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Summer Ranger Programs: June 6 - August 9, 2026 All Ranger Programs are free. Do you know what day or days you'll be here? Visit our Calendar page and plan what programs will be presented here at Gettysburg National Military Park. Don't forget to check out the Calendar for Eisenhower National Historic Site too! In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, programs will be canceled. In the eve…

25 parks and sites (NPS)

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  • A park ranger gives a program to a group of people.

    Ranger Programs at Gettysburg · Gettysburg National Military Park

    Summer Ranger Programs: June 6 - August 9, 2026 All Ranger Programs are free. Do you know what day or days you'll be here? Visit our Calendar page and plan what programs will be presented here at Gettysburg National Military Park. Don't forget to check out the Calendar for Eisenhower National Historic Site too! In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, programs will be canceled. In the event of a heat index in excess of 91 degrees, programs will be shortened and modified. In the event of a heat index in exc…

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  • a trolley drives past a large arch monument and trees.

    Take a Trolley Tour · Valley Forge National Historical Park

    Trolley tours are offered on a seasonal basis 90-minute guided trolley tours of Valley Forge National Historical Park are ADA accessible and administered by The Encampment Store . Tours follow the Encampment Tour route and depart from the front of the visitor center. Trolleys make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and Washington's Headquarters . Reservations Call The Encampment Store at 610-624-5010 to reserve your tickets. Advance reservations are recommended. Tickets must be picked up at The Encampment Store…

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  • A family speaking to a living historian dresses as a Union Civil War soldier.

    Chancellorsville Anniversary · Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

    2026 Chancellorsville Anniversary Join us on Saturday, May 2 for special programs commemorating the Battle of Chancellorsville and on Sunday, May 10 for an open house at the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site. May 2, 2026 at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center Meet at battle painting outside Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553) Join a ranger for two special extended versions on our daily Chancellorsville tour. 10:30 am - Jackson Wounding Walking Tour Examine…

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  • exhibit space with written exhibits and tactile models

    Explore the Valley Forge Encampment Museum Exhibit · Valley Forge National Historical Park

    Explore the sights, sounds, and stories of the Valley Forge encampment during a visit to the brand-new museum exhibit located in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. As you move through the exhibit, you'll discover how men, women, and children from many different walks of life all struggled together during the winter of 1777-78, and how they perservered to ultimately overcome incredible hardships and march away from Valley Forge a stronger, more unified fighting force. The exhibit inclu…

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Featured parks for medicine

Programs & experiences

Ranger Programs at Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Military Park

Summer Ranger Programs: June 6 - August 9, 2026 All Ranger Programs are free. Do you know what day or days you'll be here? Visit our Calendar page and plan what programs will be presented here at Gettysburg National Military Park. Don't forget to check out the Calendar for Eisenhower National Historic Site too! In the…

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Take a Trolley Tour

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Trolley tours are offered on a seasonal basis 90-minute guided trolley tours of Valley Forge National Historical Park are ADA accessible and administered by The Encampment Store . Tours follow the Encampment Tour route and depart from the front of the visitor center. Trolleys make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade…

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Upcoming events

Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).

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Lectures
May 31
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Evening Flag Change

 

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.

05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
Lectures
May 31
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Morning Flag Change

 

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
Ranger Programs
May 31
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Ranger's Choice Program

 

From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry allows for a wide variety of history and subjects to serve as topics for ranger's choice programs. Join rangers as they present pre-established programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories! Programs meet outside the park visitor center on the concrete map of the Chesapeake Bay.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Ranger Programs
May 31
Fort Monroe National Monument

Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a Nation

 

Join us on a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the "Gibraltar of the Chesapeake" in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Ranger Programs
May 31
Fort Monroe National Monument

Finding "Freedom's Fortress"

 

Explore some dynamic history on a ranger-led walk to discover "Freedon's Fortress." Program expected to be about 1 hour in length and 1/2 mile in distance.

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Lectures
Jun 1
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Evening Flag Change

 

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
Guided Tours
Jun 3
Fort Monroe National Monument

Power and Prominence of the Powhatan Chiefdom 

 

Walking Tour: Power and Prominence of the Powhatan Chiefdom Celebrate the contributions to history, culture, and society by the Indigenous people who used the land of Point Comfort where Fort Monroe currently sits. Explore the vast history of the Indigenous to learn how they lived before the arrival of the English and how their lives drastically changed after the English arrived with stories that have a lasting impact today. Wednesdays, 1pm May 6 - August 26, 2026

01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Workshops
Jun 4
Fort Monroe National Monument

Shoulder to Shoulder: A Legacy for All

 

Walking Tour: Shoulder to Shoulder: A Legacy for All Women have been standing shoulder to shoulder with men since the United State military was first formed. Yet the roles and the contributions of women are commonly left out of the narrative. From entrepreneurs and community leaders to women in the military we will bring these invisible roles to light and showcase a powerhouse of women who have shaped history here at Fort Monroe and beyond. Thursdays, 1pm May 7 - August 27, 2026

01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Workshops
Jun 5
Fort Monroe National Monument

Shifting Sands, A Journey Through Time on this Spit of Land

 

Walking Tour: Shifting Sands, A Journey Through Time on this Spit of Land Point Comfort has always been an important location. On this tour we will explore the importance of the waterways, the strategic significance of its landscape, and the brave stories of people’s journey to freedom during the years leading up to the American Revolution. Fridays, 1pm May 8 - August 28, 2026

01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Plaza 30 Ingalls Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Festivals
Jul 4
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Independence Day Celebration

 

Celebrate American independence with immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation. On Friday, July 4th, we will lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom. Programs TBD Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Park buildings will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc .

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Festivals
Jul 5
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Independence Weekend Celebration

 

Celebrate the summer holidays with talks, tours, demonstrations, and living history programs about Fort Scott's role in pivotal events of American History in the place where it happened! 10:00 am Guided Tour of the Fort 1:00 pm - Guided Tour of the Fort

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Special Events
Dec 25
Alcatraz Island

ALCATRAZ CLOSED

 

Alcatraz is entirely closed on this day.

Time TBD
Alcatraz Island

All parks (25)

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

CA

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

Antietam National Battlefield
National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield

MD

23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
National Monument

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

DC

Home to the National Woman's Party for more than 90 years, this was the epicenter of the struggle for women's rights. From this house in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Alice Paul and the NWP developed innovative strategies and tactics to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and equality for women. President Barack Obama designated the national monument on April 12, 2016.

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

MA

. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.

Fort Davis National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Fort Davis National Historic Site

TX

Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

MD

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.

Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument

VA

Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.

Fort Scott National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Fort Scott National Historic Site

KS

Promises made and broken! Who deserves to be free? The fight for freedom! Soldiers fighting settlers! Each of these stories is a link in the chain of events that encircled Fort Scott from 1842-1873. All of the site's structures, its parade ground, and its tallgrass prairie bear witness to this era when the country was forged from a young republic into a united transcontinental nation.

Fort Smith National Historic Site
National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site

AR,OK

Explore life on the edge of frontier and Indian Territory through the stories of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, scandals, outlaws, and lawmen who pursued them. From the establishment of the first Fort Smith on December 25, 1817, to the final days of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory in 1896, Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves almost 80 years of history.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
National Historical Park

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

SC

Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.

Fort Union National Monument
National Monument

Fort Union National Monument

NM

Exposed to the wind, within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie, and along the eroded Santa Fe Trail, lie the adobe walled ruins of the largest 19th century military fort in the region. From 1851 to 1891, Fort Union functioned as an agent of change, desired or not, in the New Mexico Territory and throughout the Southwest.

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
National Military Park

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

VA

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.

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