Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 12, 2024
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Celebrate History and Culture Day at a Virginia State Park
Experience the park history through various activities and events

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Pirate Program at York River State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: First Landing State Park Historical Sign)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historic Program)

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks will celebrate History and Culture Day on June 15, 2024, and each location will be hosting a special event in honor of the park’s 88th anniversary.

“We are proud to continue to connect people with their state parks so they can get a first-hand experience of the importance of recreation and conservation of each park’s resources,” said Director of Virginia State Parks Melissa Baker. “We take pride in sharing the parks’ history and look forward to improving the system and preserving the park’s stories to tell future generations.”

A variety of programs will allow guests to learn more about the park’s unique historical and cultural resources through fun and educational outdoor adventures. Some of the activities planned include self-guided and ranger-led tours and hikes, cultural demonstrations, kayaking tours, mock archeology digs, historical artifact viewings and much more.

Events include:

Afro American Waterman’s display at York River State Park
Learn about distinguished local artist, Palmer Hayden at Widewater State Park
Unique tour about Enslaved Community at Mount Bleak at Sky Meadows State Park
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum Programs at Pocahontas State Park
Hands-on activities and Howe House Tours at Claytor Lake State Park
Tree use program and Appalachian Animals discussion at Hungry Mother State Park

“We are excited to highlight the Civilian Conservation Corps and explain how this group helped create the park you see here today,” said Pocahontas State Park Manager Nate Clark. “After you visit the museum, be sure to stroll along the Spillway trail to learn other important highlights of the park's history and culture.”

The Virginia State Park system began with six parks opening on June 15, 1936, — Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, Staunton River, and Westmoreland. While preserving areas with substantial historical, cultural and natural resources, the parks provided modern outdoor recreational facilities.

Since 1936, the park system has expanded to 43 parks, and there's now one located within an hour's drive of most Virginians. They offer more than 2,000 campsites, nearly 300 cabins, and access to over 500 miles of trails, as well as convenient access to Virginia's major waterways. Virginia State Parks also hold thousands of nature and history events each year.

For park-specific anniversary events, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history-culture-day.

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