Community Event Notices

National Park Service Kicks Off 100th Anniversary Celebration on August 25th

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service and the National Parks of Boston are making a big splash to mark the occasion! It all kicks off on Thursday, August 25th at Christopher Columbus Park and the Boston Harbor Islands, continuing on August 26-27 at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The theme of the festivities is Celebrating the Spirit of Revolution and the National Parks of Boston will have an array of activities on the waterfront, Christopher Columbus Park, Boston Harbor Islands, and in the Charlestown Navy Yard. There is a full suite of special activities taking place August 25th through the 27th that brings together the parks and its many partners.

The National Parks of Boston and its partner organizations will host dozens of free activities along the waterfront, Christopher Columbus Park and in the Charlestown Navy Yard, including free ferry rides to the Boston Harbor Islands on August 25, live entertainment, free Zumba lessons, and kids activities and environmental programs at Christopher Columbus Park; a free concert by the US Air Force Band Rhythm in Blue, a screening of the Hollywood classic On the Town and classic cartoons, hands-on history programs and panels in the Charlestown Navy Yard on August 26; and a Lindy Hop canteen dance with free swing dance lessons on August 27. There also will be all day Rosies Invade the Navy Yard programs about women workers on the home front, who made up about 20 per cent of the Charlestown Navy Yard workforce during World War II, on August 26 and 27.

Thursday, August 25, 2016
@ Christopher Columbus Park

“Find Your Park” Activity Tents – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Find your Fun! – Become a Centennial Junior Ranger

  • Kitemaking and other crafts lead by local art studio Kidcasso
  • Jr. Ranger Tattoos
  • Centennial photos
  • Centennial Jr. books and badges

Find your Creativity – Inspirations from the parks featuring artists from South Shore, Elliot Higgers, and Jane Ingrahm.

  • South Shore Arts for en plein air painters 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Freedom Trail Photo workshop with Elliot Higgers at 1:00 p.m.

Find your Park! – Meet the Rangers of Boston Historic National Parks for tours and information

Find your wildlife! – Wildlife, birds and marine life of the Boston Harbor.

  • New England Aquarium touch tank 10:00 – 12:00
  • Mass Audubon 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Find your Park – Partners of the Parks
Featuring activities from our partners including the US Coast Guard, Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands, Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Boston Harbor Now.

Find Your History and Nature – Preserving our Cultural and Natural Resources
Activities include a variety of activities and games focused on the natural world as well as cultural treasures.

Find your Trails to Freedom – Featuring Activities from our partners including the Bostonian Society, Freedom Trail Foundation, and the Museum of African American History.

Centennial Celebration: Main Stage Events

8:45 a.m. – Welcome and Opening
9:00 a.m. – Healthy Hearts, Healthy Bodies Fitness Program – ZUMBA
10:00 a.m. – Josh and Jamtones Band
10:50 a.m. – Junior Rangers Swearing-in Ceremony
11:00 a.m. – NPS Centennial Kick-off Celebration

  • Superintendent Michael Creasey
  • Senator Ed Markey
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren
  • Congressman Michael Capuano
  • Congressman Steven Lynch
  • Governor Charlie Baker
  • Mayor Marty Walsh

11:30 a.m. – Cake Cutting with Montillios
12 Noon – Live Music: Berklee College of Music
1:15 p.m. – Sea Shanty Music
2:00 p.m. – Live Music: Berklee College of Music
3:00 p.m. – Quabbin River Singers
3:45 p.m. – Junior Rangers on Stage
5:00 p.m. – Healthy Hearts, Healthy Bodies Fitness Program – ZUMBA

Click here for more information, including events at the Charlestown Navy Yard on August 26th and 27th.