NPS Photo/Tony DeYoung Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Rock Creek Park through Freedom 250, a series of engaging programs that connect the past, present, and future of our parks and communities. This page serves as your guide to upcoming events, where you’ll find details on family-friendly activities, ranger-led programs, and special celebrations happening throughout the year. Join us as we explore 250 years of history, stewardship, and civic engagement—and discover how you can be part of the story moving forward. Check this page regularly for the latest updates, newly added programs, and event details as they become available. You can also explore regularly recurring programs and events happening throughout the year on our calendar. Fort Stevens DayDate: Saturday, July 11, 2026 Pick up a Civil War Camp Activity Card and explore the event through a series of engaging stations. Complete challenges, collect stickers, meet historical figures, and discover how soldiers and civilians helped defend the nation's capital. Complete your card to earn a special Fort Stevens Day keepsake. Living History Comes to Camp Meet historical figures from the Civil War era as they share stories of leadership, sacrifice, innovation, and everyday life. Through engaging first-person presentations, visitors can interact with portrayals of Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley, Matthew Brady, and others who shaped the history of the Civil War and the Battle of Fort Stevens. Civil War Flags and Forts Station Discover how flags helped identify soldiers, communicate orders, and inspire troops during the Civil War. Explore historic Union and Confederate flags, learn about the Civil War Defenses of Washington, and discover how forts like Fort Stevens protected the nation's capital. Visitors can create their own Civil War-inspired flag and learn how these symbols united soldiers on the battlefield. The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band Enjoy the sounds of the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band as they bring Civil War-era music to life through lively performances and historical interpretation. Featuring military marches, patriotic songs, and popular tunes of the 1860s, the band offers a unique glimpse into the music that inspired soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. Civil War Photography Station Discover how photography transformed the way Americans experienced the Civil War. Explore the cameras, techniques, and challenges faced by photographers like Mathew Brady, examine historic images, and pose for your own period-inspired portrait. Learn how photographs helped preserve the stories of soldiers, civilians, and battlefields for future generations. Civil War Selfie Station: Picture Yourself at Fort Stevens! Step into history and capture your Fort Stevens Day adventure! Try on reproduction clothing and pose with Civil War-themed props, flags, and backdrops inspired by the people and events of the Battle of Fort Stevens. Create a memorable photo while learning how images help preserve and share history. Civil War Spies Station Go undercover and uncover the secret world of Civil War espionage. Decode messages, test your observation skills, and learn how spies, scouts, and civilians gathered intelligence that influenced military decisions. Discover how information became one of the most powerful weapons of the war. Signals & Communication Station Before radios and cell phones, armies relied on flags, drums, bugles, and couriers to communicate. Explore the methods soldiers used to send messages across battlefields and long distances, then try your hand at simple signal and communication challenges. Learn how communication was essential to defending Washington during the Civil War. Civil War Cannons & Artillery Station Experience the science and teamwork behind Civil War artillery. Learn how cannon crews operated, explore replica artillery tools and ammunition, and discover how forts like Fort Stevens helped defend the nation's capital. This interactive station highlights the technology and tactics that shaped Civil War battles. Civil War Toys & Games Station Step back in time and discover how children entertained themselves during the Civil War era. Try classic toys and games such as marbles, cup-and-ball, hoop rolling, and Jacob's Ladder while learning about childhood in the 1860s. This hands-on station offers fun for visitors of all ages. Civil War Crafts Station Get creative with hands-on crafts inspired by the Civil War era. Make historical keepsakes, patriotic decorations, and other take-home projects while learning about daily life during the 1860s. This family-friendly activity combines history, creativity, and fun for visitors of all ages. Yankee School Marm Station Take a seat in a Civil War-era classroom and experience what school was like in the 1860s. Practice penmanship, learn classroom rules, participate in recitations, and discover how education shaped life on the home front during the Civil War. Civil War Foodways: Then & Now What did soldiers eat during the Civil War? Explore historic rations, learn how food was preserved and prepared in camp, and compare Civil War meals to today's military MREs. Discover how advances in food technology have changed the way armies feed their troops. Civil War Field Hospital Step into a recreated field hospital for the Third U.S. Infantry, Company K. Visitors can explore a recreated medical treatment area, view period medical equipment, and learn how doctors and nurses cared for wounded soldiers on and off the battlefield. Discover the realities of Civil War medicine and the challenges faced by those who provided care during the defense of Washington. Civil War Medicine Explore how doctors and nurses cared for soldiers during the Civil War. Visitors will learn about common battlefield injuries, medical treatments, surgical procedures, and the challenges of providing care during wartime. Discover the tools, techniques, and medical innovations that helped save lives during one of the most difficult periods in American history. Buffalo Soldiers Greater Washington, DC Chapter Did you know that Buffalo Soldiers were the nation's first park rangers? Meet members of the Buffalo Soldiers Greater Washington, DC Chapter and discover the remarkable legacy of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. Learn how these soldiers served on the western frontier and helped protect and manage some of America's earliest national parks, laying the foundation for the National Park Service. Explore their history through engaging displays and conversation. Casey’s Provisional Brigade When Confederate forces threatened Washington, D.C., in July 1864, Casey’s Provisional Brigade was quickly assembled from new recruits, recovering soldiers, and government workers. Though many had limited military training, they answered the call to help defend the nation's capital. Discover who these emergency defenders were and learn how they helped protect Washington during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Family Story Time with DC Public Library Story time fun for the entire family! These 20-to-30-minute story times are packed full of books and activities designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting language and literacy skills, story time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. Children and their grownups are encouraged to actively engage and participate with the stories and activities during the program. Perfect for children ages 2 & up...and their families! Story time takes place at 10:30 am and 11:30 am. 
NPS Photo / J. Land Ice Cream Making DemonstrationsDate: Saturday, August 8, 2026 
NPS / Michelle Edwards Lincoln-Thomas DayDate: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Rock Creek Park Day – Parks for TomorrowDates: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026 Picnic in the ParksDate: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Wreaths Across America at Battleground National CemeteryDate: Saturday, December 19, 2026 Ranger ProgramsBelow is a calendar listing of all programs, beyond the special events mentioned above, that Rock Creek Park and the Civil War Defenses of Washington will host in 2026 related to Freedom 250. |
Last updated: June 24, 2026