Special Events 2009
All events held at Clara Barton National Historic Site are free.
Events at adjoining Glen Echo Park may have fees.
January 20 - May 31
Inauguration Exhibit - Clara Barton and the U.S. Presidents
From Abraham Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. Presidents have held a pivotal role in Clara Barton’s work. Find out how one American woman, who could not even vote, proposed ideas and developed programs that changed the course of American history. A special museum exhibit will highlight her relationships with several U. S. Presidents. Items of interest include the original invitation sent to Clara Barton for President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball at the U.S. Patent Office.
The exhibit may be viewed after regularly-scheduled house tours available on the hour 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
February & March
Exhibit - Sea Islands Relief Efforts, 1893-94
View a special, photographic exhibit highlighting the Sea Islands Relief Efforts of 1893-94 as part of African American History Month.
The exhibit may be viewed after regularly-scheduled house tours available on the hour 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 - Free play at Adventure Theatre at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with Open House at Clara Barton National Historic Site from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Play performances at Adventure Theatre located in adjacent Glen Echo Park: "Clara Barton: The Courage Within". The performances on March 28 are free.
March 31 & April 1
Play: $12.00. House Tour: Free.
March 31 & April 1 - Play performances at 10:30 a.m. at Adventure Theatre with visits afterwards to Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton National Historic Site and Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park have partnered to provide school groups, community groups, and families a fun way to learn about Clara Barton. Watch the story of Clara Barton’s transformation from a shy girl to the courageous "Angel of the Battlefield" in a 30-minute play, "Clara Barton: The Courage Within," as performed by Adventure Theatre’s professional actors. Then, history will come alive as students walk next door and step into Clara Barton’s restored home and warehouse. For play info/costs, call Adventure Theatre at 301-634-2270, tickets are required for the March 31 and April 1 shows. For info about Clara Barton National Historic Site, call 301-320-1410. There is no charge to visit the house.
May 2
1:00-6:00 p.m.
Junior Ranger Day
& Spring Open House
Children, ages 7-12, are invited to become Junior Rangers at Clara Barton National Historic Site and/or Glen Echo Park. Visit both sites, complete an activity book, and earn a Junior Ranger badge for each site. Note: Children may become Junior Rangers at any time, not just on this day, but special Junior Ranger Day awards will be given out only on May 2.
May 24
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Performance of “Clara Barton: Red Cross Angel”
3:00-5:00 p.m. - Open House
Award-winning Actress Mary Ann Jung offers an exciting and personal window into one of history’s most famous women in a solo, interactive, and fun performance. After the program, you may explore the house at your own pace and learn from volunteers and rangers along the way who will tell you about the historic home.
Reservations for the performance are required due to limited space, please call 301-320-1410.
June
Exhibit - Clara Barton’s Awards and Honors
Clara Barton National Historic Site will host an exhibit highlighting some of the numerous awards and honors Clara Barton received for her service. The exhibit may be viewed after regularly-scheduled house tours.
July and August
Junior Ranger Camps
July 7-8, 28-29 and August 4-5
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
History will come alive for children ages 9-12 during two-day camps with fun-filled learning activities related to Clara Barton’s life and the history of Glen Echo Park. Children will gain an understanding of the National Park Service mission and the national significance of both sites. Openings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Please call 301-320-1410 for reservations beginning March 2009.
September 26
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Fall Evening Open House Program
Clara Barton National Historic Site celebrates the debut of “The National Parks – America’s Best Idea”, a film by Ken Burns, as part of the annual Fall Lamplight Open House on Saturday, September 26, 2009, between 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. View a sneak preview of the film and experience both the grandeur and solitude a visit to America’s National Parks offer while you enjoy an evening visit to the first National Park Service site dedicated to the accomplishments of an American woman, Clara Barton. During the Open House, learn about one of America's Best Ideas, the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Through interpretation, original objects, and artifacts, visitors will hear compelling stories about Clara Barton and the history of her home, headquarters, and warehouse, including its current stewardship and educational opportunities as a unit of the National Park Service.
November 28 & 29
December 5 & 6
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. each day
Victorian Greeting Card Workshops
Make your own Victorian-era holiday greeting card in the style Miss Barton used to send to her friends. Participants will be photographed in costumes of the period. Then, each photograph will be used to make a holiday card. Participants may keep the cards. Workshops are open to all ages, including children’s groups, but adult supervision is required. This is a cut-and-paste activity geared towards families and children. Reservations are required, and space is limited. Please call 301-320-1410 beginning October 1 to make a reservation.
