George Rogers Clark National Historical Park management have decided not to hold the annual wreath laying ceremony in the Clark Memorial on February 25. The Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society host a luncheon following the ceremony which has also been cancelled for this year. “The event averages between 40 -60 people inside the Memorial and we felt that this was pushing our guidance on social distancing" stated Chief Ranger Joe Herron. The park will place a wreath at the Clark statue on February 25 and encourage visitors to visit the Memorial to remember Clark and his men with their capture of Fort Sackville from British forces. During the winter months, it is recommended to stop by the Visitor Center first. The rotunda will be opened on request between 9 am and 4:45 pm (Eastern Time).
The George Rogers Clark March will be a virtual event this year. There are two planned components to this event: Pre-recorded highlight videos from the march are planned with Lincoln High School students involved with the Youth Advisory Council. The videos will be uploaded on park social media sites on the corresponding days these events occurred 242 years ago.
The other component of the “Virtual March “will be live check-ins from Park Rangers retracing the last five miles of Clark’s journey via Facebook Live on February 20. “The Clark March has averaged over 100 participants for the last few years," continued Herron. “Even though this is an outdoor walk, there are challenges such as busing participants five miles away and the natural inclination walkers will have to crowd around to hear the speakers. This is not ideal by any means, but this keeps the walk going and may open at least limited participation to people who normally can’t make these steps in the weather." The park Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/GeorgeRogersClarkNationalHistoricalPark
For any questions feel free to contact the park by calling 812-882-1776 ext. 1210 or by email GERO_Interpretation@nps.gov
Tags: george rogers clark national historical park press release
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
