when downtown Lowell becomes a giant family friendly block party free to all. For more information about this event, contact the park at (978) 970-5000 or visit the web site at www.lowellfolfetival.org.
Minute Man National Historical Park, MA
Halloween Tales, October 20: Join park rangers and volunteers in a very spooky, candle-lit setting for an evening of traditional New England ghost stories. Meet at the Hatwell Tavern on Route 2A from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. This program is free to the public. For more information, contact the park at (978) 318-7825.
National Parks of New York Harbor
Fleet Week New York, May 23 - 30: During Fleet Week New York 2007, the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy is launching a new audio tour called America's Frontline: The Military History of New York Harbor. The tour brings the history of America’s most famous harbor to life – from the massive British invasion in 1776, the largest invasion force the world would see until D-Day, to the flotilla that evacuated Lower Manhattan on 9/11 to today’s protection for homeland security. For schedule and ticketing information throughout the summer, visit the Conservancy’s Web site at www.nyharborparks.org.
New River Gorge National River
New River Gorge National River, WV
Fourth Annual Wildflower Weekend, April 27, 28 & 29: Join park staff for multiple programs throughout the weekend at various locations throughout the park. Learn about the many wildflowers that grow in the area. For more information about this event, contact the park at (304) 465-6523.
Railroad Days, October 13 & 14, and October 20 & 21: This event is an all day railroad excursion on historic railroad cars each Saturday and Sunday. The train leaves Huntington, WV and travels the entire length of New River Gorge National Rive to Hinton, WV where visitors will be able to enjoy music, food a railroad museum and a crafts booth. Park staff will provide interpretation as visitors travel along the rail. For more information about this, contact the park at (304) 465-6523.
Bridge Day, October 20: New River Gorge Bridge is closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to walk across the steel-arch bridge 876 feet above the New River. Vendors are set up along Route 19 entering and exiting the bridge. Base jumpers from all over the world are allowed to parachute from the bridge with landings on NPS property along the New River. For more information, contact the New River Convention and Visitors Bureau at (304) 465-5617 or call the park at (304) 465-6517.
Petersburg National Battlefield, VA
Battles of Five Forks and Fort Gregg, March 31: Ranger programs and living history events will commemorate the 142nd anniversary of battles which led to the fall and evacuation of Petersburg. (Free)
Memorial Day at Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Memorial Day Weekend: Over 600,000 soldiers became casualties during the Civil War. Some of the last casualties of the war are buried at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Join staff members from Petersburg National Battlefield as they tell the tragic stories of men who came so close to their dream of returning home only to have those dreams destroyed.
EARTHWORKS! Summer Civil War Camp for Kids 6-12 Years of Age, June 19 – July 26: (Tues. & Thurs) -Four-hour single session camp offers children a hands-on approach to science and history. Participants will sign enlistment papers and prepare themselves for an outdoor adventure which will help them learn about the life of a Civil War soldier. The fee for “Earthworks” is only $5 per child. For reservations and further information, please contact the Education Specialist of Petersburg National Battlefield at (804) 732-3531, ext. 204.
Battle of the Crater Anniversary, July 28 & 29: The story of the “horrid pit” will be presented by living historians and park rangers in recognition of the 143rd anniversary of a battle which General Grant referred to as a “stupendous failure”.
Historic City Point Living History Program, August 4 & 5: City Point, Virginia changed from a quiet little village to one of the busiest port in the world during the Siege of Petersburg. Living historians will attempt to recreate the look and feel of an area that for nearly ten months served as General Grant’s Headquarters and logistics base as well as the main Union supply base. (Free)
Grant’s Fourth Offensive, August 25: Ranger led caravan tour focuses on the Union’s effort to destroy one of Petersburg’s most important supply lines… the Weldon Railroad, and the Confederate’s effort to wrest it back at Reams Station.
Grant’s Fifth Offensive, September 29 & 30: Ranger led caravan tour of the Peebles’ Farm Battlefield - Ranger talk at City Point which will shed light on General Grant’s overall strategy for the offensive
Poplar Grove National Cemetery Luminary Program, November 10: Veterans Day is a time to remember soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend their country. Petersburg National Battlefield will honor the Civil War soldiers who were laid to rest at Poplar Grove National Cemetery by lighting luminary candles placed at each of the over 6,000 grave sites. While candles burn, selected stories of soldiers buried within the cemetery walls will be told while Civil War era music plays. (Free)
An Antebellum Plantation Christmas at City Point, December 8: Christmas at the Appomattox Plantation was a special time for both slaves and the plantation owner’s family. Join park rangers and living historians to see how a pre-war Christmas was celebrated and was viewed by both sides of this plantation. (Free)
Archaeology Programs, TBA: National Park Service (NPS) archaeologists have discovered a wide array of treasures over the years. City Point, Virginia has been the discovery site of artifacts dating back hundreds of years. These artifacts shed light on the people who lived on this land, both Native Americans and European settlers. Join NPS cultural resource specialist and archaeologist Julia Steele as she provides a PowerPoint program to illustrate just how active City Point has been in this nation’s history. (Free)
Partnership Programs with City of Petersburg: Civilians Under Siege, TBA: Ranger guided walking tours and talks will focus on civilian experiences during the siege of Petersburg. These events are free of charge and will take place throughout the year. Details will eventually be listed on Petersburg National Battlefield’s web site listed below. (Free)
For more information about these programs, please call Ann Blumenschine at (804) 732-3531, ext. 203. More details will soon be available on Petersburg National Battlefield’s web site: www.nps.gov/pete.
Richmond National Battlefield Park, VA
Cold Harbor Anniversary Program, June 2 & 3: On Saturday and Sunday volunteers representing Union and Confederate troops will perform scheduled artillery and rifle firing demonstrations. Park staff will also provide a series of guided tours that will highlight the battles fought on June 1 and 3, 1864 and reflect on the soldiers’ sacrifice with a visit to the Cold Harbor National Cemetery. Throughout the day young people can visit with the living history soldiers, enlist in a regiment and become a junior ranger. As a special attraction, the park’s curator prepared an exhibit of personal items relating to one of the battle’s participants. These items were just recently acquired by the park and will be on display in the Cold Harbor visitor center this weekend only. Sat. 10:00 - 5:00, Sun. 10:00 - 4:00. Contact the park at (804) 226-1981 for more information.
Cold Harbor Concert and Candlelight Tours, June 2: Saturday evening Richmond National Battlefield Park will host a special program at the Cold Harbor battlefield, beginning at 7:45 pm. Southern Horizon will present a concert featuring selections popular during the Civil War. After the concert Park historian Bob Krick will introduce the candlelight tour with a brief overview on the battle of Cold Harbor. Beginning at 8:30 pm visitors can walk the battlefield by candlelight and visit with volunteers portraying Union and Confederate soldiers and private citizens. The candlelight tour is appropriate for all ages. Please bring a flashlight and an active imagination if you plan to take the tour.
Gaines’ Mill Anniversary Program, June 23 & 24: Richmond National Battlefield Park will present a Living History Encampment on the Gaines’ Mill battlefield in Hanover County. It was here Confederate General Robert E. Lee achieved his first victory as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia during the summer of 1862 in the largest and costliest battle of the Seven Days. Union and Confederate infantry will be encamped around the historic Watt House throughout the weekend. The camps will be open on Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Park historians will present guided walking tours of the Gaines’ Mill battlefield throughout the weekend.
Malvern Hill Anniversary Program, July 7 & 8: Richmond National Battlefield Park will present a Living History Encampment on the Malvern Hill battlefield. Program hours are Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. Volunteers portraying Battery A of the 2 nd U.S. Artillery will perform cannon-firing demonstrations throughout the weekend. Following the demonstrations park historians will present guided walking tours of the Malvern Hill battlefield.
The Battles for Richmond & Petersburg, September 29 & 30: Anniversary program commemorating actions at New Market Heights, Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer. Special events include battlefield tours, living history encampments, weapons firing demonstrations, exhibits and displays. Program hours are Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 and Sunday 10:00 - 4:00.
Encampment at Drewry’s Bluff, October 6 & 7: Park rangersand living history volunteers representing Confederate sailors will present a series of talks, tours and demonstrations depicting garrison life inside the Drewry’s Bluff fortifications. The camp will be open Saturday 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 4:00.
National Folk Festival at Tredegar Iron Works, October 13 & 14: Artists from across the country will gather for a weekend of special activities celebrating a wide mix of cultural music, dance and crafts. Join park rangers at the Family Fun booth to play 19 th century games throughout the weekend.
Saratoga National Historical Park, NY
“Remember the Ladies”, March 24: Tea and stories for mothers and daughters. 2pm
18th Century Military Encampment, May 12: From 10am to 4pm. Guided Bike Ride Saturday afternoon: 1pm.
Natural History Walks, May-June: On Saturdays 10 to 11:30am, May 5 &19, June 2 & 16.
Oneida Indian account of the Saratoga Battles, June 24: 1:30 and 3:30pm.
Children’s Series, July: Throughout July, every Thursday at Schuyler House, 1 p.m., with games and crafts for the children.
“Arts in the Park” Music Series, August: Free music every Tuesday in August: 12pm.
British Encampment, August 4/5: Regimental finery and heroic tales. 10am to 3pm.
230th Anniversary Encampment, Sept 15/16: 10am – 4pm. Living History encampment and Guided Bike Ride Saturday afternoon: 1pm.
For a complete list of special programs and interpretive programs offered by the park, please contact them at (518) 664.9821 ext 224, or on the web site at www.nps.gov/sara.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA
2nd Annual 5 Mile Run Revolutionary Run , April 22 : Valley Forge National Historical Park will kick off National Park Week with the second annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run, Sunday, April 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau is the race producer and title sponsor, and registration proceeds will benefit maintenance of the park’s 27 miles of recreational trails. There will also be a three-mile walk and kid’s fun run. Last year’s inaugural run attracted more than 1,300 participants in all age categories. This year, there will be an expanded fitness expo in the finish line area. Organizers expect 2,000 participants. For more information, log-on to www.revolutionaryrun.org
French Alliance Weekend, May 5 – 6: The alliance with France brought renewed hope to the Continental Army. It’s announcement gave the troops an opportunity to both celebrate and demonstrate the increased military skills learned during the long winter of 1777-78. Living history demonstrations at Valley Forge National Historical Park will commemorate the 229 th Anniversary of the French Alliance and familiarize visitors with the trials of the historic encampment that birthed the Army that won American independence. Throughout the weekend, visitors are invited to enter a simulated colonial-era military encampment where they can learn from living historians portraying officers, enlisted men, women, and children about their experiences at Valley Forge and the meaning of the French Alliance to the American Revolution. The activities will include artillery firing, salute to the Alliance, and a children’s craft activity. General Washington and General Lafayette interpreters will be on hand to interact with visitors. Admission is free.
National Trails Day, June 2: Now in its 15th year, National Trails Day (NTD) has grown to inspire nearly a million trail enthusiasts to flock to their favorite trails to discover, learn about and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. NTD provides a perfect opportunity to thank volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining trails. Unilever/Lipton Tea will sponsor the event. Festivities will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at one location, the Betzwood Picnic Area. The Betzwood Picnic Area, located on the north side of the park, is perfectly situated for access to foot trails, bike paths, equestrian trails, and kayaking on the Schuylkill River. This year’s Trail Fair will offer something for all ages, including exhibits, displays, educational clinics, fitness assessments, trail maintenance and guided nature walks. For those just looking to get out and get their hands dirty volunteer style, Valley Forge NHP invites you to stop by the Betzwood Picnic Area to pick up a trash bag and gloves to help keep our national park clean. Valley Forge has been named a healthy parks/healthy living site again for 2007. Pre-register by contacting Ernestine White, Volunteers-in-Parks Coordinator at 610-783-1065 or via e-mail at Ernestine_White@nps.gov. . Admission is free.
March-out of the Continental Army Commemoration Weekend, June 16 – 17: Six months after Washington’s Army marched into Valley Forge in the winter of 1777 as a tired, cold, ill-equipped, group of 12,000 men, they marched out a highly-trained, fully-outfitted fighting force in pursuit of the British who were moving toward New York. Their efforts will be honored at the 229 th annual “March-out” celebration at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Activities will include all the regiments assembled at Valley Forge coming together for a ceremonial March-out of Valley Forge. Members of the regiments will perform various tactical maneuvers taught to the original Continental soldiers by Baron Von Steuben during their Valley Forge encampment. Admission is free.
Summer Season Kick-Off, June 16: From June 16 through Labor Day, Valley Forge will be in its high summer season. The Welcome Center will have extended hours, opening from 9am to 6pm. New programming includes Gallery Talks, Roving Rangers, Audubon Bird and Raptor Watching, Once Upon A Nation Story Tellers and Benches, The Story of Valley Forge Tour, Valley Forge After Hours and The Road to Valley Forge: Secrets and Spies.
Teacher’s Institute, July 16 – 20: This year’s teacher’s institute entitled, Everybody’s Revolution: The People of Valley Forge will be an exploration and investigation of the stories of those who participated in the events of the American Revolution. Through a series of formal sessions with scholars, as well as, site visits and workshops covering how best to use authentic places, collections and stories, teachers will learn how to further engage their students in the study of this period. Space is limited. For more information, teachers may contact Barbara Pollarine at 610-783-1037.
National Public Lands Day, September 29: Now in its 14 th year, National Public Lands Day is the largest annual volunteer effort of its kind in the country. A wide range of activities and projects will enable participants to contribute to one of America’s most historically significant public places, Valley Forge National Historical Park. Volunteers and visitors are invited to participate and give back by lending a hand and helping to improve and preserve public lands. Organizations, corporations and individuals are welcome to share in the experience. To learn how you or your group can sponsor a project, please contact Volunteers-in-Parks Coordinator Ernestine White at 610.783.1065 or via e-mail at Ernestine_White@nps.gov. Admission is free.
March-in of the Continental Army Commemoration, Week of December 19: December 19 marks the 230th anniversary of the March-in of the Continental Army to Valley Forge. Events during this year’s commemoration include living history interpreters discussing soldier life and the Valley Forge Encampment. A ceremonial march and night-time encampment will be set-up along the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. Candlelit walking tours will take place every 15 to 20 minutes beginning at dusk. In the Welcome Center, visitors can mingle with a General Washington interpreter and other roving Colonial personnel; enjoy colonial-era music and complimentary holiday refreshments. The Encampment Store will be open with free gift-wrapping for gifts purchased in the store. Admission is free.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park, NY
Wesleyan Chapel Tour, March 1 & 2: Join a ranger for a guided tour of the Wesleyan Chapel, the site of the First Women’s Rights Convention. Tours are held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. For more information about these special tours, contact the park at (315) 568-2991.
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