San Francisco, CA -The National Park Service (NPS) turns 99 years old on Aug. 25, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park wants to give you a present - free admission! The usual entrance fee of $5 will be waived for all visitors on August 25. So come down to the park for a ranger-led tour of the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha at 2:15, or just spend the afternoon exploring the Museum, Visitor Center exhibits, and the rest of the historic fleet at Hyde Street Pier.
In preparation for next year's big centennial celebration, the NPS is inviting everyone to Find Your Park. For suggestions on how to discover everything a park experience can be, check out the list of 99 ways to Find Your Park at goo.gl/ynyBMg. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, for example, would be a great place for Bay Area residents to "Earn a Jr. Ranger Badge" (#14), "Come Sail Away"(#33) on our 1891 scow schooner Alma or even "Write Poetry" (#2) while watching the tide roll away from the AquaticPark bleachers. Then, consider sharing your park experience with #FindYourPark.
On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service. Today, there are 408 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn. And, on Aug. 25, all national parks will offer free entrance for everyone.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park was established in 1988 to preserve America's maritime heritage, and last year over 4,000,000 visitors enjoyed the site. But the NPS mission extends beyond any one park's boundary. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. See what's happening across California at www.nps.gov/CA
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf and includes a fleet of historic ships, Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District. Join us in celebrating the Centennial milestone in person, by telephone 415-447-5000, online nps.gov/safr on Twitter @SFMaritimeNPS, and on Facebook facebook.com/SanFranciscoMaritimeNHP
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
