Church Tower Walk
St. Paul’s Church NHS, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon
April 16, 3 p.m.
Although National Park Week officially begins Saturday, April 17, St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site is getting an early start with a special Church Tower Walk at 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to join a staff member us for a hike up the wooden staircase in the Church tower, leading to the historic, 250-year-old metal bell, one of the oldest in the country. (Note: This program is repeated, every other Friday, weather permitting -- April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25, July 23, Aug.6, Aug. 20, Sept.3, Sept. 17, and Oct.1.)
Riis Bust Dedication
Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit
April 17, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join the National Park Service at Jacob Riis Park for the unveiling of David Ostro’s sculpture of Jacob Riis, which will replace the sculpture that has been missing since 1964. The day’s events will include song and dance from Riis’ native Denmark, performed by students from the town of Ribe, Denmark, readings from the students’ book about Riis and his life, and the unveiling of the new bust.
Admission is free.
Night at the Tomb
General Grant NM, 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
April 20, 7:30 p.m.
Meet a National Park Service Ranger in the outdoor plaza in front of the memorial for an afterhours visit by candlelight deep into the heart of the mausoleum as part of the site’s observance of National Park Week 2010. Stand before the great granite sarcophagi of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia. This is not an ordinary tour of the memorial, but a unique opportunity to experience the essence of the building.
The NPS is conducting this special event in honor of Grant’s contribution to the creation of the National Park System. In 1872, while he was President of the United States, Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be “dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people," making it the first official National Park.
Admission is free.
Theodore Roosevelt Comes Home
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace NHS, 28 East 20th Street
April 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Noted Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor Jim Foote will breathe life into the 26th President of the United States as part of National Park Week. Among the subjects “T.R." will discuss during the day will be his trip to Yosemite, where he met with the legendary John Muir and spent three-days alone with Muir and nature’s splendors, experiencing the site as few ever have.
Admission is free.
Become a Junior Ranger!
All National Park Service Sites
April 17-25
Calling children of all ages! Ask a National Park Service Ranger about the Junior Ranger program at your nearest national park. You can learn interesting facts about topics ranging from archeology to history to zoology depending upon the site. Complete the hands-on activities, receive your Junior Ranger badge and be sworn in as an official Junior Ranger. Gateway National Recreation Area is also having a special Junior Ranger Day, which is Saturday, April 24. To learn more about these programs, visit www.nps.gov/gate.
You can also try your hand at becoming a National Park Service WebRanger by going to www.nps.gov/webrangers and exploring the numerous online activities.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
