News Release

Celebrate George Washington's Birthday as St. Louisans Did in 1860

Date: February 12, 2020
Contact: Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann, 314-6551615
Contact: Jenna Todoroff, 636-530-1235

Under the historic dome of the Old Courthouse, visitors will travel back in time, as music from 1860 will fill the courthouse rotunda and living history interpreters will lead the era’s most popular dances.

“We invite our friends and park neighbors of all ages to join us in marking the 288 th birthday of our Founding Father and first president with a fun and interactive journey to the past,” says Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann, Director of Education, Gateway Arch National Park.

Before the ball, from 9-11 a.m., instructor Deborah Highland will teach visitors historical dances from 1860. Then from 12-4 p.m. the Independent Silver Band will perform live, 19th century music while living history interpreters lead celebratory dances. Cookies and apple cider will be served.

This event is free and open to all ages. Historical dress is not required to participate.

WHAT: George Washington’s Birthday Ball
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22; 12-4 p.m. (Dance workshop takes place 9-11 a.m.)
WHERE: Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
COST: Free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to drop in as they please.

PARKING AND DIRECTIONS: A list of preferred downtown St. Louis parking locations
within walking distance of the Old Courthouse is available at http://getaroundstl.com.
Metered street parking is also available around the Old Courthouse.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.nps.gov/jeff or www.gatewayarch.com; or call 877-982-1410.
Reservations are not required, but large groups should call 314-655-1614 to alert the Old Courthouse of their attendance.

ABOUT: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Gateway Arch National Park, located on the
riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Tram Ride to the Top, the Museum at
the Gateway Arch, the documentary film Monument to the Dream, The Arch Store and The Arch Café, is open
daily during the winter from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor
Day. The Old Courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas
Day and New Year’s Day. The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Most
programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. Programs and events at the park are made possible by the
generous support from our cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State
Development. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410 or visit the ticket
counter in the Arch Visitor Center.