"These living history programs are part of our new, expanded Junior Secret Service Agent program," said Carol Hegeman, supervisory historian at the Eisenhower Site. "These are excellent days for families to bring children aged 7-12 to become Junior Secret Service Agents, earning their badges and certificates." The special agent will assist children as they complete their training manuals by participating in activities like practicing radio procedure, looking for suspicious objects using binoculars, and becoming familiar with surveillance equipment in the site's newly opened Secret Service office. Trainees may also have to approach a "suspicious" staff member and interrogate them about their activities. Parents should plan to assist their children as they complete this self-guided activity and learn about President Dwight D. Eisenhower and how the Secret Service protected him. For their efforts, the children will receive a badge and certificate. Originally developed in 1998, the Junior Secret Service Agent program has reached thousands of children. The Eisenhower staff recently received a grant to revise and update the program from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Unilever, a Proud Partner of America's National Parks and a National Corporate Partner of the Junior Ranger Program. The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society provided matching funds. Eisenhower National Historic Site is open daily. All visits are via shuttle bus from the National Park Service Visitor Center on Taneytown Road in Gettysburg. Shuttles depart every half-hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and every hour on weekdays. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $4.00 for youths ages 13-16, and $3.00 for children ages 6-12. The Junior Secret Service Agent program activities are included in the site admission and available daily. Families should allow at least two hours for their children to complete the program. For more information contact the Eisenhower National Historic Site at 717/ 338-9114 |
Last updated: February 26, 2015