sign in sign up
<<
Home , Federal Triangle, Heritage (sculpture), John Ericsson Memorial

Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

The official newspaper of and Memorial Parks

March 2012 · Volume 5, Issue 3

Activities 2 Cherry Blossom Festival 4 Plan Your Visit 8

Cherry Blossom Centennial Cherry Tree Rebellion Ranger Brad Berger Ranger JoAnn Garcia

arch 27, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary isitors strolling to the Thomas Jefferson Me- Mof the ceremonial planting of Japanese Vmorial along the when the cherry flowering cherry trees along the Tidal Basin by trees are in full bloom enjoy a spectacular view. First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, Yet the story behind the scenery and the memorial wife of the Japanese Ambassador. From her first is filled with turmoil and controversy. Loud pro- visit to Japan in 1885, noted authority on Asian tests against the building of the memorial and the culture and newspaper correspondent Eliza R. removal of the cherished trees resulted in a great Scidmore advocated the planting of such trees battle by several Washingtonians. in the nation’s capital. The years turned into In 1912, First Lady Helen Taft and the Vis- decades in her quest to beautify the city. Despite countess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassa- her lack of success, this was a formative time for dor, planted the first two Yoshino cherry trees on Washington, D.C., as a series of damaging floods the north end of the Tidal Basin. Originally there underscored the need for dredging the Potomac city we know today. The city, taking its cue from were 3,020 cherry trees of 12 different varieties. River in order to create land barriers which would the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, began These were planted at , Wash- protect the city. During the 1890s, two new bodies to build and plan structures reminiscent of the ington Monument Grounds, and along the Tidal of land known as East Potomac Park and West White City, such as the Smithsonian’s Museum Basin. For Washingtonians, the trees came to sym- Potomac Park formed a protective barrier around of Natural History, and the . bolize a natural splendor at the center of our na- the areas susceptible to flooding. Between the two It was in this atmosphere, known as the “City tion’s capital, adding rich and colorful sights to the lay a Tidal Basin engineered to allow high water Beautiful” movement, that Scidmore met Dr. city, and something that would be cherished and on the river to flow into and then out of the basin, David Fairchild. Fairchild, a prominent figure at visited by thousands of visitors for several years. reinforcing the city’s protection. This grand new the Department of Agriculture, began introducing By 1936, the Thomas expanse of land lay wide open with possibilities. Japanese flowering cherry trees to his estate in Commission was formed and planning got under As the nineteenth century turned to the Chevy Chase, MD, just north of the city. In the way for construction. The -day location at twentieth, major building projects transformed closing of an Arbor Day ceremony in 1908, Dr. the Tidal Basin was selected in 1937, but indignant what was known as a backwater amongst world Fairchild called for a large number of these trees public criticism soon followed because build- capitals into the framework of the picturesque Centennial continued on page 3 ing in that location would result in the removal of Japanese flowering cherry trees from the Tidal Basin area. What occurred next was “The Cherry Welcome to National Mall Tree Rebellion.” Citizens, clubs, boards, and asso- ciations of Washington began a city-wide protest and Memorial Parks against the destruction of these splendid trees. Eleanor “Cissy” Patterson, the owner and editor Superintendent Bob Vogel park’s many features, as well as of the Washington Times-Herald, published sev- information about interpretive eral articles criticizing the Franklin D. Roosevelt n behalf of the National Park programs by our park rangers and Administration, and organized individuals to take Service, welcome to National other activities and resources. You O action. On November 17, 1938, the day construc- Mall and Memorial Parks! Here also will find in this issue articles tion began on the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 50 you can visit some of America’s about our famous cherry trees. women marched on the , armed with iconic landmarks and memorials The blossoming cherry trees a petition to stop the damage to the trees. The fol- that celebrate and commemorate symbolize the arrival of spring in lowing day, the same women chained themselves our nation’s . Washington, D.C. and provide to a tree at the construction site, with hopes to For generations, millions a spectacular show of nature’s stop the work. of people have come to the beauty. The National Cherry A group of approximately 150 women, National Mall to experience Blossom Festival is held annually led by Patterson, seized shovels from workers, re- the grandeur of these special to showcase the beautiful trees filled holes, and prepared for a stand-off against places and to reflect on what it that were a gift from the city of means to be an American. Many Superintendent Bob Vogel Tokyo to our nation’s capital. This Revolt continued on Page 2 people come to exercise their year marks the 100th anniversary National Mall and Memorial Parks First Amendment rights because of the park’s of that gift. We’ll be offering a wide variety of 900 Ohio Dr., S.W. Phone: 202-233-3520 proximity to our seat of government. For others, special programs as part of the celebration. Washington, D.C. 20024 www.nps.gov/nama the National Mall is a neighborhood park they The staff and volunteers of the National Radio: 1670 AM use for recreation and exercise. No matter what Mall are available to tell you about the park, their reason, all who visit are part of a legacy that answer your questions and help you make the National Mall Times Staff stretches back centuries. most of your time here in America’s front yard. Editor-In-Chief: Nathan King In this newspaper, you will find articles about the Enjoy your visit! Editors: Susan Martin, Stacy Shannon, Michael Kelly National Mall Times 1 Ranger Programs & Activities atural M Daily Programs broke color barriers as the first olution. Learn about women’s war through images, and discuss The Cherry Trees in Context e N al African-American to perform personal courage and sacrifice in their selfless service that contin- Bike Tour, 1 – 4 p.m. h l on the National Mall, Anderson war through images, and discuss ues through today’s conflicts. DC Discover how these beautiful What: Free site tours and inter- changed American history. Lin- their selfless service that con- War Memorial. Ranger Victor Pil- trees were part of the vision T pretive talks coln Memorial. Ranger Tameika tinues through today’s war con- low 202-841-1774. and symbolism of this city that Washington 202-233-3519. flicts. DC War Memorial. Ranger , Pierre Where: Lincoln, Korean War Victor Pillow 202-841-1774. L’Enfant and other founders Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, Sunday, March 18 envisioned. Thomas Jefferson World War II, Franklin Delano Wednesday, March 7 Memorial. Ranger Jan Buerger Rosie the Riveter 202-497-1397. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Ranger Program, 6- 7 p.m. Hispanic Women of the Jr., and Thomas Jefferson Me- Women of the Vietnam World War II had a drastic im- Civil War morials Veterans Memorial pact on American values and Walking Tour, 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 25 Ranger Program, 6 – 7 p.m. attitudes with the need to bring Step back in time and discover When: Daily at 10:00 a.m., Many women served with brav- women into the workforce to Hispanic women in the Civil War. 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, ery and distinction in the Viet- support the country while men Travel into the to the dan- Nellie Taft: First Lady of Po- and 10:00 p.m. nam War. Maya Ying Lin, the were at war. Learn about their gerous world of espionage and tomac Park young woman who designed the courage in the face of changing spies on this 2-mile walk. Na- Ranger Program, 6 – 6:45 p.m. Vietnam Veterans Memorial had social norms and challenges as tional Archives Pennsylvania Ave. First Lady Helen (Nellie) Taft is Special Programs to demonstrate that same cour- women entered the workforce in Entrance. Ranger JoAnn Garcia primarily known as the catalyst age to see her vision become the 1940s. World War II Memo- 202-329-1641. behind Japan’s gift of the Tidal reality. Come listen to stories of rial. Ranger Paul O’Brian 202- Basin cherry trees to Washing- Saturday, March 3 these women. Vietnam Veterans 438-7066. ton, D.C. Learn more about how Memorial. Ranger Kathy Kagle Eleanor Roosevelt: First she contributed to Washington, 202-438-5377. Lady of the World and why she made a difference, First Ladies in Trying Times Sunday, March 11 Ranger Program, 6 – 7 p.m. despite the formidable chal- Ranger Program, 11 a.m. – 1 American women have served lenges. Japanese Lantern on the p.m. Friday, March 9 in wartime since the Ameri- Hispanic Women of the Tidal Basin. Ranger Jan Buerger Martha Washington, Mary Todd can Revolution. Learn about 202-497-1397. Lincoln, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Civil War women’s personal courage and Learn how these first ladies were The Battle of Hampton Walking Tour, 2 – 4 p.m. sacrifice in war through images, busy doing much more than Roads Step back in time and discover and discuss their selfless service Friday, March 30 hosting tea parties. Hear stories Ranger Program, 6 – 7 p.m. Hispanic women in the Civil War. that continues through today’s about how these women held The Battle of Hampton Roads Travel into the past to the dan- war conflicts. DC War Memo- their famous positions during on March 8-9, 1862, marks the gerous world of espionage and rial. Ranger Lowell Fry 202-438- Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of times of war and personal trag- first time two ironclads fought a spies on this 2-mile walk. Na- 9603. the Genji edies. duel. ’s invention of tional Archives Pennsylvania Ave. Ranger Program, 6 - 6:30 p.m. Lodge on 15th Street. Ranger the USS Monitor was the model Entrance. Ranger JoAnn Garcia The first Japanese novel, Mura- Nicole DeLuca 202-329-6890. ship for future warships. Lincoln 202-329-1641. Women of the Civil Rights saki Shikibu’s Tale of the Genji, Memorial. Ranger Paul O’Brian Movement gives perhaps the earliest de- 202-438-7066. Lady Patriots Eleanor Roosevelt: First Ranger Program, 3 - 3:45 p.m. scription of a Cherry Blossom Learn about Rosa Parks and Festival. Join us as we welcome Ranger Program, 6 – 6:30 p.m. Lady of the World the Montgomery bus boycott, the National Mall’s festival with a American women have served in Saturday, March 10 Ranger Program, 6 – 7 p.m. Coretta Scott King, wife of Mar- reading from her tale. Japanese wartime since the American Rev- American women have served in tin Luther King, Jr. and other Lantern on the Tidal Basin. Rang- olution. Learn about women’s wartime since the American Rev- remarkable women who made er Jan Buerger 202-497-1397. personal courage and sacrifice in First Ladies in Trying Times olution. Learn about women’s the school integration, Freedom war through images, and discuss Ranger Program, 11 a.m. – 1 personal courage and sacrifice in Rides, and Birmingham cam- their selfless service that contin- p.m. war through images, and discuss paign of the Civil Rights Move- ues through today’s conflicts. DC Martha Washington, Mary Todd their selfless service that con- ment happen. Martin Luther War Memorial. Ranger Victor Pil- Lincoln, and Eleanor Roosevelt. tinues through today’s war con- King, Jr. Memorial. Ranger Jan low 202-841-1774. Learn how these first ladies kept flicts. DC War Memorial. Ranger Buerger 202-497-1397. Find more Cherry busy doing more than hosting Lowell Fry 202-438-9603. tea parties. Hear stories about Blossom Festival Programs on page 4! Sunday, March 4 how these women held their Saturday, March 24 famous positions during times Saturday, March 17 of war and personal tragedies. First Lady of the World: El- Washington Monument Lodge Revolt from page 1 workers and bulldozers in order to eanor Roosevelt on 15th Street. Ranger Nicole Imprisonment of Women: help save the trees. President Franklin Ranger Program, 3 - 3:45 p.m. DeLuca 202-329-6890. The Battle for Equal Rights Roosevelt claimed that Patterson, and other Washington Truman called her “First Lady of Walking Tour, 2 – 4 p.m. newspapers were exaggerating, and stated that just 88 trees the World,” and in 1999 she was Since the American Revolution, would be destroyed in the construction. Meanwhile, the listed among the most admired Where are the Band of Pa- women have played pivotal roles Washington Post quoted a park official as saying, “For the past persons in the world. Her ac- triots? in their struggle for equal rights. two weeks we have been removing trees in the Tidal Basin area complishments still affect us to- Living History Program, 11 a.m. Many made great sacrifices in- for transplanting. None have been chopped down nor will day. Join us as we celebrate her - 4 p.m. cluding spending time in prison. any be.” However, in the course of construction, some trees legacy and review her achieve- Join park staff in 1776 attire to Explore and learn the stories ments. Franklin Delano Roosevelt learn the events and people that about these great heroines. would perish. According to one account, the women were Memorial. Ranger Jan Buerger helped create the National Mall Sewall-Belmont House, Consti- ultimately convinced to 202-497-1397. and Memorial Parks and this tution and Maryland Aves. NE. stand down after being nation. Thomas Jefferson Memo- Ranger JoAnn Garcia 202-329- served lunch by Assistant rial. Ranger Mike Rose 202-438- 1641. Secretary of the Interior Monday, March 5 9667. Michael Strauss. After neverending cups of Maya Ying Lin: The Viet- 1st Presidential Inaugura- Imprisonment of Women: coffee, the ladies’ need for nam Wall and Beyond restrooms hastened their tion in DC, 1801 The Battle for Equal Rights Ranger Program, 3 - 3:45 p.m. Living History Program, 11 a.m. Walking Tour, 2 – 4 p.m. Among the extraordinary decision to remove the - 4 p.m. Join park staff in period Since the American Revolution, women who have contributed chains. Roosevelt then attire to learn about President women have played pivotal roles to the park is the designer of the had the rest of the trees Thomas Jefferson’s 1801 inau- in their struggle for equal rights. Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, removed in the middle guration. Use a quill pen to sign Many made great sacrifices in- Maya Ying Lin. Join us to hear of the night to avoid any High society rebels protest the best wishes to PresidentUSFWS Jeffer- cluding spending time in prison. why she won the competition, further conflict. cutting of cherry trees. son. Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Explore and learn the stories and learn about her subsequent On December 15, 1938, the groundbreaking ceremo- Ranger Mike Rose 202-438- about these great heroines. achievements. Vietnam Veterans ny was performed at the site. This was followed by the cor- 9667. Sewall-Belmont House, Consti- Memorial. Ranger Jan Buerger nerstone laying ceremony on November 15, 1939. President tution and Maryland Aves. NE. 202-497-1397. Roosevelt was in attendance and spoke eloquently about Jef- Ranger JoAnn Garcia 202-329- Tuesday, March 6 1641. ferson and the many facets of his personality. He emphasized Lady Patriots that Jefferson’s outlook transcended traditional political phi- Ranger Program, 6 – 6:30 p.m. losophy, pointing out that Jefferson struggled with the idea of Marian Anderson: Life Lady Patriots American women have served in living in between the rule of a chosen few and the opinions Through Song Ranger Program, 6 – 6:30 p.m. wartime since the American Rev- and desires of the individual. Ultimately, Jefferson’s vision of Ranger Program, 6 – 6:30 p.m. American women have served in olution. Learn about women’s the individual’s self determination ironically led to the rebel- Known as a great contralto who wartime since the American Rev- personal courage and sacrifice in lion against the removal of the cherry trees. 2 National Mall Times atural M N a In the winter and early spring, it is easy sharp, chisel- e ll to see where squirrels go to stay warm. like teeth to h If you look up high in the trees, you may chew through T spot basketball-sized clumps of leaves. t o u g h fo o d These are squirrel nests, known as dreys. l i k e n u t s If you spot a drey, you are likely to spot a a nd a cor n s . squirrel nearby feeding in the trees or on Squirrels also the ground. eat berries and flowers when Eastern Gray Squirrel Like other rodents, eastern gray squirrels have t h e s e it e m s special teeth to eat their food. They use their are available. id you know that Washington, D.C. hosts S q u i r r e l s Done of the higher concentrations of squirrels that are fed in the country? Eastern gray squirrels live in b y h u m a n s woodland and parkland environments throughout c a n b e come the eastern . Trees are essential d e p e n d e n t for eastern gray squirrels because they provide on them for homes, food, and safety from most predators. survival, which can cause them to have a shorter lifespan and exhibit aggressive, unpredictable behavior.

Remember it is illegal to feed any wildlife in national parks! Help keep wildlife wild!

Enjoy your Natural Mall!

Centennial from page 1 to be planted where the the planning of the site for a new memorial to In 1965, further gifts of 3,800 trees from Japan speedway around the President Thomas Jefferson along the southern were planted on the grounds of the Washington Tidal Basin was located, which would create a “Sea edge of the Tidal Basin. In November 1938, Monument. Through the years, the reciprocal of Cherries” in this newly reclaimed land. Hearing many of these ladies chained themselves to the gifts of the two nations were tempered by the Dr. Fairchild’s words that day was a kindred spirit, cherry trees which were destined to be removed steady arrival of visitors every spring to witness in the form of Scidmore. The passion of these two for the construction of the advocates to adorn the city with natural beauty, new memorial. The ladies a complement to the burgeoning architectural eventually left the area, after wonders both then in construction and planning showing their disdain for the stages, fell on a sympathetic ear. removal of the 26-year-old In April 1909, First Lady Taft, upon trees. Eventually the “Cherry reading a letter sent by Scidmore which presented Tree Rebellion” as it came to both her and Fairchild’s sentiments, heartily be known, proved a victory agreed. She was familiar with the trees herself, for both sides. Advocates of having lived in Japan for a time. A fundraising the memorial saw the formal campaign was proposed, yet unnecessary, for Dr. dedication take place on Jokichi Takamine, discoverer of adrenaline, and Thomas Jefferson’s 200th Japanese Consul General in New York, Mr. K. birthday, April 13, 1943, Midzuno offered a donation of 2,000 trees as a gift beautifully framing the new to the people of the United States, in the name of structure with the planting the people of Tokyo. of hundreds more young Upon their arrival in January 1910, the 2,000 cherry trees. The coming trees were inspected and unfortunately found to of World War II resulted be infested with parasitic nematodes. Ultimately, in a handful of the cherry the trees were burned, as they were deemed unsafe trees being vandalized after in their condition to be planted in large numbers. the attack on Pearl Harbor. Two years later, a gift of 3,020 young, healthy trees A moratorium was placed arrived in Washington, D.C. On March 27, along on the annual springtime Crowned Queen of Cherry Blossoms. A colorful ceremony which attracted the northwest wall of the Tidal Basin, the first gift festivals for the duration of thousands of visitors to the capital, little Sakiko Saito, daughter of the Japanese tree was planted. Every spring which followed this the war as well. Ambassador and Mme. Saito, was crowned Queen of the Cherry Blossoms by occasion, millions of visitors descended upon the At the end of World Melvin Hazen, Commissioner of the District of Columbia. The festival was held area around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, War II relations between to celebrate the anniversary of the presentation of the Japanese cherry trees to the capital by the citizens of Tokyo, Japan during the Taft Administration. To her and the grounds of the Washington Monument as the United States and Japan right and left are the queen’s two attendants Masako Saito, also a daughter of more trees planted from the clippings of originals grew stronger. As symbols the Japanese Amabassador, and Barbara Caldwell, American playmate of the and subsequent gifts from Japan filled out the of friendship, the two two youngsters. Washington, D.C., April 8, 1937. LC-H22- D-1227 nations continued to give one another gifts. Clippings from Tidal Basin trees the blooming of these magnificent trees. The were sent back to Japan to help replenish groves Sakura, as they are known to the people of Japan, of cherry trees which were diminished during bear deeply important symbolism that has drawn the war. The nation of Japan bestowed upon the people together for generations. The cherry park in 1954 the gift of an ancient stone lantern, blossom is portrayed second only to the moon in which is ceremonially lit at the beginning of each Japanese art, and the amount of poems written Cherry Blossom Festival. This gift marks the 100th about them is virtually limitless. The festival anniversary of formal relations between the two held every spring in Washington, D.C. is a clear nations. It lies in the grove of trees where the first indication of how the U.S. has blended facets of one was planted in 1912, along the northwest edge cultures from around the world into something of the Tidal Basin. Near the exit of the Franklin truly unique, something American. Delano Roosevelt Memorial stands a decorative stone Japanese pagoda given as a gesture of Burning of the original nematode-infested trees at Hains goodwill in 1958. Pagodas are the dominant Point. Photo courtesy of U.S. National Arboretum. architecture in Japanese Shinto temples which honor those who have come before us. Japanese park. In 1935, the viewing of the blooming of flowering cherry trees surround the grounds of the cherry blossoms became an organized event many of these sites, for the brief duration of their known as the Cherry Blossom Festival. brilliant blossoms upon their limbs symbolized The following handful of years were very the brevity of life for the people of Japan. It is hard on the Japanese flowering cherry trees, for therefore quite fitting that these trees bedeck the there was a full-scale rebellion by prominent grounds upon which we as a nation have planted ladies of Washington society who objected to monuments and memorials to our forebears. National Mall Times 3 Cherry Blossom Festival Park Events for March 24 - April 15, 2012

Welcome! Services

On this page, you will find information Welcome and Information First Aid Tent Tidal Basin Welcome Area about events happening at National Mall Tents 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Every Day) and Memorial Parks during the National Tidal Basin Welcome Area 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Every Day) Cherry Blossom Festival. Information Bloomin’ Jr. Ranger Tent about other events happening throughout Sylvan Theater (March 31 - April 15) Thomas Jefferson Memorial Washington, D.C. can be found on the 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Friday & Saturday) 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturday & National Cherry Blossom Festival website, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Sunday through Sunday) www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. Thursday) Bicycle Parking This year marks the 100th anniversary of Food Tents BRING YOUR OWN LOCK! the gift of the flowering cherry trees on Tidal Basin Welcome Area Thomas Jefferson Memorial & the National Mall! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Every Day) Independence Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets The first 3,020 cherry trees were given to Souvenir/Bookstore Tents the City of Washington, D.C. by the City of Tidal Basin Welcome Area 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Every Day) Tokyo, Japan in 1912. Since then, the trees have been cultivated throughout the park, to include more than a dozen varieties to enjoy.

These beautiful, flowering trees have attracted millions of people to the National Mall over the years, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival has grown into a major event. This year’s festival is bigger than ever. Paddles reminds us, “Please do not pick the blossoms,” and “Please do not climb the trees.” Enjoy this extraordinary celebration, and help us kick off the next 100 years of cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.!

Ranger-Led Programs Cherry Talks Cherry Chit-Chat Runs Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial & Washington Monument Lodge Thomas Jefferson Memorial 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Saturdays) 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Every Day) Lace up your shoes and join a Park Ranger for a 3.5 mile run Learn more about the history of the blossoms on these daily and learn about the blossoms. programs. Bloomin’ Jr. Ranger Lantern Walks Thomas Jefferson Memorial NPS Welcome Tent at Tidal Basin Welcome Area Earn your Jr. Ranger Badge with hands-on activities! 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday) 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays) Enjoy the memorials and blossoms at night. Bring your own Special Ranger Activity flashlight. 2 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays)

Bike Tours Ranger Audio Tours Thomas Jefferson Memorial Dial (202) 747-3465 to learn more about the blossoms. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays) Enjoy the cherry blossoms without all the traffic! Bring your own bike, helmet, and water.

4 National Mall Times National Park Service CelebratingNational Mall 100U.S. DepartmentYears of the Interior of National Mall and Memorial Parks Cherry BlossomsWashington, D.C.in D.C. National Cherry Blossom Festival

Metro Center White House

Old Post Offi ce Federal Triangle Tower

Washington Lincoln Vietnam Veterans Monument Memorial Memorial World War II Memorial Sylvan Smithsonian Theater Korean War Veterans Ranger Memorial Station B D.C.War Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Tidal Basin Memorial Welcome Area

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

OHIO DRIVE S Thomas Jefferson Memorial Area A Area B Area C

OHIO DRIVE BUCKEYE DRIVE

U.S. Park Police Substation S B

East Potomac Golf S Course Legend S Festival Welcome and Information Tents S Visitor Information S Ranger Cherry Blossom Programs B Bicycle Parking

Bloomin’ Jr. Ranger Tent S Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees S Event Handicap Parking

Restrooms S Books and Gifts S Shuttle Stop S First Aid Parking

Hains Food Service Picnic Area Point

Metrorail Golf Center www.nps.gov/cherry In Case of Emergency - United States Park Police (202) 610-7500 Lost and Found (202) 426-6849

National Mall Times 5 Discover a Monument Ranger Brad Berger base of his memorial is a mariner’s compass, fittingly, for it is in the field of naval warship “Of such is the greatness of America.” development that he is most remembered. He arrived in the U.S. in 1839, taking up residence in , and dove into his work. ith these words, President Despite his prodigious output, he made his Wclosed his remarks upon the dedication most lasting mark on American history decades of the John Ericsson Memorial in West Potomac after his arrival. Upon the opening of the Civil Park on May 29, 1926. Sculpted by James Earle War, the Confederate States Navy began work on Fraser, the figure of Ericsson is seated below modifying the remains of the scuttled wooden images reflective of Adventure, Labor, and Vision. warship, the USS Merrimac, creating an ironclad. These qualities were embedded in the work of John Ericsson already had plans, which until this John Ericsson, who from his youth in Sweden, time were collecting dust, that became the basis was recognized as a prodigy in engineering. The for the Union ironclad, USS Monitor. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Ironclads at Hampton Roads, on March 9,

U.S. Navy U.S. 1862. Ericsson’s ship proved able protection for the remains of the Union blockading fleet, and spawned the creation of many more “monitors” for the navy. He continued working tirelessly, creating other wonders such as the world’s first solar powered engine, until his death in 1889. The John Ericsson Memorial is located just south of the Lincoln Memorial at the intersection of Independence Ave. and Ohio Drive SW. U.S. Navy U.S.

John Ericsson, photographed in 1862. Deck of USS Monitor photographed July 1862 John Ericsson Memorial What’s Happening with the Get a Bird’s-Eye View of the City!

Washington Monument? Climbing to 315 feet, the Old Post Office Tower is third in height among Washington, D.C.’s he Washington Monument was damaged buildings. The National Park Service invites you Tby a magnitude 5.8 earthquake on Aug. 23, to take a free elevator ride to the observation 2011. The National Park Service and structural deck 270 feet above engineers performed a complete inspection of

NPS / WJE Photo WJE / NPS for the historic structure and identified numerous an awe-inspiring view of types and locations of damage within the Washington, D.C. building: cracking, spalling, and displacement of stones, loose and missing mortar, and damage to Ranger Programs: components of the elevator and elevator shaft. Talks of the Tower on the Half-Hour For your safety, the Washington Monument and portions of the Washington Monument grounds Daily at 10:30 a.m., are closed while the National Park Service works 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. to repair the historic structure. $15 million are available for the repairs, half appropriated by For more information Congress, and half donated by David Rubenstein. about park programs at the Old Post Office For detailed information, photos, and videos, visit Structural engineer Emma Cardini inspects the Tower, check the online at: www.nps.gov/wamo Washington Monument’s exterior, September 2011. program schedule on page 2 or call 202-606- 8691.

NPS / WJE Photo WJE / NPS Winter Operating Hours:

Labor Day through Memorial Day

Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sunday and Holidays 12 - 5:45 p.m.

www.nps.gov/opot NPS staff collect and analyze broken pieces of stone on Most of the earthquake damage, like this spall, occurred the monument’s 500’ observation level. in the upper 100 feet of the monument.

6 National Mall Times Trust for the National Mall by Trust for the National Mall is both a gift and a challenge. The extraordinary The Cherry Tree Endowment Fund will provide amount of foot traffic the area receives compacts the reliable, annual support, in perpetuity, for the he Trust for the National Mall, the official non- soil and damages the trees’ root systems. Some of the replacement and maintenance of the Cherry Tprofit partner of the National Park Service sidewalks separating the Blossom trees. The Endowment will ensure funds for the National Mall, invites you to celebrate the trees from the Tidal Basin beyond the National Park Service’s annual budgetary 100th Anniversary of the Cherry Blossom trees are flooded twice a day by appropriations to maintain the tree to the highest by contributing to the Cherry Tree Endowment the tides, forcing visitors to possible standards. Fund. Visit nationalmall.org/contribute/cherry- create social trails within tree-endowment-fund to make your tax-deductible the tree line. As a result, Funds contributed to the Endowment will become contribution today. the Cherry Blossom trees part of its principal, making your gift a permanent are dying at an annual rate and vital piece of the National Mall’s future. Every spring, the Cherry Blossom trees grace the nearly triple the normal National Mall with their blooms, bringing a sense attrition rate for this type Throughout our history, Americans have excelled of renewal to the city. In 1912, more 3,000 cherry of tree. We have loved our at working together to invent and deploy creative trees were donated as a gift of friendship to the City Cherry Blossoms trees to answers to complex questions. It’s time to make of Washington, D.C. from the City of Tokyo, Japan. near ruin. our National Mall a reflection of this fundamental In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or “Sakura,” attitude. It’s time for this park to embody the same is an exalted flowering plant. The beauty of the The National Park Service pride it inspires in each of us. cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with has a staff of eight to the evanescence of human life and epitomizes the replace, care for and It’s time to preserve the beauty of the National Mall. transformation of Japanese culture throughout the maintain 4,000 Cherry Support the Cherry Tree Endowment today. ages. Blossom trees, which make up only a part of The Trust for the National Mall is the official non- This year, we will celebrate the 100th Anniversary the 20,000 trees within profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated of this extraordinary gift. It is a celebration not only the National Mall. The current maintenance budget to restoring and improving the National Mall. For of the beautiful blossoms themselves, but also of the of $1.2 million does not provide for emergency more information please visit: lessons they teach us about history, cooperation and funds in the case of extreme weather, professional friendship. development, or infrastructure improvements – like www.nationalmall.org additional post-and-chain – to protect the trees. Twitter: @thenationalmall Each year, more than one million people flock to the Facebook.com/TrustfortheNationalMall National Mall to experience the exquisite beauty of This is a problem we can solve together right now. Email: [email protected] the Cherry Blossom trees. Yet the trees’ popularity

I S’ Become a Junior Ranger! D Junior Ranger books are K Col um n located at the Survey Lodge Ranger Station and at most memorials.

In honor of Women's History Month, draw a line to match up the woman's photo to her famous act!

Maya Ying Lin photo by Adam Stoltman She performed a famous Easter Sunday concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

She was an early delegate to the United Nations. Eleanor Roosevelt

First Lady who helped bring the cherry trees Marian Anderson to Washington, D.C. photo by Carl Van Vechten

She was the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

She represented the women who went to work in factories during World War II. Rosie the Riveter Helen Herron Taft photo courtesy of U.S. National Arboretum

Explore the Lincoln Memorial Online! http://www.nps.gov/linc Click on “Lincoln Memorial Interactive Site”

• Interactive Panoramas • Ranger Videos • Award-winning website National Mall Times 7 Plan Your Visit

6

2 1 4 5

3

9

8

7

Cherry Blossom Festival map and information on pages 4-5! Things to See Things to Do 1 Lincoln Memorial Ranger Programs and Tours

2 Vietnam Veterans Memorial What: Free site tours and interpretive talks

Korean War Veterans Memorial 3 Where: Lincoln, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, World War II, Franklin 4 World War II Memorial Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Thomas Jefferson Memorials 5 Washington Monument When: Daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00, 2:00, 6 Old Post Office Tower 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, and 10:00 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Memorial 7 Want more? Take your experience to the next level with our special programs! 8 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Locations, topics, types, and times vary. See page 2 for more information about these ranger 9 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial programs.

In all memorials: Be Your Own Guide Bookstores National Mall App Capture the moment, take home a book, and Use the official National Mall App for Android explore the ideas and values that make visiting and iPhone/iPad to plan your visit, navigate, learn National Mall and Memorial Parks such a stirring about the memorials, search for programs, and experience. Eastern National, a park partner, more! operates five bookstores:

• Washington Monument Lodge 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Lincoln Memorial iPhone / iPad 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Android

• Thomas Jefferson Memorial 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Concessions Cell Phone Tours Guest Services, Inc. manages all retail operations • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial for National Mall and Memorial Parks including 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. refreshment kiosks and gift stores throughout the Dial from anywhere to listen to recorded park, plus seasonal paddle boat rentals. programs on the following topics: • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 9 a.m - 10 p.m. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats Lincoln Memorial: (202) 747-3420 202-479-2426 First Amendment: (202) 595-0085 www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com Vietnam Veterans Memorial: (202) 595-0093 Hispanic Heroes: (202) 595-1730 Cherry Blossoms: (202) 747-3465

www.easternnational.org www.guestservices.com

National Mall Times 8