Presidents’ Day weekend is one of America’s most historic, but most overlooked holidays. There aren’t many celebrations marking the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington that will take place outside of social studies classrooms. However, the long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to take a trip to one of the many historic sites around the US. Which ones? Here are the top ten historic sites in the United States and the special events they will offer during the lead up to Presidents’ Day.
#1. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is easily the most recognizable monument in the US. You can sing happy birthday to the impressively large head of both Lincoln and Washington and take some snapshots of yourself in front of these famous busts. And, of course, Rushmore is located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, which feature many other tourist attractions such as the casinos of Deadwood and the souvenir shops of Rapid City. Considering it is not the low-season for tourists in the Black Hills, you won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the Rushmore viewing area to get that postcard-like picture that you plan to frame.
#2. Valley Forge
Valley Forge National Historical Park is located on the spot where the Continental Army spent a lean winter during the early part of the Revolutionary War. There are events to help commemorate this historic time and also the birthday of America’s first president. You can visit a living history presentation by “Martha Washington and George Washington” in the park’s Welcome Center on February 15th while listening to period music by the “Colonial Revelers.” ValleyForgePictures.com offers a virtual preview of the site.
#3. Springfield, IL
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL, commemorates the life of Abraham Lincoln. His Presidential Library, which houses 47,000 artifacts, is impressive in and of itself. There will be an added attraction on Sunday, February 12th, when Author Richard Fox will be presenting his book ‘Losing Lincoln.’ Other President’s Day events are scheduled throughout the Springfield area.
#4. Charlestown, Il
See what life was like when Abraham Lincoln was growing up. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site features the 1840s farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, Honest Abe’s parents. There are theatrical re-enactments that give the site an interactive feel. On January 27, 2010, 10:00 am-4:00 pm the cabin will be the site of a special re-enactment of Lincoln’s farewell tour, which he embarked on before heading to the White House after being elected president. Visitors can get involved by greeting the “president-elect” during the festivities.
#5. Philadelphia
Before Washington D.C., Philadelphia was the political center of the US. Historic sites in the City of Brotherly Love include the Betsy Ross house, the Independence National Historical Park (Visitor Center), the nearby Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed).
#6. Gettysburg
When you think of Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the places indelibly tied to his legacy. It was on these grounds that he gave his famous Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in US history. The Soldier’s National Monument was the first memorial to be placed in Gettysburg and was part of the original plan for the cemetary. More than 10 million students nationwide will participate in Gettysburg National Military Park’s educational broadcast, “Big Deal at Gettysburg: The Value of Historical Places” on Feb. 12, 2010.
#7. New York City
George Washington is turning 267 years old and on Feb. 23, 2009, from 10 AM – 4 PM the National Park Service and the National Archives and Record Administration are throwing a special celebration for the first President’s birthday. Visit the Historical Society from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily to follow in Washington’s footsteps with the self-guided walking tour of “Washington’s New York.” Other special features include George Washington’s Inaugural Chair and the George Washington Inaugural Bible.
#9. Hildene near Woodstock, VT
Hildene is one of the lesser known sites related to Abraham Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became chairman of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. He built his Georgian Revival mansion “Hildene” in 1905. On Saturday, February 7, Hildene hosts its annual birthday party for President Lincoln at 10:00 am in the Beckwith Room. A parade up to the Lincoln Family Home and a chance to see Abe’s hat displayed in “The Personal Abraham Lincoln” exhibit will be part of the fun. Despite its relative obscurity, this is arguably one of the best places to get a view into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his family.
#10. Mount Vernon and Washington, D.C.
Historic Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, celebrates his 278th birthday with a “Surprise Birthday Party.” The event will be held daily from February 13 through February 15. A living history performance shows how Washington might have celebrated his birthday while living on Mount Vernon.
Meanwhile, in nearby Washington, D.C. (home of both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument), celebrations around the area highlight not only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln but other Presidents as well as the history of the US Government. Special events, including walking tours around the city, will be provided free on Sundays throughout February. If you stop in at the White House Visitor Center on President’s Day, on Monday, February 15, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m you can enjoy free programs led by the National Park Service including games, crafts and theatrical performances.
Let other members know what “historic” deals are available in your area this Presidents’ Day by adding them in the comments below or letting us know on twitter.
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