Civil War Stuff: Media: Newspapers and Political Cartoons

Join a ranger and discover how newspapers and political cartoons shaped public opinion during the Civil War. Explore the headlines, illustrations, and satirical cartoons that informed, entertained, and influenced Americans during this turbulent time in history. ...More

Join a ranger and discover how newspapers and political cartoons shaped public opinion during the Civil War. Explore the headlines, illustrations, and satirical cartoons that informed, entertained, and influenced Americans during this turbulent time in history. 

Civil War Stuff: Battlefield Sketch Artists

During the Civil War, photographic technology was not yet capable of capturing action on the battlefield. To bring the war to the public, newspapers hired artist-correspondents who sketched scenes from memory, sometimes during the actual fighting. Join a ranger to explo......More

During the Civil War, photographic technology was not yet capable of capturing action on the battlefield. To bring the war to the public, newspapers hired artist-correspondents who sketched scenes from memory, sometimes during the actual fighting. Join a ranger to explore the remarkable artwork these artists created and learn how their sketches were transformed into engravings for publication in some of the first illustrated newspapers in history.

6625 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Civil War Stuff: Battlefield Sketch Artists

During the Civil War, photographic technology was not yet capable of capturing action on the battlefield. To bring the war to the public, newspapers hired artist-correspondents who sketched scenes from memory, sometimes during the actual fighting. Join a ranger to explo......More

During the Civil War, photographic technology was not yet capable of capturing action on the battlefield. To bring the war to the public, newspapers hired artist-correspondents who sketched scenes from memory, sometimes during the actual fighting. Join a ranger to explore the remarkable artwork these artists created and learn how their sketches were transformed into engravings for publication in some of the first illustrated newspapers in history.

5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC

Heroes Remembered: Stories from Battleground National Cemetery

Join a ranger for a 30-minute, family-friendly walk through Battleground National Cemetery and discover the stories of the soldiers buried here. Learn who these men were and how their service helped shape our nation's history.Uncover clues about the lives of the soldier......More

Join a ranger for a 30-minute, family-friendly walk through Battleground National Cemetery and discover the stories of the soldiers buried here. Learn who these men were and how their service helped shape our nation's history.Uncover clues about the lives of the soldiers, and think about how we remember people who served long ago. Through stories, questions, and observation, children and families will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during one of the most important chapters in American history. Perfect for families with children ages 6 and up. This easy walking tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

6625 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC

Civil War Stuff: Toys and Games

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 visi......More

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 Stuff: Hats, Uniforms, and Selfies

Description: Stop by this pop-up ranger program during National Park Week and Celebrate America's Story by exploring the hats, uniforms, and everyday clothing worn by soldiers during the Civil War. Discover how clothing served practical purposes, reflected rank and iden......More

Description: Stop by this pop-up ranger program during National Park Week and Celebrate America's Story by exploring the hats, uniforms, and everyday clothing worn by soldiers during the Civil War. Discover how clothing served practical purposes, reflected rank and identity, and offers clues about the lives of the people who experienced one of the most transformative periods in our nation's history. Then, join the fun with hands-on activities for the whole family! Create and decorate a paper hat inspired by George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, then visit our Civil War Selfie Station to try on reproduction Civil War clothing and accessories. Snap a photo, imagine yourself stepping into the past, and experience history in a whole new way. This free, drop-in program is perfect for visitors of all ages—stop by anytime, stay as long as you'd like, and celebrate the stories that continue to shape America.

6625 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC

Stories in Stone: Monuments at Battleground National Cemetery

Join a National Park Service ranger for a guided walk-through Battleground National Cemetery to explore Civil War monuments, their symbols, and the stories they were built to preserve. Discover how art, memory, and history come together in this quiet landscape where Was......More

Join a National Park Service ranger for a guided walk-through Battleground National Cemetery to explore Civil War monuments, their symbols, and the stories they were built to preserve. Discover how art, memory, and history come together in this quiet landscape where Washington, DC’s past is written in stone. As a part of the Freedom 250 commemoration, this program invites visitors to reflect on sacrifice, citizenship, and the enduring power of public memory.    Please note that parking is limited to public streets.   

6625 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC

Monthly Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Up

Come cleanup Shepherd Parkway with Ward 8 Woods!Meet at 555 Newcomb St SE at 10:30 AM to receive instructions and supplies (gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.) Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water. Sign-up here: https://www.vo......More

Come cleanup Shepherd Parkway with Ward 8 Woods!Meet at 555 Newcomb St SE at 10:30 AM to receive instructions and supplies (gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.) Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water. Sign-up here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/shepherd%20parkway 

555 Newcomb St SE Washington, DC 20032

Stories in Stone: Monuments at Battleground National Cemetery

Join a National Park Service ranger for a guided walk-through Battleground National Cemetery to explore Civil War monuments, their symbols, and the stories they were built to preserve. Discover how art, memory, and history come together in this quiet landscape where Was......More

Join a National Park Service ranger for a guided walk-through Battleground National Cemetery to explore Civil War monuments, their symbols, and the stories they were built to preserve. Discover how art, memory, and history come together in this quiet landscape where Washington, DC’s past is written in stone. As a part of the Freedom 250 commemoration, this program invites visitors to reflect on sacrifice, citizenship, and the enduring power of public memory.    Please note that parking is limited to public streets.   

6625 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC

Monthly Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Up

Come cleanup Shepherd Parkway with Ward 8 Woods!Meet at 555 Newcomb St SE at 10:30 AM to receive instructions and supplies (gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.) Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water. Sign-up here: https://www.vo......More

Come cleanup Shepherd Parkway with Ward 8 Woods!Meet at 555 Newcomb St SE at 10:30 AM to receive instructions and supplies (gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.) Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water. Sign-up here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/shepherd%20parkway 

555 Newcomb St SE Washington, DC 20032