RICHMOND — Virginia State Parks is celebrating History and Culture Day on June 15, with each location hosting a special event in honor of their 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.”
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, a variety of programs will allow guests to learn more about each park’s unique historical and cultural resources through fun and educational outdoor adventures, including self-guided and ranger-led tours and hikes, cultural demonstrations, kayaking tours, mock archeology digs, historical artifact viewings and 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
The Virginia State Park system originated with six parks that opened 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 DCR notes 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 dcr.virginia.gov/state-
