Old Courthouse Celebrates Washington's B-day With Historic Ball

The National Park Service will honor George Washington's 286th birthday (Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732) with a historic ball Saturday Feb. 24 at the Old Courthouse. Washington's Birthday Ball includes live, 19th Century music and a historical dance workshop. The event, which will be held in the Old Courthouse rotunda, is free and open to all ages. Historical dress is not required to participate.

“After leading the Continental Army to victory during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was elected president of the convention that wrote the U.S. Constitution – the cornerstone of our nation’s governing system – and eventually became our nation’s first president,” says Rhonda Schier, chief of museum services and interpretation at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “We’re marking this Founding Father’s birthday with a special party, and invite visitors and park neighbors of all ages to experience how St. Louisans celebrated his
birthday in 1858 at the Old Courthouse.”

The dance workshop, featuring popular 1850s dance steps and led by instructor Deborah Hyland, will take place from 9 a.m. to 11. The ball will be held from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and will feature live music from The Independent Silver Band. Cookies and hot cider will be served. The events are free and open to the public, who are encouraged to drop in as they please.

A list of downtown St. Louis parking locations within walking distance
of the Old Courthouse is available at getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the Old Courthouse. Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on directions before their visit.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff or www.gatewayarch.com; or call 877-982-1410. Reservations are not required, but large groups should call 314-655-1614 to alert the Old Courthouse of their attendance.

Image courtesy of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial