San Juan National Historic Site will offer several programs and activities in commemoration of the parks 60th Anniversary on Saturday, February 14th, 2009. Entrance fees to the fortifications of Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro will be waived on this day so that visitors can enjoy the fortifications and help the park commemorate this special occasion. San Juan National Historic Site was established as a Historic Site in 1949 and a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Activities will include walking tours of the fortifications, as well as of the tunnels and outworks of the Castillo San Cristobal, a tram tour of the SJ city North Wall and a preservation demonstration by park masonry staff. Visitors will be able to learn more about the park’s mission of conserving, protecting and safeguarding this National Park and World Heritage Site. Participants will get to meet and talk with the people who proudly work to preserve the history and culture of these beloved fortifications. Most of the programs will be conducted from 12:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Participants will also learn how to help the Historic Site and its many fortifications. Members of the non-profit organization, Los Amigos de los Fuertes del Viejo San Juan, will be available to share information. The non-profit organization was recently established to serve as advocates for the fortifications of Old San Juan, including raising funds for special projects and programs.
San Juan National Historic Site is comprised of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Fort San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo), the San Juan Gate, Paseo del Morro and the City Wall. The site is open everyday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
For more information, please call (787) 729-6777 during working hours.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
