The National Park Service announced Wednesday that concerts will return to the James A. Garfield Historic Site, sponsored by the James A. Garfield Alliance and Lakeland Community College.
“We’re excited to bring special events like these free concerts back to James A. Garfield National Historic Site this summer,” said site manager Todd Arrington, according to the Wednesday news release. “Our grounds are a perfect place to enjoy live music, and there is historical precedent since bands played here during James A. Garfield’s 1880 ‘front porch’ presidential campaign.”
Concerts are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The programs will include the University Heights Symphonic Band, Lake Effect Concert Band, Lakeland Community College Civic Band, and Great Geauga County Fair Band. The concert series will begin June 9, and the last concert will be held Aug. 10 at the end of the summer season.
The Garfield Historic Site encourages all attendees to bring their own lawn chairs and drinks. Picnic baskets are also welcome, however, no alcohol is allowed on the property, according to the news release.
Visitors who are attending the concerts can also explore the 1880 presidential campaign exhibit, which is being presented on-site throughout the home's interior and exterior.
Garfield served as president only six months before succumbing to wounds from an assassin's bullet in September 1881.
