President's Park (White House) - Celebrate the Birthday of the National Park Service at the White House Visitor Center (U.S. National Park Service)

Date: August 8, 2008
Contact: Terry Adams/Toni Braxton, (202) 619-7400

Visitors are invited to the White House Visitor Center on Monday, August 25th, 2008 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to help celebrate the 92nd birthday of the National Park Service. The White House Visitor Center is located near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, NW, on the north side of the Commerce Department building.

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law legislation creating the National Park Service within the Interior Department. The National Park Service was directed “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Over the past 91 years the National Park System has evolved to include a great diversity of units, including The White House and President’s Park.

In celebration of the National Park Service’s birthday the White House Visitor Center will play host to the interactive program, called “Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger?”. During this fun and engaging half hour long game show, scheduled at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., members of the audience will compete for prizes by testing their knowledge of the National Park Service. The day’s events will also include book readings, crafts and games suitable for all family members.

The National Park Service reminds all visitors that public parking is limited and visitors are encouraged to take METRO. The nearest stations are Metro Center and Federal Triangle, on the orange, blue and red lines. For more information about this event call 202-208-1631 or go to www.nps.gov/whho

Visitors were asked to write down their favorite moments in a national park. Read what they wrote down.

My favorite moments in a national park...

"In June 2006, I was driving thru Yellowstone NP and getting caught in a buffalo traffic jam. My niece named an old buffalo "Ed", who walked along as we drove. Also, we took a long hike (AKA Death March) to find the Hidden Falls. Great fun! Great park!"
"Meeting the park rangers! They are always knowledgeable and friendly. They are always proud of their parks."
"Camping on Mt. Liberty with my daughter"
"Driving ATV up and down the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore!"
"Watching the bears happily munch cookies at Yellowstone NP"
"This is my first visit at a national park!"
"Married the love of my life at the chapel in Yosemite NP"
"Feeding a chipmunk at Joshua Tree NP"
"Seeing the buffalos in Yellowstone NP with my family in 1996"
"Going on a walk on Culp's Hill in Gettysburg National Battlefield"
"Winning today's game, "Are you smarter than a park ranger?" I've received great prizes from the rangers."
"My mother was chased by a bear at Yellowstone NP. She barely got back to our cabin in time!"
"Crater Lake in July with snow on the ground"
"My favorite thing about a national park is the rangers who care for the animals."
"Enjoying the beauty of Bridal Veil Falls at Yosemite NP"

Thanks for sharing your memories!!