The National Parks of Boston will mark the 100th birthday of the National Park Service and launch three days of celebration with a festive opening ceremony on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park.
National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey will be joined at the opening ceremony by U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano, Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew A. Beaton, City of Boston Chief of Policy Joyce T. Linehan, and U.S. Postal Service General Manager Mike Powers. To celebrate the National Park Service birthday, the National Parks of Boston and partner organizations will host dozens of free activities along the waterfront and in the Charlestown Navy Yard, including free ferry rides to the Boston Harbor Islands on Thursday, August 25 with live entertainment, kids’ activities, and environmental programs at Christopher Columbus Park.
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.
