Summer Events - National Parks of Western PA

125th Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood
May 31, 2014

On Friday May 31 the National Park Service will commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, from 9:00 am through 10:00 pm. All park facilities will be open and admission is free. Tour the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Clubhouse and talk with costumed park staff. Visitors can view the award winning film, "Black Friday," at the Visitor Center near the remains of the Dam. At the end of the day the public is invited to join park volunteers as we honor the memories of those who perished in the Flood, with the lighting of 2, 209 candles from 7:30-10:00. For more information.

 

Living History Day
June 28, 2014
On June 28, Allegheny Portage Railroad will conduct the "Living History Day" and children can participate in free Junior Ranger activities. Learn about life and work from the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The National Park Service presents this special day of demonstrations and programs to show skills and daily activities of the 1830s and 1840s. Events will last from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will include stonecutting, rope making, log hewing, spinning & weaving, clothes washing, cooking, historic weapons demonstrations, a recreated workers encampment, and children's games & activities. For more information.

 

Seneca Nation Special Event
June 28 - 29, 2014
On June 28 and 29, Fort Necessity, will partner with the Seneca Nation of New York to present two days of cultural heritage programs. Visitors will learn about Seneca traditions and the role of the Seneca in the French and Indian War.For more information.

 

September 11 Commemoration
September 11, 2014
In September, Flight 93 National Memorial will conduct the 13th commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2011. This year the event will be held on Thursday, September 11 at 9:30 am. This outdoor event is open to the public and traditionally includes reading the names of the passengers and crew on Flight 93 while the "Bells of Remembrance" are tolled. On the evening of September 10 at sundown, the Friends of Flight 93 will sponsor a Luminaria at the Wall of Names, lighting the forty names until a special late closing at 9:00 pm. Other programming will take place on the weekends before and after September 11. For more information.

 

FestiFall & Market Fair
September 20-21, 2014
For a great fall weekend on September 21 and 22, plan to attend FestiFall & Market Fair at Friendship Hill NHS. This event is co-sponsored with the Friendship Hill Association and celebrates the life and times of Albert Gallatin, the original owner of Friendship Hill. This free event includes demonstrations of historic trades and crafts and live period music, providing the perfect ambiance for a peaceful afternoon of good food and family fun. While children explore historic toys, the family can enjoy eighteenth century foods that have been the staple of FestiFall since its inception in 1988. For more information.