KEY WEST, Florida: Come celebrate the birthday of the National Park System with living history demonstrations at Dry Tortugas National Park, being held daily August 22 through 25. Park Visitors will step back into 1861 as they explore the park and experience re-enactors scattered about the island engaged in activities typical of daily life at Fort Jefferson for residents of the island during the Civil War era. As an added bonus, Monday is a National Park fee free day; entrance will be free August 25 in celebration of the 98th birthday of the National Park Service.
Friends of Fort Taylor, a re-enactor group from Key West, and park volunteers will recreate the experiences of Battery “C" stationed at Fort Jefferson during the Civil War. A series of vignettes (living history demonstrations) will include a blacksmith shop, camp life, a cooking demonstration, a weapon/artillery display, medicine of the civil war, and a mourning demonstration. Miscellaneous talks will also be provided about life on the island during the Civil War.
According to Dry Tortugas Park Manager Glenn Simpson, “The local re-enactor group is made up of historians that portray both military and civilian life in the Civil War era. The group is dedicated to honoring the courage and sacrifice of the original Battery “C" from 1861-1865, and we are excited about sharing this part of the park’s history with our visitors."
“The group educates the general public on the Civil War, specifically the role of Fort Jefferson and the Artillery as well as the civilian roles that shaped our coastal defenses. Using as many primary sources as possible, the actors strive to learn all the details of the era and the fortification to provide accurate information to educate the public about Fort Jefferson. We hope that our programs will educate and be part of an enjoyable experience at the park," said Fayma Callahan, spokesperson for the Re-enactors group.
WHAT: Living history demonstrations at Dry Tortugas National Park, by volunteers re-enacting daily life at Fort Jefferson as Battery “C" 2nd U.S. Artillery soldiers, and civilians. Park entrance will be free on Monday, Aug. 25, in celebration of the 98th birthday of the National Park Service.
WHEN: Daily, August 23 through 25.
WHERE: Dry Tortugas National Park located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, accessible by private or charter boats, ferry or seaplane which offer daily departures from Key West.
For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Yankee Freedom: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009; on the internet at http://www.yankeefreedom.com/
For seaplane schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Key West Seaplane Adventures: phone 305-293-9300 or www.keywestseaplanecharters.com.
For permitted charters: contact the park at 305-242-7700 or for a list.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
