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National Park Service Programs
National Park Service Programs and Information
The National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
National Park Service Staff
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY: Charles Cuvelier, Superintendent Aaron Larocca, Chief of Staff
VISITOR SERVICES: Jackie Cunningham Davis, Acting Chief of Visitor Services Kevin Patti, Janet Greene, Park Rangers The National Park Service offers five different ways for kids to become Junior Rangers at Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton National Historic Site (NHS). Booklets are available, call 301.320.1410. Two programs are available online at: nps.gov/clba.
Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton Junior Ranger Booklet:
This booklet contains activities about Clara Barton NHS and Glen Echo Park. Kids can earn two badges. Civil Rights Junior Ranger Booklet: Kids can learn how history was made by students and local neighbors during the 1960 Civil Rights Protests at Glen Echo Amusement Park. Glen Echo Lil’ Junior Ranger Booklet: Perfect for ages 3-6 years, this Lil’ Junior Ranger booklet contains age- appropriate activities that offer our youngest visitors a chance to explore the park. If they complete all the activities, they can earn a Glen Echo Park Junior Ranger badge! Traveling Clara Barton: Similar to a “Flat Stanley” activity, kids mail (or bring) a drawing of Miss Barton to six different Civil War sites and discover how she helped soldiers.
Glen Echo Park
301.320.1400 nps.gov/glec
For over a century, Glen Echo Park has welcomed residents of the Greater Washington Area. The park’s history of change, though, has led to tension as Chautauqua dreamers, amusement park thrill seekers, and National Park Service preservationists sought to adapt to the needs of current visitors. This affected not only the architectural styles of the buildings, but also the landscape-everything from walkways to parking lots to lighting. Edward and Edwin Baltzley, in 1891, hoped to entertain and educate the District’s urban populace in a National Chautauqua while preserving the site’s rugged natural beauty. The amusement park owners thrilled visitors with exciting rides. Finally, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture have collaborated to provide the public with appealing artist studios and arts spaces while preserving the Park’s diverse history. NPS works closely with the Partnership to preserve the cultural resources at Glen Echo Park. Over the years, this has involved determining whether to preserve, rehabilitate, restore, or reconstruct historic structures. After 130 years, all that remains from the Baltzleys’ Chautauqua of 1891 is a solitary stone tower which is now the restored stone tower, home to the Stone Tower Gallery and artists’ studio. But their idea of a premier green space where visitors could refresh and restore themselves has thrived as a vibrant cultural community to this day.
Ranger-Led Programs Virtual History Presentations from the Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park
National Park Rangers at Glen Echo Park are now offering free virtual programs to groups of 10 or more. Please contact Ranger Kevin Patti at kevin_patti@nps.gov or 301320-1400 to book a program. Join us as we commemorate the centennial of Glen Echo Park’s crown jewel, the Dentzel Carousel, with this talk about its history. As we uncover the last one hundred years, we will learn of the civil rights protests to integrate the segregated Glen Echo Amusement Park that began with a sit-in on the carousel in 1960. We will learn of the heyday of the amusement park during the streetcar era, the closing of the amusement park in the sixties and the efforts to save the carousel and bring the park into the National Park System in the 1970s. We will also see pictures of the beautiful carousel animals carved by William Dentzel’s carousel company that have now all been carefully restored. The following programs may be impacted by COVID-19 related concerns. Please call to inquire about availability, call 301320-1400. Tours are free of charge and open to the public. All programs can be modified for a special need or specific age group. Tours are available by advanced reservation.
Carousel Tours
Join a park ranger and take a close look at the beautiful Dentzel Carousel which was installed in 1921, fresh from the factory in Pennsylvania. Find out how it was made, how it works, and about the rest of the amusement park attractions that were built around it. Hear about the civil rights protests that marched right into the carousel in 1960. Follow the inspiring story of the community’s efforts after the amusement park closed to raise money to save the carousel for future generations. And, finally, learn how the National Park Service, with donated funds, has restored the carousel to its original glory.
Glen Echo Park History Tour
How many people could swim in the Crystal Pool at one time? How was sound projected in the Chautauqua-era amphitheater? How did Glen Echo become part of the national park system? Explore Glen Echo Park’s history on this tour and find out the answers to these questions and more!
The Civil Rights Story of Glen Echo
Why was Glen Echo Amusement Park segregated? Who led the Civil Rights protests to desegregate the amusement park? Which amusement park ride was a focal point of the protests? This program will explore the Civil Rights issues at Glen Echo Amusement Park and the surrounding area in the early 1960s. By reservation only. Call 301.320.1400 for more information and to make reservations.
Clara Barton National Historic Site
301.320.1410 nps.gov/clba
“Clara Barton didn’t just dream, she did things, noble things that establish her as one of the most impactful women on the lives of others in all of American history.”—Robin Fisher, Participant, Clara Barton Symposium
From her Civil War work to the founding of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton dedicated her life to the relief of suffering. She was the driving force of the American Red Cross for 23 years. Her leadership gave the organization a solid reputation that garnered support and trust. Her influence led to the creation of programs that continue to benefit and support people in need today.
Interpretive Programs Virtual Presentations about Clara Barton National Historic Site
National Park Rangers at Clara Barton National Historic Site are now offering free virtual programs to groups of 10 or more. Please contact Park Ranger Kevin Patti at kevin_ patti@nps.gov or 301-320-1410 to book a program. Join us as we commemorate the life and work of Clara Barton, heroine of the Civil War and founder of the American Red Cross, in recognition of her 200th birthday in December 2021. Clara Barton broke through the barriers that so often confined women of the nineteenth century to the domestic sphere and had a long career of public service that touched people all over the world. She was an advocate for the expansion of rights for African Americans and women, a pioneer of public education, and the inventor of the first aid kit. She was also one of the first women to work for the federal government. This illustrated talk by a park ranger at Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Md will use photographs from Clara Barton’s life and times to describe her service and the struggles she overcame along the way.
Clara Barton National Historic Site Remains Closed Due to Covid-19
Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health in consultation with NPS Public Health Service officers, Clara Barton NHS is temporarily closed. Please check the website for updates: www.nps.gov/clba”
Clara Barton – Red Cross Angel, a Virtual Performance by Actress Mary Ann Jung
December 4, 3:00 p.m. Clara Barton was a humanitarian, teacher, Civil War nurse, organizer of supplies, and the founder of the American Red Cross. But, did you know that she was also a woman full of wit, intelligence and conviction? Or that she rode a horse, skirted bullets, traveled oceans, and used cosmetics and hair dye? Award-winning Actress Mary Ann Jung offers an exciting and personal window into one of history’s most famous people in her one-woman, interactive performance. Clara Barton National Historic Site offers visitors the opportunity to see the actress’s portrayal of Clara Barton at 3:00 p.m. on December 4, 2021. The performance will be shown on the Clara Barton NHS Facebook page. Please call for details, 301-320-1410.
