2006 Ranger-Guided Programs

Starting May 27 through September 4, Harpers Ferry NHP will offer three public tours each day on a variety of subjects related to the history of Harpers Ferry. These programs will begin in the Lower Town District of the park at noon, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Due to the activities surrounding the Niagara Commemoration (see below), public tours will be suspended August 14-21.

Shuttle bus summer hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

2006 Schedule of Events

HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK sponsors a series of special events and living history programs throughout the year. These programs relate the history of the park and give accounts of the men and women whose contributions made Harpers Ferry such a significant part of our national heritage. Call 304-535-6029 for more information about park activities.

The 2006 Schedule of Events is made possible through the efforts of the park staff, NPS volunteers, living history groups and the Harpers Ferry Historical Association. We would like to thank these groups and individuals for assisting the park staff in sharing the many compelling stories of Harpers Ferry.

JULY

July 29 – Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson – “This Scene is Worth a Voyage Across the Atlantic” (1:00 p.m. – Lower Town). “The Object of Your Mission: Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition” (3:00 p.m. – Lower Town).

AUGUST

August 18-20 – Niagara Centennial Commemoration – Join the centennial celebration of the Niagara Movement, the cornerstone of the modern civil rights era. Celebration includes a variety of music, drama, and scholarship. [Learn more]

August 26-27 – Rally For Virginia 1861:From Citizens to Soldiers – Presents The Southern Grays as a camp of mustering Virginia State Troops during beginning of the Civil War when citizens became soldiers and state militia became part of the Confederate army.

SEPTEMBER

September 2 – U. S. Marine Band – “Free Country” will perform at the Cavalier Heights Visitor Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free of charge.

September 30 – Hike Harpers Ferry/National Public Lands Day

OCTOBER

October 7 – John Brown’s Legacy: Beyond the Gallows – Special programs will feature the U.S. Marines who captured Brown, militia drill, ladies fair booth in support of the local militia, a northern reaction anti-slavery musical performance, a political rally, and tribute to the former mayor killed in the raid.

October 14 – Mr. Lincoln Returns to Harpers Ferry – With Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln (1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – Lower Town)

October 21-22 – Family Life 1860 in Harpers Ferry: The Frederick Roeder Story – Help the Living History staff and volunteers, crush, shred, and squeeze apple cider for Roeder’s Tavern while hearing about the family’s life and times. Each day a special talk and cider making demonstration will be presented at the Tavern.

October 28-29 – The Eyes of the Army: The Cavalry – Living History volunteers Company H, Second U.S. Cavalry, will demonstrate cavalry riding, weapons firing, sabre drill, and bugling. On Saturday and Sunday, the group will join the ranger-guided tour for a historic weapons firing demonstration.

NOVEMBER

November 4-5 – Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862 – Interprets the Battle of Harpers Ferry and surrender of the Union garrison to General Stonewall Jackson. Artillery firing demonstrations are scheduled. Members of Baltimore Light Artillery, Fredericksburg Light Artillery and the Liberty Rifles will portray Confederate artillery soldiers. A military camp will be open for visitation on the Bolivar Heights Battlefield.

DECEMBER

December 2-3 – Prospects of Peace: A Soldier’s Prayer – Presents a special program focusing on Yuletide 1864 when Harpers Ferry soldiers attempted to create their own version of Christmas on the battle front. Programs and activities will feature local citizens and soldiers preparing for the Yuletide, a Civil War style Santa Claus dispersing presents to the soldiers, a Victorian Cotillion, Yuletide confections, and special guided walking tours.

INFORMATION ON NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND TOURISM OFFICES is furnished in our Travel & Tourism Directory. Use the links we provide to find out more information about nearby hotels, motels, bed & breakfast establishments, camping, river outfitters, and other nearby points of interest. [View our Travel & Tourism Directory].