News Release

Old Courthouse Celebrates George Washington with Historic Birthday Ball

Date: January 29, 2018
Contact: Rhonda Schier, 314-655-1634
Contact: Jenna Todoroff, 636-530-1235

WHAT: On Saturday, February 24, the National Park Service honors George Washington and his
significance in American history with an authentic birthday celebration. Washington’s Birthday Ball includes live, 19th-century music and a historical dance workshop. This event is free and open to all ages, and will take place in the Old Courthouse Rotunda. Historical dress is not required to participate.

“After leading the Continental Army to victory during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was elected president of the convention that wrote the U.S. Constitution – the cornerstone of our nation’s governing system – and eventually became our nation’s first president,” says Rhonda Schier, Chief of Museum Services and Interpretation at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “We’re marking this Founding Father’s birthday with a special party, and invite visitors and park neighbors of all ages to experience how St. Louisans celebrated his birthday in 1858 at the Old Courthouse.”

WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 2018

•  9-11 a.m.: Dance workshop featuring popular dance steps of 1858 led by instructor Deborah Hyland.
•  12-4 p.m.: Washington’s Birthday Ball, with live music by The Independent Silver Band and historical dancing. Cookies and hot cider will be served.

WHERE: Old Courthouse, 11 North 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 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. Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on directions before their visit.

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 Jefferson National Expansion Memorial located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Journey to the Top tram ride and the documentary film Monument to the Dream, is open daily during the winter from 9 am to 6 pm, and from 8 am to 10 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Old Courthouse, which features westward expansion exhibits, is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm in the winter, and from 7:30 am to 8 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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 www.gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse. NOTE: The Arch’s museum is currently closed for renovations.