News Release

2017 Eclipse Across America at Charleston Area National Park Sites

Date: August 2, 2017
Contact: Dawn Davis, 843-883-3123

Fort Sumter National Monument, including Fort Moultrie and Liberty Square, and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site are planning activities for the upcoming 2017 Eclipse Across America on August 21, 2017. Activities for the public, including an eclipse junior ranger activity book and badge for children, will be offered from 1:00 pm -4:30 pm at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Liberty Square which is the primary departure point for Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Trips to Fort Sumter will run as scheduled; however during the period of totality, Fort Sumter itself will be closed to the public.
                                                                                   
Arrive early as space and parking will be limited. Never look directly at the sun or serious injury can occur. The parks will have limited supplies of special-purpose solar glasses that will be distributed on August 21^st. “We are anticipating very large crowds at our sites that day since the parks are in the path of totality. This will be a historic and memorable event for all to experience, especially at a national park site,” said acting Superintendent Gary Stansberry. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks. A water fountain and bottle filling station are available at all sites. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended.
 
In addition to the family-friendly activities, Sun and Salutations yoga class will be offered from 1:30 pm-2:00 pm at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. A towel or yoga mat is recommended for this activity.
 
At Moultrie, the park is partnering with the College of Charleston, NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace to be one of the sites for NASA’s Space Grant Ballooning Project, which will broadcast the first-ever live-streaming video footage of an eclipse from cameras dangling from high altitude balloons in the stratosphere. Some of the students will be launching the balloon from a US Coast Guard auxiliary vessel about five miles off the coast of Charleston. While other students, alums and the NASA 360 media team will be stationed atop the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center where they will track the balloon’s location, monitor the video feed and provide information to park visitors. The public will be able to watch the live broadcast at http://nasa.gov/eclipselive.
 
Charles Pinckney National Historical Site is a 28-acre remnant of Charles Pinckney's Snee Farm plantation, located at 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC. Gorgeous grounds boast ornamental gardens, live oak, Spanish moss, and a half-mile loop trail. An 1828 low country cottage serves as the park’s visitor center and museum. Exhibits and a film tell the story of Fort Sumter is the site of the opening bombardment of the Civil War on April 12-13, 1861. Across the Charleston Harbor entrance is Fort Moultrie, best known for the patriot defeat of the British Navy on June 28, 1776. Combined, both forts showcase 171 years of seacoast defense. Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. Concession-operated ferry boats depart daily from Liberty Square in Charleston, and from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. The Liberty Square departure point also houses the park’s primary visitor center and museum, and is located at 340 Concord Street in Charleston. For information on ferry departure schedules and prices, call Fort Moultrie Tours, Inc. at [phone] or visit them online at www.fortsumtertours.com. Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island and is accessible by car. An entrance fee is charged for the park.
 
Now entering its second century, the National Park Service continues to explore new ways to help visitors connect and find their parks. For more information on park news, events and programs, follow us on www.facebook.com/FtSumterNPS, www.facebook.com/FtMoultrieNPS and www.facebook.com/PinckneyNPS, or call 843-883-3123. You can also share your park experience with others by posting on social media with the hashtag #findyourpark101. Come find yours today!