Fall/Winter 2012-2013 classes are right around the corner!

Save the date for our Open House for Classes, Saturday, September 1, 12 to 4pm to visit studios, meet instructors and learn about upcoming classes. Fall/Winter registration begins on AUGUST 4. In the meantime, you can now browse class schedules, descriptions, and other details on our website, at http://register.glenechopark.org/class/classctgyIndex.aspx?ID=41

SPECIAL EVENTS AT GLEN ECHO PARK

42nd Annual Labor Day Art Show

August 31 - September 3, 2012

Opening Reception

Friday, 7 - 9 p.m. Saturday - Monday, 12 - 6 p.m.

Artwork for sale representing more than 150 regional artists including sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass and jewelry. Irish musicians and dancers performing in the Bumper Car Pavilion.

Then & Wow!

Sunday, September 30, 2012 - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Celebrate the Park's past and present at this annual festival! Learn about the Glen Echo Park through exhibits and programs. Find out about the current arts programs and be entertained with dance demonstrations, music, and roving performers. Take a ride on the Dentzel Carousel - this will be the last day of its 92nd season before closing for fall and winter - and enjoy other amusement rides and games for kids. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call (301) 634-2222.

RANGER LED PROGRAMS

The Civil Rights Story of Glen Echo Park

Sunday, Aug 5 at 12:30 pm.

Meet outside at the Candy Corner

African Americans faced discrimination and exclusion for many years at Glen Echo Amusement Park. In 1960, an outpouring of protests from people of many different backgrounds created change. Join us and walk the grounds where history happened. for more information, please call 301-320-1400.

Glen Echo Park Morning Bird Watch

Every first and last Sunday of the month (except April 29, June 3, Sept 2)

Meet at Ranger Station

Carousel Tours

Sat. & Sun. at 3:30 p.m. (Oct 1. - Apr. 29) Sat. & Sun. at 10:30 a.m. (Apr.30 - Sept. 30)

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. Meet in front of the carousel. The carousel tour lasts 30 minutes. Free!

Park Tours

Every Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m.
On weekends, join us for an educational and fun look at the special places in Glen Echo Park! A park ranger will lead you on a 45-minute walking tour about the history of the site and will familiarize you with the popular program in arts and dance that now flourishes here. Along the way, the ranger will take you briefly through the Spanish Ballroom, the Dentzel Carousel, the ruins of the Crystal Pool, and at least two of the Park's art studios. Meet in the Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!

Glen Echo Park, The First 100 Years (Off-site -slide show)

By reservation only
Your school, civic organization, social club, or group can request a park ranger to come present a slide program about the history of Glen Echo Park. Through stories and pictures, see how the park has changed as a popular meeting place and how, in many ways, it has reflected the technological and social changes of America over the past nearly 120 years. This program is presented (staff permitting) by reservation only. We suggest that you make your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. The off-site program lasts 1 hour and is free. To arrange for a program, call 301-320-1400. Free!

Video Presentations

Glen Echo on the Potomac
Sat. & Sun. at 4 p.m.
Enjoy an in-depth look at the history of Glen Echo Park by watching this fascinating 60-minute documentary film created in 1991 by Kevin Wyrauch. The movie features hundreds of photographs of the park, historic film footage taken on the grounds, and narrative descriptions given by people who came to the park, worked at the park, and protested the park in the 1960s. Meet in the National Park Service Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!

Carousel of Memories

Sat. & Sun. at 11:30 a.m.
Don't miss an opportunity to see a wonderful 27-minute video about our beloved 1921 Dentzel carousel. Created by local videographer Cintia Cabib, this film shines a spotlight on six people who have been pivotal in the history of the carousel-- a woman who led the community effort to buy the carousel and keep it here for future generations; the carousel operators who have been responsible for its operation for the last 30 years; the restoration specialist who painstakingly returned the machine to its original beauty; a woman who participated in a civil rights sit-in on the carousel in 1960; and others who have kept their memories of the carousel alive. Meet in the National Park Service Visitor Center in the Arcade Building next to the Popcorn Gallery. Free!

In addition to the times listed above, you may make a reservation for any of the programs below for weekdays or at other times on the weekend (if staffing permits). To make arrangements, call the National Park Service at 301-320-1400.

Playground & Picnic Area

The picnic grove and our newly redesigned playground are perfect spots to swing by (no pun intended!) after a show at the Puppet Co. or Adventure Theatre or on a beautiful spring day when the daffodils are out in force in the Park.

Picnic tables are available to groups of 30 people or less on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, in the event of rain, the picnic tables are not covered. Larger groups, or groups wishing to rent indoor or covered space, should call our Rentals Manager at (301) 634-2233.

Send your questions or comments about Glen Echo Park, please contact us at gwmp_glen_echo@nps.gov. We would love to receive your feedback.