Park Ranger Speaker Series

The Interior Library is proud to present a series of programs on the background and history of sites of interest in the Washington, D.C. region and around the country. Programs highlighting the history of the United States are also offered. The one-hour programs, presented by National Park Service Rangers, are presented virtually via webinar.

To register for a future Park Ranger Speaker Series program, please use our Park Ranger Speaker Series registration form. If the registration form does not work at your location, you may use the Library's contact form. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Interior Library by e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or by phone at (202) 208-5815.

Webinar recordings of recently completed Park Ranger Speaker Series programs are available upon request. Please contact the Interior Library by phone at (202) 208-5815, e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or via the Library's comment form for more information.
 

Upcoming Programs

The Early Days of the Civil War Defenses of Washington: From Fort Sumter to 1st Bull Run
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET 

At the outset of the Civil War, Washington, DC was relatively defenseless, with only one old fort (Fort Washington) and a few Union troops.  The city's location between Confederate Virginia and border-state Maryland made it strategically important and vulnerable. In 1861, Major General George B. McClellan was tasked with fortifying the capital. A complex system of forts, batteries, and earthworks was built to encircle the city, transforming the area into one of the most heavily fortified in the world. Please join Park Ranger Bryan Cheeseboro as he examines the system of fortifications constructed to protect the Union capital from Confederate attack during the early days of the Civil War.

Please note: This program is only being offered as a simultaneous online webinar. Please contact the Library to obtain webinar information for this program.

 

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