Ranger-Led Programs at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical park

08/27/2010 - 09/18/2010

For the first time in its history, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is offering National Park Service Ranger-conducted programs.

The programs will be offered most weekends through October.  The programs tell the park’s many stories related to the rich cultural history of the Shenandoah Valley, its settlement, the Battle of Cedar Creek and the impact of the Civil War on both the local communities and the nation as a whole. All of the ranger-led programs are free.  Programs will be set on a weekly basis.

Ranger Program Schedule for August 27 - September 18, 2010

Date	Cedar Creek & Belle Grove in a Box	Battle of Cedar Creek Tour	Special Program
Fri, August 27	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove
Sat, August 28	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove	10:30 a.m. Cedar Creek BF
Sun, August 29	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove	10:30 a.m. Cedar Creek BF
Aug 30 - Sept 2	(NO	PROGRAMS	SCHEDULED)
Fri, Sept. 3	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove
Sat, Sept. 4	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove	10:30 a.m. Cedar Creek BF
Sun, Sept. 5	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove	10:30 a.m. Cedar Creek BF
Sept 6-10	(NO	PROGRAMS	SCHEDULED)
Sat, Sept. 11	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove	10:30 a.m. Cedar Creek BF
Sun, Sept. 12	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove
Sept 13-17	(NO	PROGRAMS	SCHEDULED)
Sat, Sept 18		2:00 p.m. Cedar Creek BF	Civil War Weekend Walking Tour of Third Winchester Battlefield 10-11:30 am Parking lot behind Millbrook High School, 251 First Woods Rd., Winchester
Sun, Sept 19	2:00 p.m. Belle Grove

Program Descriptions:

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove in a Box - A Park Overview Program
An hour-long orientation program on the history and settlement of the Shenandoah Valley , the Battle of Cedar Creek and the impact of the Civil War on the local community.  This interactive program uses various props and the surrounding landscape features to “create” and tell the park’s many stories by literally placing visitors “in the middle of the park.”  Great for kids and adults alike!   Meet near the picnic area on Belle Grove’s front lawn.  Offered daily at 2:00 p.m.

Battle of Cedar Creek Tour
A two-hour guided tour, using a car-caravan system (visitors follow the ranger’s vehicle), which covers the Battle of Cedar Creek in a chronological fashion.  This 13 mile tour follows the major events of the fighting, from south to north.  It includes approximately 5 or 6 stops at the key landmarks associated with the battle. Meet at the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation Headquarters.  Offered weekly or semi-weekly.

Program schedules will be set on a weekly basis.  Check the park website (www.nps.gov/cebe) or call for a current schedule. Visitors should contact the park at (540) 869-3051 for a current schedule and weather-related program changes.


Attractions:

Belle Grove Manor House
(Hours: Monday—Saturday 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00—4:00 p.m.)
This antebellum plantation manor house, built by Isaac Hite Jr. (brother-in-law of President James Madison) is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is managed by Belle Grove Inc. Visitors can tour the restored 1797 Manor House on a guided tour (fee) and explore the plantation grounds, 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden designed by the Garden Club of Virginia, slave cemetery, a heritage apple orchard and museum gift shop (free). Location: 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA). Contact: (540) 869-2028, www.bellegrove.org.  Fees: Grounds are free.  House tours: $8 with discounts for National Trust members, seniors, children and AAA members.

Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation Headquarters
(Hours: Monday—Saturday 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m.)
This orientation center and bookstore is operated by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, which also preserves over 300 acres of core battlefield land. The center also offers a free 45-minute orientation video on the Battle of Cedar Creek, along with interpretive exhibits and displays on the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign and the battle.  Location: 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA. Contact: (540) 869-2064, www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org.  Fees: Free

National Park Service Administrative Office
(Hours: Daily, generally 9:00-4:30 p.m. but call prior to visit due to limited staffing) Brochures for the park and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District are available. Location: 7718 ½ Main Street, Middletown, VA. Contact, 540-868-9176, www.nps.gov/cebe.

• For information on Belle Grove call (540) 869-2028 or visit their web site at www.bellegrove.org
• For information on Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation call (540) 869-2064 or or visit their web site at www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org