National Park Service
2007 Park Visitor Information

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Southeast Region

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, KY
Summer 2007 Season,May 27 through Labor Day: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site will officially begin the summer 2007 season with extended operating hours. Beginning May 27, 2007, The Birthplace Unit will open at 8 a.m. daily and remain open until 6:45 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Ranger- led tours of the exhibits, grounds, and Memorial Building will begin at the Birthplace Unit June 1, 2007 and be offered daily at the following times: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

By Memorial Day weekend the site’s movie, “ Lincoln: The Kentucky Years” will again be shown on the hour and half-hour in the recently renovated Visitor Center auditorium. New wayside signage with colorful graphics and new text has been installed throughout the Birthplace Unit that provides orientation information about the park, Sinking Spring, the Boundary Oak site, the Nancy Lincoln Inn, and the Memorial Building.

The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek will be staffed daily between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. An historic garden has been planted with many of the vegetables and herbs the Lincoln family may have used. This year we have added two rows of sunflowers and many new herbs. Additional summer programming for this site will be announced at a later date.

Questions or comments may be directed to Sandy Brue, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management, 270-358-3137 or Sandy_Brue@NPS.gov.

Biscayne National Park

Canaveral National Seashore, FL
Turtle Watch Programs, June 1-30: Starting Tuesday, May 15 th, 2007 at 9:00 a.m., staff at Canaveral National Seashore will begin taking telephone reservations for this year’s June Turtle Watch programs. The number to call is (386) 428-3384 ext. 18.

The programs are open to all persons eight (8) years of age and older. Programs are limited to thirty persons per night with a maximum of six (6) persons per reservation call. The fee for this program is $14.00 per person ages 16 and above, 15 and under are free. Persons with a Golden Age or a Senior Pass receive a 50% discount for the cardholder only. Children must be 8 years old to participate. While visitors are not guaranteed a view of a nesting sea turtle, the 2006 success rate exceeded 75%. Fees will not be refunded if a sea turtle is not found; however unfavorable weather conditions may be cause for a refund of fees if the program is canceled. During June 2007, programs are scheduled on most Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

In the North District at Apollo Beach, programs will run from 8:00 p.m. until Midnight on June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30. In the South District at Playalinda Beach, programs will run from 8:00 p.m. until Midnight on June 1,2 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30. Please have several dates in mind when you call and we ask that you keep your calls brief. Further information and instruction will be sent to you within two (2) weeks of your phone call. Turtle Watch programs give park visitors an opportunity to learn about sea turtles and the role that the National Park Service plays in their conservation.

THURSDAY, MAY 10 TH AND 24 TH-1:00 PM-“HOOK, LINE AND SINKER” Bait, rigs and tackle tips will be discussed for surf fishing on Apollo Beach, along with the rules and regulations for keeping what you catch. Bring water and sunscreen. We have a few rods; feel free to bring your own. Meet at the Visitor Information Center. (2 hours)  

THURSDAY, MAY 17 TH AND 31 ST-1:00 PM-“FISH MOSQUITO LAGOON” Learn tips and tricks for fishing the waters of Mosquito Lagoon. Bring your own tackle if you can, we have some supplies. Bring water and sunscreen. Meet at the Visitor Information Center. (2 hours)

SATURDAY, MAY 12 TH-1:00 PM-“SEA TURTLE ART” Join a guide as we talk about fun sea turtle facts; then discover an easy way to create your own personal sea turtle and help teach others about these wonderful creatures. Dress to get messy. All crafts provided. Meet at the Visitor Information Center. (1 hour)

SUNDAY, MAY 13 TH- 2:00 PM-“BEACH WALK” Join a park guide as you explore Apollo Beach. Discover the wonderful treasures which can be found if you just look. Hat, sunscreen and water recommended. Meet at the Visitor Information Center. (1 hour)

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, NC

Sandburg Solo Guitar Recital, March 7: The annual Carl Sandburg Solo Guitar Recital is part of the “Old Troubadour Series” sponsored by Wofford College showcasing internationally know classical musicians.  7:00 to 8:00 pm. This year’s featured performers are Douglas James and Pasquale Rucco from Italy.  For more information, contact the park at (828) 693-4178.

Sandburg Folk Music Festival, May 28: The festival honors Carl Sandburg and his preservation of traditional folk songs.  Sandburg began collecting folk songs, playing the guitar, banjo and harmonica in the early 1900s to enhance his lectures.  From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  For more information, contact the park at (828) 693-4178.

1850 Historic Connemara Walking Tours, June 2: Take a walk back in time to 1850 and learn about the early history of Connemara before the Sandburg’s arrived.  At 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm.  Contact the park at (828) 693-4178 for more information.

Congaree National Park, SC
Canoeing Congaree, Every Sunday: Let a park ranger guide you through the Spanish moss laden Cypress and Tupelo trees on Cedar Creek.  You may see river otters and white-tailed dear.  Reservations are required.  For more information, contact the park at (803) 776-4396 to make reservations.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, GA

145^th Anniversary of the Siege of Fort Pulaski, April 14 & 15: Fort Pulaski NM ill present a special two-day event to commemorate the 145^th Anniversary of the Siege and Reduction of Fort Pulaski.  The historic battle was fought April 10-11, 1862, and included the use of hard-hitting rifled cannons.  Within 30 hours Union forces on nearby Tybee Island breeched the 7 foot thick walls of the fort, demonstrating the power of new, long-range weaponry and signal ling the end of masonry fortifications.  For more information about this event, contact the park at (912) 786-5787.

Expanded Summer Hours and Ranger Programs, May 26 – August 31: Fort Pulaski National Monument will begin its expanded summer schedule on Saturday, May 26, 2007. The Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the historic Fort will be open daily 9:00 to 6:30 PM. Park gates will close at 7:00 PM. The summer schedule will be in effect through August and the park will be offering a variety of programs to mark the official start of the summer season.

On Saturday, May 26, 2007, rangers and living history volunteers will be offering musket & soldier demonstrations, guided fort tours, and cannon firings using the park’s new 30-Pounder Parrott cannon (which is the largest functional Civil War reproduction cannon in the United States).

Saturday Schedule of Events, Summer 2007

10:00 Guided Fort Tour
11:00 Cannon Firing
12:00 Cannon Firing
  1:00 Musket Firing & Soldier Demonstration
  2:00 Cannon Firing
  2:30 Guided Fort Tour
  3:00 Musket Firing & Soldier Demonstration
  3:30 Cannon Firing

Schedule of Events, Sundays through Fridays, Summer 2007

11:00 Guided Fort Tour
12:00 Musket Firing & Soldier Demonstration
  2:00 Musket Firing & Soldier Demonstration
  3:00 Guided Fort Tour
  4:00 Musket Firing & Soldier Demonstration

For additional information call 912-786-5787, or visit the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/fopu. Fort Pulaski National Monument is on U.S. Hwy 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. An entrance fee of $3 per person is charged; ages 15 and under are free.

Founder’s Day at Fort Pulaski, August 27: The park will help celebrate the 91^st anniversary of the NPS with activities at the historic fort, including musket drills, soldier talks and special presentations. For more information about this event, contact the park at (912) 786-5787. 

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, NC
226^th Anniversary Weekend, March 17 & 18: Guilford CH NMP. Tannenbaum Historic Park and Price Park will host a series of events for the annual observance of the Revolutionary War Battle of Guilford Courthouse.  The 226^th anniversary will feature a weekend of activities including encampments by re-created Revolutionary War military units, military and civilian demonstrations, a formal observance program, battlefield guided walks, military music, and the annual battle re-enactment at Price Park.  For more information about this event, contact the park at (336) 288-1776.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL/AL/MS
Summer Ferry/ West Ship Island Interpretive Schedule, June 2 - August 12: Daily Tours are:

Island Treasures Talks: 9:20 a.m. (on board passenger ferry to West Ship Island)
Discover the marine creatures that make their home in the Mississippi Sound and on West Ship Island. Meet the park intern on the upper deck of the ferry behind the pilot house for this 15 – 20 minute program.

Fort Massachusetts Tours: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Learn why Fort Massachusetts was built on Ship Island and what was it protecting. Meet the park ranger just inside the fort’s entrance for this 30 – 40 minute tour. Fort Massachusetts hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturdays Only:
Prisoners of Ship Island Talk: 11:30 a.m.
Join a costumed park ranger as he describes the hardships prisoners of war endured while incarcerated on Ship Island during the Civil War. Meet just inside the fort’s entrance for this 30 minute talk.

Island Treasures Talk: 12:20 p.m. (on board passenger ferry to West Ship Island)
Discover the marine creatures that make their home in the Mississippi Sound and on West Ship Island. Meet the park intern on the upper deck of the ferry behind the pilot house for this 15 – 20 minute program.

Marine Explorers Cast Net Demonstration: 1:30 p.m.
Visitors can learn how to throw a cast net during this one-hour program. Explore the marine animals that make the island waters their home. Meet the park interns on the West Ship Island pier south of the docked ferries.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL/AL/MS
Sea Stars Schedule 2007, (Ages 3-5): June & July
Junior Rangers Schedule 2007, (Ages 6-11): June & July
Project Beauty Field Camp Off-Site, (Ages 8-14): June & July
Art Camp Off-Site, (Ages 6-11): June 28
Little People Camp, On-Site (Ages 5-7): July 19
“In The Zone” Day Camp, On-Sites (Ages 6-12): Fridays June 1 and June 8, Fridays July 6 and July 27

Contact the park for details about the great programs they have for some of the younger visitors to the parks. Call (850) 934-2618 or visit the park web site at www.nps.gov/guis/

Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL/AL/MS
Florida District Program Schedule, May through September: All ranger led programs are free, but all programs are subject to change. Call Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (850) 934-2600 for updated information or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis. Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is an $8 entrance fee at Perdido Key.

The park offers a variety of inetrepttve programs in many areas of the park. Progrmas include Seeing Sea Life, Pensacola in the Civil War, National Trails Day Sunset Walk, Junior Ranger Day Camps, aznd Apaches of Fort Pickens to name just a few. For a more complete list of programs and times, contact the park at(850) 934-2600 or visit the park web site at www.nps.gov/guis

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, AL
193^rd Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, March 24 & 25.  For more information, contact the park at (256) 234-7111.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, LA
Summer Programs in the Park: Various Dates.

"Of Hurricanes and Healing, Daily through June 30: exhibit features photography by Melinda Rose and art by local children. Free. Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, Thibodaux, LA, 985-448-1375.

Meet the Marquis de La Fayette: "The Boy, the Man, the Hero", Program at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of the first and third full weekends of the month: Learn about the French aristocrat who gave up his privileged life to fight with General George Washington and become a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Free. Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA, 337-232-0789.

" Lafayette: Apostle of Liberty", 7:00 p.m. on June 29, July 28, and August 27: Free but reservations required. Exhibit tells the story of La Fayette through documents and art. Daily. Free. Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA, 337-232-0789.

Enjoy a sunset stroll with a ranger on a boardwalk trail through swamp and marsh. Listen to the Louisiana wetlands come alive as the full moon rises over Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA, 504-589-2330 ext. 10.

Rendez-vous des Cajuns, Every Saturday afternoon: Learn a new skill and kick up your heels on Saturdays at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, Eunice, LA, 337-262-6862., free folklife demonstrations share skills from bygone days from 3:00-6:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., Rendez-vous des Cajuns features musicians, storytellers, dancing, and the best way to pass a good time on a Saturday night! The "Cajun Grand Ole Opry" is live at the Liberty Theater next door to the center; call 337-457-7389 for ticket information.

Take a ranger-guided walking tour of New Orleans' French Quarter and learn how people from all over the world contributed to its distinctive culture. Daily at 9:30 a.m. Free but tickets limited. French Quarter Visitor Center, New Orleans, LA, 504-589-2636 ext. 1.

Pick and grin at the weekly Cajun country music jam session at the Wetlands Acadian Center, Thibodaux, LA., 985-448-1375 Free. Every Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Summer day camps for kids offer games, crafts, mini-workshops with local artisans, hikes, and hands-on activities that explore Louisiana nature and culture. Prairie Acadian Cultural Center camp is free; others charge fee. Reservations required at all camps and are being accepted now. Camps are scheduled at the Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA, 337-232-0789 ext. 17.

June 11-15 and July 9-13 for kids 6-8; June 25-29 and July 23-27 for kids 9-11

At the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, Thibodaux, LA, 985-448-1375. June 11-15 and June 25-29 for kids 10-11; July 16-20 for kids 7-8

At the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, Eunice, LA, 337-457-7700. June 18-22 and July 16-20 for kids 9-10

At the Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA, 504-589-2330 ext. 10. June 4-8, June 18-22, and July 9-13 for kids 9-11; July 23-27 for kids 6-8.

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Mammoth Cave tours, hikes, and river trips, Everyday : The world’s longest cave, plus cool green forests, misty rivers, and steep limestone bluffs – all at Mammoth Cave National Park, just off I-65 in south-central Kentucky. The park offers cave tours, hiking, horse trails, biking, canoeing and fishing. Overnight accommodations in the park include three campgrounds (one accommodates groups and campers with horses) and the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Cave tours vary from ¼-5 miles, and 1 ½ -6 hours; the greatest variety of tours is offered in the summer season, and some tours have age and size restrictions. Check the park website www.nps.gov/maca for park information, or call 1-270/758-2180. Reservations for cave tour tickets ($4-$48) and campsites ($17-$30) are encouraged – www.recreation.gov ; or by phone, 1-877/444-6777. Inquire about Mammoth Cave Hotel facilities at 1-270/758-2225.

Moores Creek National Battlefield, NC
Colonial Carolina Folkways & Trade Faire, May 5: 18^th Century crafters demonstrate their wares and skills at this special event.  Held at the park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   For more information, contact the park at (910) 283-5591.

Ninety-Six National Historic Site, SC
Revolutionary War Days, April 14 & 15:  See history come to life through an authentic encampment of the Revolutionary War era.  Reenactors will depict military and camp life activities.  Talk with Patriot and Loyalist soldiers.  Observe such 18^th century skill demonstrations as musket ands artillery firings, bayonet competitions, and much more.  The event will take place at the park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.  For more information about this event, contact the e park at (864) 543-4068.

Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument, AL
Native American Festival 2007, May 5 and 6: The two-day 2007 Native American Festival includes authentic demonstrations of Native American tools and weapons, lifeways, encampments by more than fifty Native American artisans and craftspeople.  Handmade art objects and food items will be available for purchase.  Activities  for the entire family include listening to Native American stories, legends and music, joining in circle dancing, spear throwing using and atlatl, bow and arrow demonstrations, blowgun demonstrations, pottery crafts for kids, gourd planting for kids and much more.  The event is held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.  For more information about this event, contact the park at (256) 495-2672. 

Stones River National Battlefield, TN
Nineteenth United States Infantry, May 5 & 6: The nineteenth United States Infantry was part of the Regular Brigade of the Army of the Cumberland.  That small unit faced and passed one of its toughest tests on December 31, 1862 securing an endangered sector of the federal position while losing nearly half its men.  Members of a unit dedicated to telling the story of the Regulars will present programs and historic weapons demonstrations that focus on the heroic efforts of the Regular Brigade and the experiences of individual soldiers within that unit. Programs will be offered at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm on Saturday, and at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm on Sunday.  For more information about this event, contact the park at (615) 893-9501.

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