RANGER-LED PROGRAMS In addition to the times listed below, you may make a reservation for any of the programs below for weekdays or at other times on the weekend (if staffing permits). To make arrangements, call the National Park Service at 301-320-1400.
Join a park ranger and take a close look at the beautiful Dentzel Carousel which was installed in 1921, fresh from the factory in Pennsylvania. Find out how it was made, how it works, and about the rest of the amusement park attractions that were built around it. Hear about the civil rights protests that marched right into the carousel in 1960. Follow the inspiring story of the community's efforts after the amusement park closed to raise money to save the carousel for future generations. And, finally, learn how the National Park Service, with donated funds, has restored the carousel to its original glory. Meet in front of the carousel. The carousel tour lasts 30 minutes. Free! Park Tours Every Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m. On weekends, join us for an educational and fun look at the special places in Glen Echo Park! A park ranger will lead you on a 45-minute walking tour about the history of the site and will familiarize you with the popular program in arts and dance that now flourishes here. Along the way, the ranger will take you briefly through the Spanish Ballroom, the Dentzel Carousel, the ruins of the Crystal Pool, and at least two of the Park's art studios. Meet in the Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!
Glen Echo Park, The First 100 Years (Off-site -slide show) By reservation only Your school, civic organization, social club, or group can request a park ranger to come present a slide program about the history of Glen Echo Park. Through stories and pictures, see how the park has changed as a popular meeting place and how, in many ways, it has reflected the technological and social changes of America over the past nearly 120 years. This program is presented (staff permitting) by reservation only. We suggest that you make your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. The off-site program lasts 1 hour and is free. To arrange for a program, call 301-320-1400. Free!
Video Presentations
Glen Echo on the Potomac Sat. & Sun. at 4 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth look at the history of Glen Echo Park by watching this fascinating 60-minute documentary film created in 1991 by Kevin Wyrauch. The movie features hundreds of photographs of the park, historic film footage taken on the grounds, and narrative descriptions given by people who came to the park, worked at the park, and protested the park in the 1960s. Meet in the National Park Service Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!
Carousel of Memories Sat. & Sun. at 11:30 a.m. Don't miss an opportunity to see a wonderful 27-minute video about our beloved 1921 Dentzel carousel. Created by local videographer Cintia Cabib, this film shines a spotlight on six people who have been pivotal in the history of the carousel-- a woman who led the community effort to buy the carousel and keep it here for future generations; the carousel operators who have been responsible for its operation for the last 30 years; the restoration specialist who painstakingly returned the machine to its original beauty; a woman who participated in a civil rights sit-in on the carousel in 1960; and others who have kept their memories of the carousel alive. Meet in the National Park Service Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!
