Celebrate Rock Creek Park’s birthday Saturday

Rock Creek Park is celebrating 124 years as a national park tomorrow at Peirce Mill. The festivities are free and open to everyone, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. There will be activities and crafts for the kids, live music, and mill itself will be in operation.

Peirce Mill is at 2401 Tilden Street NW, in Rock Creek Park. Here’s a more detailed schedule of events:

Ongoing Activities (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Milling Demonstrations
Historic Craftspeople Demonstrations
Children’s Arts and Crafts
Park Partner Information Booths
Exhibits
Checkers

Special Programs

10:00 a.m. African American History Hike: A two-mile hike spotlighting the hidden histories of African Americans in the Rock Creek valley. The hike is over moderate terrain and will be led by Ranger Lisa Struckmeyer.
11:00 a.m. Author Talk: “Peirce Mill: Two Hundred Years in the Nation’s Capital” by Steve Dryden
12:00 p.m. Unveiling of Peirce Mill Wayside Exhibits
12:30 p.m. Live Bluegrass Music
1:00 p.m. Rock Creek Park History Hike: A three-mile hike focusing on the 1800s and early 1900s history of the Rock Creek valley. The first half of the hike will be on flat roadway surface, while the second half will be on dirt trails over hilly terrain. Ranger Scott Einberger will lead the hike.

General Description of Events
The National Park Service and Friends of Peirce Mill invite you to Rock Creek Park’s 124th anniversary celebration. Join us for a day of milling and historic craftspeople demonstrations, history hikes, an author talk, children’s arts and crafts activities, and more. Explore the diverse history of one of the oldest and largest urban nature parks in the United States.

Hike Information
If you would like to attend one or both of the history hikes, please bring water and wear close-toed shoes (not sandals).