Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc.
In June of 2002, the National Park Service transferred management of Glen Echo
Park to Montgomery County. In turn, Montgomery County formed the Glen Echo Park
Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc. a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to
manage day-to-day park operations and work with resident arts groups and others
to conduct programs. The Partnership has also taken on fundraising responsibilities
formerly held by the Glen Echo Park Foundation. The mission of the Glen Echo
Park Partnership is to manage a rich fabric of vibrant educational, artistic,
historical, cultural, environmental and recreational programs at the park in
a manner that is attractive and accessible to a diverse population of users,
financially self-sustaining, and sensitive to the needs of the neighboring community.
A Brief History of the Park
Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught
the sciences, arts, languages, and literature. By the early 1900s Glen Echo
Park had become a premier amusement park that served the Washington area until
1968. In 1971, after the federal government obtained the land, the National
Park Service began managing the park. The National Park Service collaborated
with artists and arts organizations to create a rich arts program in the spirit
of the original Chautauqua movement. Today the park is managed by a non-profit
organization, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc. The National
Park Service will continue its role in managing the grounds and providing historic
interpretation, while the Partnership will oversee facilities and programs.
The park is host to a number of resident organizations, including Adventure
Theatre, The Puppet Co., Discovery Creek Childrens Museum and others, artist
studios, a thriving social dance program, a restored carousel, and numerous
classes in many art forms. Over the last few years, renovations of the park
facilities have been taking place under the direction of Montgomery County
and the National Park Service. These renovations have been funded with federal,
state, and county resources and individual donations. This past summer the
new Arcade building and renovated Spanish Ballroom facilities were completed.
Over the next few years, additional renovations will take place throughout
the park.
Want to Learn More?
Pick up the book "Glen Echo Park: A Story of Survival." For information on the
new edition of the book by Richard Cook and Deborah Lange
click
here.
Glen Echo on the Potomac, A Film Documentary
Saturday & Sunday at 4pm
provided by
The National Park Service
Showings are also offered by appointment, call 301-492-6229
On weekends at 4pm, the 60-minute film documentary Glen Echo on the Potomac
is presented at the Visitor Center, located in the lobby of the Arcade building.
The film, created by Kevin Wyrauch, follows the 114 year history of the park
from its opening as a National Chautauqua Assembly in 1891 through its years
as the premier amusement park in the Nations Capital. The film contains fun
footage of the old rides and games, many memories of the park, plus rare interviews
with some of the civil rights protestors who were instrumental in winning the
eventual integration of the facility in 1961. Admission is free.
Spanish Ballroom
The structure, built on the site of the earlier dance pavilion, was of Spanish
mission-type architecture and contained 7,500 square feet of dance area. The
entire building (concrete, stucco, and steel construction) was 90 by 145 feet
and was designed to accommodate 1,800 dancers. This beautifully restored 1933
Mediterranean style Art Deco building, listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, is one of the best dance halls on the east coast. Come see why serious
dancers travel miles to be a part of history.
Dance Schedule
Looking for a formal and glamorous venue for large corporate gatherings,
private dance parties, wedding receptions, bar/bat mitzvahs, and school events?
Find out how to rent the Spanish Ballroom.
Dentzel Carousel
One of the Washington areas local treasuresthe historic Glen Echo Park Dentzel
carouselwill reopen for its 84th season on May 1, 2004. The Carousel remains
the Parks crowning jewel. Installed at Glen Echo Park in 1921, the canopy and
the carved figures were made by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Germantown,
Pennsylvania. It is a classic example of hand woodcarving popular during the
early 1900s. You can still ride the
carousel today.
In 2003 the 20-year restoration project to restore the Carousel to its original
1921 beauty was completed. The restoration exposed decorations long-hidden
under layers of paint and some elements were repainted to match their original
colors. Work is scheduled to repair and repaint the Carousel building, which
also dates from 1921.
