National Park Service Centennial Celebration

Date: July 14, 2016
Contact: Valerie Newman, 906-483-3028

(Calumet, MI) Keweenaw National Historical Park is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service on Thursday August 25. Events to mark the NPS Centennial will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Quincy and from 2:00 to 8:00 pm outside of the Calumet Visitor Center.

Morning events at Quincy will include activity stations on geocaching, copper sorting, a foundry demonstration, and face-painting. Mini-pasties and lemonade will be served at noon, followed by a brief presentation on the importance and history of the National Park Service. In Calumet, Dave Morehouse will provide live music while activities run from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. There will be stations on geology, panning for copper, quarrying, geocaching, animal costuming, and face-painting. Don't miss the Animals of the National Parks-themed kid's bike parade at 6:00 pm, with awards to follow at 7:00. There will also be a short talk about the National Park Service and a presentation honoring retired park advisory commissioner members. The day's events will conclude with ice cream, local blueberries, lemonade and coffee.

Attend either the Quincy or Calumet activities and receive a coupon good for $5.00 off admission at select Keweenaw Heritage Sites. The coupons are provided by the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission to promote our local history. The Advisory Commission and Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association are partnering to provide food, awards, and face painting at the locations.

The NPS was created in 1916 to manage the increasing number of national parks throughout the country. Keweenaw National Historical Park has hosted activities with its local partners throughout the year to celebrate this important milestone and draw attention to the Keweenaw's significant historical resources.  

One of those events is being held on July 17 at 4:00 pm at the Calumet Theater. The Friends of Fashion will be putting on a special vintage fashion show titled "Celebrating 100 Years of National Parks," highlighting some of the important events and figures that have shaped the national parks. Tickets are available at the Calumet Theater box office for $10 on Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:30 pm to show time.

For more information about how Keweenaw National Historical Park is celebrating the National Park Service Centennial, please contact the park at 906-337-3168 or check the web at www.nps.gov/kewe.