3,600 Free Ferry Tickets and More National Park Service Centennial Events in Boston

BOSTON, MA — The National Park Service might turn 100 this year but, hey, it still looks great.

To celebrate the big one-zero-zero, Boston's multiple NPS organizations are hosting a great lineup of events around town and out into the harbor. And did we mention they're almost entirely free?

Given Boston's history, it should be no surprise it has three partnership parks in its orbit – the Boston African American National Historic Site, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, and Boston National Historical Park. They're combining to throw one big party under the theme "Celebrating the Spirit of Revolution," from Aug. 25-27.

The Centennial kicks off Thursday at Christopher Columbus Park, with special events including giving away 3,600 free ferry tickets to the Boston Harbor. Other events will be held on Georges Island and Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor, and at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

They include a movie night under the stars, a series of history talks, live music, fort-building, kite demos, and a kickoff celebration Thursday at 11 a.m. that features just about every big-name local leader, from Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh. It should be noted that a few of those events will cost you the price of a ferry ticket, if you don't get in on that free giveaway deal.

Here's how the NPS events page describes the Centennial's significance: "This collective park system represents the spirit of political, social and environmental revolution. For many people around the world the principles that these places and outcomes embody have served as models for personal freedom, civil rights and environmental justice. They are what makes Boston one of America's great urban success stories."

Find the full list of events here.

>> Photo of the Peddocks Island, one of the Boston Harbor Islands' ferry stops, by Alison Bauter, Patch staff