U.S. Park Service to Host Birthday Party Saturday for President Theodore Roosevelt

The National Park Service is celebrating what would have been the 158th birthday of President Theodore Roosvelt on Saturday on Theodore Roosevelt Island, just down the GW Parkway.

The birthday party is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include cupcakes with Roosevelt re-enactor historian Joe Wiegand, story times, birdhouse-making, Junior Ranger program, games, displays, ranger-led island tours, self-guided nature hikes, an island scavenger hunt and special exhibits highlighting Roosevelt and the park service's centennial.

Also Saturday, re-enactors from the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company B will be on hand to bring history to life, engaging visitors with their portrayal of African American Civil War soldiers.

Here's a schedule of the day's events:

• 10:30 am – Island Safari: A guided walk through some of Theodore Roosevelt Island's wild times--both human and natural. (Approx. one hour, guided walk around the island) Gather at the base of the memorial statue.

• 11:30 am –Teddy Bear Storytime: Join this Storytime presentation with President Theodore Roosevelt and enjoy a short story read by a member of the Friends of Theodore Roosevelt Island.After the story, tell President Roosevelt what you learned about him and receive a Teddy Bear award. (while supplies last)

• Noon – Presentations by President Theodore Roosevelt, portrayed by historian Joe Wiegand, and John Doolittle, NPS Volunteer A few words about Theodore Roosevelt followed by serving of the birthday cupcakes. Gather at the base of the memorial statue.

• 12:30 pm – Island Safari
• 1:30 pm – Teddy Bear Storytime
• 2 pm – Island Safari

Ongoing activities 11 am – 3 pm along the Memorial Plaza

• Meet President Theodore Roosevelt President Theodore Roosevelt is available for photographs, questions and discussions about his inspiring and adventure filled life.He will attend the 11:30 am and 1:30 pm Teddy Bear Storytime programs and award Teddy Bears (while supplies last) to children who listen to his story and let him know what they learned.

• Meet A Soldier from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment (Re-enactors) Members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company B will discuss the role of the 1st U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War and how they trained on the island. Participate in a "training drill."

• Take the Teddy Challenge Spin the wheel of fitness and challenge yourself as Theodore Roosevelt challenged himself.Although he battled childhood illnesses and asthma, he overcame his health challenges. How do you compare to President Roosevelt?Remember he was a Rough Rider too.

• Become a Junior Ranger Junior Rangers explore, learn about, and protect national parks. You can earn your own Junior Ranger badge by completing the Theodore Roosevelt Island Junior Ranger Booklet.

• Island Scavenger Hunt Perfect for little Junior Rangers, complete the scavenger hunt and earn a Junior Ranger Sticker.

• Build a Little Birdhouse Receive your own little birdhouse kit and build a home for your feathered friends.

• Press your Birthday Button Make a commemorative, collectable Theodore Roosevelt Island Birthday Button. (Only available here, only available today)

• Make a Mask Halloween is coming and it is an election year. Maybe you can be President this year. Make a mask of President Theodore Roosevelt you can wear.

• Find Your Park and take your photograph with a Bear Theodore Roosevelt is responsible for the protection of over 230 million acres of land in the U.S.He created 18 national monuments; 5 national parks; 150 national forests; 51 Federal bird reservations and 4 national game reserves. He is also the inspiration of the "Teddy Bear." Post your photograph at #Findyourpark.

• The Friends of Theodore Roosevelt Island information table The Friends of Theodore Roosevelt Island serve as the voice and active force for ensuring that the memorial plaza, trail system and woodland landscape remain a fitting tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy. Meet "Friends", learn more.

Theodore Roosevelt Island is located on the George Washington Memorial Parkway between the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge. Onsite parking is limited.

Additional parking is located within a 15-minute walk to Theodore Roosevelt Island from Rosslyn via N. Lynn Street to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Mount Vernon Trail.

PHOTO: Theodore Roosevelt and Yellowstone's superintendent, Major John Pitcher, June 11, 1903, on horseback, with railroad cars in background. Underwood & Underwood photo from Library of Congress

Location of Theodore Roosevelt Island (Google maps):