You can bundle up and brave the outside temperatures or enjoy warmth in a visitor center. You can see nature's beauty this time of year or you can learn about American history, women's history, African-American history, nature and more. Whatever your preference you can explore any of these activities in your local parks.
As you venture out to parks for these experiences - don't forget your camera! Capture these moments in photos and share them with us at flickr.com/groups/parkpalooza. You can enter our Experience Your Parks Photo Contest and win a new Kodak Camera and the opportunity to have your photography featured in an exhibit at ParkPalooza 2009.
Here's some of the winter events and activities going on in our partner park sites:
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St Louis, MO On February 7 at 1:00 in the Museum of Westward Expansion at the Gateway Arch, Loretta Washington, a St. Louis area storyteller, portrays the first documented female Buffalo Soldier, Cathay Williams, in her later years and reminisces back on her life and why she joined the Union Army after the Civil War ended.
Ever wonder why African-American solders were given the name Buffalo Soldiers? Learn why this is a term of respect and experience the lives of African-American soldiers on the frontier and the vital role they played in our history with the Company A Cavalry Soldiers. Programs will be on February 14 at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.
Among the legacies of the nineteenth century, the names of only a few women of color are found in American history books. Susie King Taylor, is one of the many unsung heroes of that period. She was born a slave and gained her freedom during the Civil War. Her memoirs were published in 1901 and reflected a black woman's point of view of the Civil War. Carol Shelton, a St. Louis area storyteller, will portray Susie on February 21 at 1:00.
Learn about the origins and life of the American Cowboy including the Rodeo years and Wild West Shows from the experiences of Bill Picket, one of the well known African-American cowboys. Come and listen to Mr. Pickett's stories portrayed by Ed Green, St. Louis area Middle School Social Studies teacher, Februrary 28 at 1:00.
National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL Go eagle watching at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary or see a bald eagle up close at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, IL. January 18th and 25th and February 1st and 8th from 12 noon - 4:00 pm at the Eagle Meet and Greets.
Also at the National Great Rivers Museum on February 14, 15, and 16 experience birds of prey soaring right over your head at the Masters of the Sky Shows. Show times are at 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00 and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children (children 3 years of age and under are free). Masters of the Sky tickets can be ordered by calling 618-462-6979.
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, Yankton, SD More eagle watching here! Experience Bald Eagle Days on February 7 & 8. Activities include wild eagle viewing from inside the visitor center, kid's activity table, and four programs each day with live raptors, including an American Bald Eagle.
Saturday programs will be at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00 and Sunday programs at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, and 2:00.
Central High School National Historic Site, Little Rock, AR Inspired by the book, Dear Dr. King, Letters from Today’s Children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 19, children will have the opportunity to tell their stories of struggle, or triumph, through art work and writing letters to the Little Rock Nine, the first nine students to desegregate Central High School of Little Rock. Upon completion the student’s art work and letters will be on display in the visitor center for the remainder of the month. Afterward, visitors will have an opportunity to view the Emmy-nominated film Our Friend Martin: A Magical Movie Adventure.
On February 16 at 11:00 Park Rangers will commemorate the legacy of Civil Rights Leader, Daisy L. Gatson Bates, with a Documentary film titled In the Shadow of Little Rock: The Life of Daisy Bates. There will be a pre- and post-viewing discussion.
On February 15 and16 Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site presents the 3rd Annual “Reel" Civil Rights Film Festival. The festival features documentaries and films related to the 1957 desegregation crisis at Central High School, the American Civil Rights Movement, and human rights. The festival is free and open to the public.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, St. Paul, MN Enjoy Ranger talks, Storytime with a Ranger, the Grand Canyon Adventure Film and more during January and February at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
The Colorado River is at its lowest level since measurements began 85 years ago. The river is a source of power and water to 25 million Americans. The Grand Canyon Adventure Film will allow its viewers to experience the beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon and discover the role each of us has in protecting water resources of the Colorado River for generations to come.
'Water’ Exhibition – experience the role that water plays in both its scarcity and its abundance, and how it shapes our land and culture.
Mission JNPA provides quality educational products and related services that enrich public understanding and appreciation of America's national parks, public lands, and historic places.
