Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to host special National Park Week activities

Date: April 4, 2016
Contact: Kim Biggs, 304-535-6024

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to celebrate National Park Week, April 16-24, 2016, by taking part in the many special activities that are being offered during this entrance fee free week. The kick off will be the “A Day in the Park” event on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 10am to 4pm. The event will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy Harpers Ferry while learning about how the National Park Service operates. 

Highlights of activities include:

• Snap a photo at the retro ranger station
• Smell and touch artifacts in a “Hands-On History” activity
• Become a NPS Centennial Junior Ranger
• Dress up as a ranger 
• Have your photo taken with Billy the Bison
• Play National Park Service Jeopardy (1 pm & 3 pm)
• Paint or color your national parks
• Learn about volunteer opportunities
• Play “You’re in Charge” and learn how to manage a national park
• Get an inside look at a Law Enforcement patrol car
• Discover the meaning behind the National Park Service’s symbol, the arrowhead
• Learn about invasive versus non-invasive plants and citizen science
• Watch as 3D models of museum artifacts are made and learn how the National Park Service cares for and preserves museum collections
• Build a national park visitor center with blocks
• Work at a real Information Desk to help other kids plan their visit

Beyond the “A Day in the Park” event, Harpers Ferry NHP will also feature special 2pm guided talks and programs during National Park Week. All programs meet across from the park bookshop. The schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, April 17: “Harpers Ferry: A Place in History” – Take this guided program to discover Harpers Ferry's amazing history.
• Monday, April 18: National Park Week Instameet - Connect, explore, and celebrate Harpers Ferry and National Park Week with the park's social media specialist.
• Tuesday, April 19: “Return of the Peregrine Falcon" - Join our Resource Management professionals for the story of the peregrine falcons and their triumphant return to the skies of Harpers Ferry. 
• Wednesday, April 20: “Meet a Park Archeologist” – Take part in a presentation regarding Harpers Ferry archeology and an opportunity to ask the archeologist questions.
• Thursday, April 21 - “Harpers Ferry: A Place in History” – Discover Harpers Ferry's amazing history during this guided program.
• Friday, April 22: "Find Your Park" - Explore Lower Town with the park's social media specialist and learn how to Find Your Park and share your park stories and adventures through social media. 
• Saturday, April 23: "John Brown's Raid" - Join a Living History interpreter to explore the turning point in American history that led this country toward Civil War."

National Park Week concludes on April 24, 2016, with "National Park Rx Day," a National Park Service health initiative to promote wellness. Come get healthy while enjoying Harpers Ferry's beauty and history! 

Activities will include: 

10AM - 11 AM - Good Morning! Yoga - Wake up easy and get moving in this All Levels flow class. Breath and movement merge to stretch the body and awaken the mind in a perfect mix of light workout and deep stretch. A good morning begins a great day!  (Meet along the Shenandoah river, across from the shuttle drop off. Bring your own yoga mat)

11AM - 12:30 PM - Harpers Ferry: From the Top Down - Take a 1 1/2-mile downhill hike to learn about our diverse history and see tremendous views. (Moderate. Meet at the park Visitor Center)

1PM - 3PM - Maryland Heights hike - A 4-mile roundtrip ranger-led hike for a spectacular view of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. (Difficult -steep and rocky in places. Meet across from the park bookshop.)

2PM - 2:45 PM - John Brown's Raid -  Join in this 45-min easy walk around Lower Town to explore the turning point in American history that led this country toward Civil War. (Easy - handicapped accessible. Meet across from the park bookshop.)