Event Details (U.S. National Park Service)

Fee:

Free.

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

6 hours

Type of Event

Festival

Description

Celebrate the National Park Service birthday and the lingering days of summer at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park’s Summer Celebration this Saturday, August 24 from 10am until 4pm at the park in Woodstock, VT.

“This day is really about enjoying the spirit of summer just before kids go back to school and the autumn weather kicks in,” says Chief of Interpretation Stephanie Kyriazis, “Come to the park for outdoor family-friendly games, al fresco art-making, a round of tennis, or a chance to casually check out our usually limited-access historic buildings. Enjoy the woods and garden while everything is green and in bloom.”

> The Billings and Rockefeller families frequently entertained friends and family on the estate, a tradition that continues with this event:

- Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the beautiful gardens while listening to live music
- Try some lawn games like bocce, croquet, or giant jenga
- Putt on the Rockefeller’s green, or play tennis with a pro from the Woodstock Inn on the estate tennis court
- Create your own take-home flower arrangement from Mary Rockefeller’s cutting garden
- Younger visitors will also enjoy Animal Olympics and traditional games from the 1800s

> The park’s Artist-in-Residence, Margaret Dwyer, will be demonstrating watercolor technique, while providing art supplies and tips for artists of all ages who want to create their own nature-inspired masterpiece.

> Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion open house - free event. During Summer Celebration, visitors can stroll through the first floor of the Mansion between 11am and 3pm, with staff on hand to answer questions about the families, furniture, and art.

> Other special programs include:
- Short tour of the bowling alley, soda fountain, fallout shelter - 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm.
- Exploring the park’s gardens, including the “hidden” waterfall garden, and their history at 2pm;

> Or visitors can relax on the Mansion porch, enjoying a mild summer afternoon in Woodstock, VT, just like the families who once called this place home.

Call 802-457-3368 x222 for more information.