Arts and Culture

About Arts and Culture

• 

  Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection

  Scotts Bluff National Monument

  William Henry Jackson is best known as the first person to photograph the wonders of Yellowstone . His images adorned the parlors of millions of American households and aided in the effort to create the world's first national park. Jackson was also an accomplished artist who recorded his experiences as a young man. His drawings and paintings provide valuable insights to life in a time when America was suffering through the Civil War and venturing westward in search of a national identity. Scotts Bluff National Monument houses the world's largest collection of original William Henry Jackson sketches, paintings, and photographs. Due to limited space, a small selection of works are on display in the visitor center. There are currently three exhibits on display in the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center. William Henry Jackson: Artist and Adventurer Learn more about the life of Jackson and view 12 of the watercolors of Western life he made in the later years of his life. This exhibit is on display in the hallway at the north end of the visitor center. William Henry Jackson and Yellowstone National Park Learn about how Jackson's involvement in the 1871 US Geological Survey in Yellowstone led to the creation of the world's first national park in 1872. This exhibit features prints of photographs of Yellowstone that Jackson took in 1871 and later in his life. It is located in the hallway at the north end of the visitor center. William Henry Jackson and the National Park Service Besides Yellowstone, Jackson was instrumental in the creation of other National Park Service (NPS) sites, including Mesa Verde National Park and Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Learn about Jackson's connections to different NPS sites through sketches, photographs, and watercolor paintings. This exhibit is on display in the visitor center theater. William Henry Jackson Virtual Exhibit Can't make it to Scotts Bluff National Momument in person? Check out the William Henry Jackson Virtual Exhibit from the comfort of your home.

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Photography in Timucuan

  Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

  The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a stunning location for photography enthusiasts. With its winding drives canopied by majestic oaks, rich wildlife, and historical significance, there’s no shortage of incredible scenes to capture. Here’s why it’s a fantastic spot for photographers and what you need to know before you go. Magic Hour Light One of the key elements of great photography is lighting, and the Timucuan Preserve offers exceptional opportunities to capture images during the "magic hour." This is the time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is softer and warmer, creating beautiful golden hues. The marshes, forests, and beaches take on a magical quality during these times, making for stunning photographs. It is important to note that although many park locations such as Cedar Point and Theodore Roosevelt Area are open sunrise to sunset, magic hour lighting at Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline is only available in the winter due to park operating hours. What to Photograph Photography opportunities in the Timucuan Preserve are diverse and plentiful: Nature and Wildlife : With its wetlands and forested areas, you'll find a variety of plants and animals. Look for birds like the roseate spoonbill and great blue heron, as well as native flora such as saw palmetto, magnolia tree, and longleaf pines. Historic Sites : Capture the rich history of the area at sites like Fort Caroline and the Kingsley Plantation. These locations offer a glimpse into Florida’s past and are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Landscapes : The unique landscapes—from coastal dunes to tidal marshes—provide endless opportunities for stunning landscape shots. Commercial Photography Requirements If you're planning to conduct commercial photography in the Timucuan Preserve, it’s essential to know the requirements. Commercial photography is defined as photography for commercial use, including advertising, promotion, or sale. Before starting, you must obtain a permit from the National Park Service. The guidelines include regulations to minimize impact on the environment and ensure the protection of wildlife and historical resources. For more information on commercial photography permits and guidelines, visit the National Park Service's Commercial Photography page . Artist in Residence Program The Timucuan Preserve also hosts an Artist in Residence P…

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

  Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

  The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria is an annual event featuring over 15,000 lanterns in the cemetery – one for each soldier buried in the cemetery grounds. This event takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The luminaria honors soldiers who have died in the service of this country. Saturday, May 23, 2026 8 pm - 11 pm Note: This event is weather-dependent. Check the park's website and social media for event updates or any cancellation information. Where The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide free shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued accessible hangtags or license plates will be available in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center lot at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard. About the Luminaria Join us for the 31st annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Visit the cemetery between 8 pm to 11 pm to experience the luminaria. This event is free to the public. During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about those interred here. The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknown individuals buried in the cemetery. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery . This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias. A separate commemorative observation will be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th. Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Evening on the Summit

  Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

  Evening on the Summit programs are select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer months! Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center auditorium. Programs are free and no reservations are required! 2026 program dates June 23- Hollidaysburg Canal Personalities. Hollidaysburg Canal Personalities. Who was Whiskey John ? Have you ever heard of Limestone Yank ? How about John the Agitator ? Or Short & Tall Charlie ? Learn about some of the more charismatic and dynamic personalities of the Canal-Era time in Hollidaysburg. This program is presented by Jim Snyder, president of the Blair County Genealogical Society. This program is presented by Jim Snyder, president of the Blair County Genealogical Society. July 21- Gallitzin Tunnels. For over 170 years, the Gallitzin Tunnels served a critical role in the nation's transportation history. Learn about why they are there, how they were built, their operations and the communities that surrounded them. This program is presented by park volunteer Brandon Sliko. August 18- A Giant in Those Days: The Life of John White Geary. This program explores the life of John White Geary, the Allegheny Portage Railroad's most successful superintendent, and his impact on America at large. This program is presented by park ranger Steven Lonergan.

  View on NPS.gov
• 

  Geology Talk (30 minutes) South Rim Village: 3:00 pm

  Grand Canyon National Park

  Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our " Geology Talk " ranger program - presented daily at 3:00 pm (through May 22, 2026). Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum . Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible. Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long, and displays more than 20 layers of rock The layers tell stories of oceans, deserts, mountains, and swamps that were once here, brought into existence, then swept away over the vast expanse of time. Grand Canyon is a geologically young landscape being sculpted from very old rocks. Knowing some of the stories encoded in the rock layers enriches your understanding of our planet and enhances your experience at Grand Canyon. The program is free of charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Geology Talk is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.

  View on NPS.gov