National Park Service Announces Events Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas

MANASSAS, Va., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Park Service will commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Battle of First Manassas with events at the park from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24, 2011.

The four-day observance of the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas begins with a commemorative ceremony at the Henry Hill Visitor Center on Thursday, July 21 at 9:15 a.m. This program, sponsored by the National Park Service and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, will examine both the profound impact of the battle, as well as the broader Civil War, and the rich opportunities afforded by the anniversary. Invited speakers include Robert F. McDonnell, Governor of Virginia, National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis, and other local, state, and federal officials. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Edward L. Ayers, president of the University of Richmond and historian of the American South. Free tickets are available for the July 21 commemorative ceremony.  Free tickets are available at the Henry Hill Visitor Center (6511 Sudley Road).

Interpretive programs including tours and living history demonstrations will be presented throughout the four-day event. On Friday evening, July 22 at 6:00 p.m. park rangers will be presenting a program "Behind the Lines – War Passes Sudley Springs." This program will depart from Sudley United Methodist Church (5308 Sudley Road).  On Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. starting at the Henry Hill Visitor Center rangers will present "The Robinson Farm – An African American Family Caught in the Crossfire."  A complete schedule of programs including small arms and artillery demonstrations is available at the park web site, http://www.nps.gov/mana/parknews/anniversary-schedule.htm.  The park newspaper, The Sentinel, includes information about programs and events and is available at the park's Henry Hill Visitor Center and on the park web site.

Additionally, there will be a number of lectures and author events throughout the weekend:  

• Saturday evening July 23 at 6:00 p.m., Edwin Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus of the National Park Service, will present a lecture on the First Battle of Manassas.  A concert by the Quantico Marine Corps Band will follow the lecture at 7:00 p.m.  
• Sunday, July 24 will feature a presentation on "Lincoln in 1861:  Becoming Commander-in-Chief" by historian Dr. Matthew Pinsker.  Dr. Pinsker is Associate Professor of History, Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History at Dickinson College at 2:00 p.m.  

Throughout the four-day event there will be opportunities to learn more about the First Battle of Manassas and the Civil War.  A Family and Youth Tent will provide a variety of activities designed for children and adults.  One tent will showcase video podcasts about the Battle of First Manassas created by the students of Stonewall Middle School.  

Parking for the events will be in the Chinn Ridge area of the park off Route 234 (Sudley Road). From I-66 take the Exit 47-B (Route 234/Sudley Road North). The entrance to the parking lot is on the left past the entrance to Northern Virginia Community College.  Tune into 1630 AM for safety information and information about the event.  Buses will provide transportation from the parking area to Northern Virginia Community College.  There is a quarter mile walk from the bus drop off at the college to the event location on Henry Hill. People with handicapped tags may park at the Henry Hill Visitor Center.

People attending the event should be prepared for July weather. Bring water, use sunscreen, and bring a hat. Most programs involve some walking on uneven ground. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear. Open-toed sandals or "flip flops" are discouraged.  Water and limited concessions will be available at the event.  

Admission to Manassas National Battlefield Park and all anniversary programs will be free on Thursday, July 21, 2011.  For the rest of the anniversary weekend regular park entrance fees will be charged.  The park entrance fee is $3.00 for adults, and is good for three consecutive days.  Children 15 and under are free.

For additional information about the National Park Service anniversary events at Manassas National Battlefield Park, visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/mana/parknews/index.htm, or the following social media sites, Facebook, www.facebook.com/manassasbattlefield, Twitter, http://twitter.com/manassasnps, YouTube, www.youtube.com/manassasnps. For photos and video of the Manassas Sesquicentennial events visit the park Flickr site at www.flickr.com/manassasnps. You may also call for information at 855-305-5947 or 855-576-1335

A Commemorative Package to the series of Sesquicentennial events held in Prince William & Manassas including the admission fee to Manassas National Battlefield Park is available for purchase at The Prince William and Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau site www.manassasbullrun.com, 888-721-1861

SOURCE Discover Prince William & Manassas