National Park Week

Date: April 2, 2008
Contact: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170

CELEBRATE “KIDS IN PARKS” DURING NATIONAL PARK WEEK AT SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK! 

National Park Week, April 19-26, is an annual, Presidentially-proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of the exceptional natural and cultural history preserved in the country's 391 National Parks. The theme for National Park Week 2008 is "Kids in Parks.” Parks across the country will be hosting events throughout the week culminating in National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26.

All are invited to the waterfront at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park to explore the Hyde Street Pier’s historic ships, Aquatic Park, and Visitor Center during this exciting celebration. Deepen your understanding of maritime heritage throughout the week with a variety of fascinating walking tours, shipboard programs, hands-on demonstrations, a special Open House, and Junior Ranger Day festivities.

NATIONAL PARK WEEK EVENTS:

THE SAGA OF WILLIAM SHOREY

Saturday, April 19, 6pm. In the Maritime Library, Lower Fort Mason, Bldg. E, 3^rd Floor. Donation: $5.

Discover the extraordinary life of Captain William. Shorey, who worked his way up from seaman to become the first Black captain of a whaling ship on the West Coast of North America, in this audio-visual presentation and talk by park ranger Carol Kiser.

1858 BLACK EXODUS: SAN FRANCISCO TO VICTORIA, BC

Tuesday, April 22, 10am-12pm. On Hyde Street Pier. No fee.
In 1858, African Americans began a migration from San Francisco to Victoria, BC, aboard the steamer Commodore, to escape discrimination and the threat of slavery. The numbers of migrants eventually reached over to over 800 people. Join us for the 150^th anniversary commemoration ceremony of this significant but little-known event in San Francisco history. Hear a reenactment of Mifflin Gibbs’s farewell speech to the migrants, and hear presentations by representatives of local and state government, the co-sponsoring African American Historical and Cultural Society, and the National Park Service.

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, April 23, 4pm-7pm. Visitor Center (499 Jefferson Street, at Hyde Street). No fee.

Meet park staff, learn about ongoing projects, programs, and volunteer opportunities, and provide your feedback and comments. Information stations will cover a wide variety of topics.

JUNIOR RANGER DAY

Saturday, April 26, 10am-4pm. Hyde Street Pier and historic ships. Vessel admission: $5 adults, ages 15 and under, free. Free with national park passes.

EXPLORE, LEARN, AND PROTECT: BE A JUNIOR RANGER

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, April 26, join kids of all ages as we raise a sail, pump the ship dry, turn a capstan, and make maritime crafts. Best of all -- children aged 5-12 can earn the official Junior Ranger badge! Previous Junior Ranger badge-earners are invited to wear badges earned at other parks and add the San Francisco Maritime badge to their collections. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beach where you can build sandcastles and watch sailboats on the Bay. Junior Ranger Day is a nationwide celebration of Junior Rangers past and present as well as an opportunity to inspire future National Park Rangers.

HISTORIC WATERFRONT WALKING TOURS

Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-11:30am. Meet in Lobby of Argonaut Hotel. Free.

Stroll with a Park Ranger to discover the vibrant history of the Aquatic Park Historic Landmark District, the Cannery, Hyde Street Pier, and Fish Alley at Fisherman’s Wharf.

ADVENTURE AT SEA: LIFE ABOARD A 19^TH CENTURY SAILING SHIP

Daily. 2:15pm-3pm. Aboard Balclutha, at Hyde Street Pier. Vessel admission: $5 adults, ages 15 and under, free. Free with national park passes.
Join in on a guided tour of the historic Balclutha. Discover the hardships and rewards of the sailors who fought for survival during the treacherous Cape Horn Passage.

HERE COMES THE GREAT WHITE FLEET!

Saturday, April 26, 2pm-2:45pm. Visitor Center Theater (Hyde and Jefferson Streets). No fee.

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Great White Fleet’s visit to San Francisco. President Theodore Roosevelt sent the fleet of white-painted ships on a world cruise in the age when America was beginning to assert itself as a world power. Ranger Tom Jares presents an audio-visual program on this significant event in San Francisco and U.S. Navy history.

HERCULES ENGINEERING TOUR

Saturday, April 26, 3pm-3:45pm. Aboard Hercules, at Hyde Street Pier. Vessel admission: $5 adults, ages 15 and under, free. Free with national park passes.

Explore steam technology and its effects on the working environment of the marine steam engineer.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, in San Francisco. The park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, visitor center, maritime museum (currently closed for renovation) and library. For more information about the park, or its public programs, please call 415-447-5000 or visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/safr.      

                                                                          ###