The National Park Service has announced expanded hours of operation and new programs for the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The park visitor center, located at 706 Craven Street, will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On October 18-19 and 26, the visitor center will remain open till 9 p.m. In addition to expanded visitor center hours, new programs will be offered at three different park sites on the following days:

10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Thursdays – Bookends of Reconstruction Walk: Come hear stories of Reconstruction at two of the sites that serve as bookends to Reconstruction. Brick Church and Darrah Hall. Meet at Darrah Hall, located in the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, 16 Penn Circle Drive.

10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Fridays – Robert Smalls Walking Tour: Join a park ranger for a walk in the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District to hear stories about Robert Smalls. See the house he was born in and returned to after the Civil War and visit his grave site. Meet at the park visitor center.

10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturdays – Union Forces in Beaufort: Join park staff for stories about the Union soldiers and Civil War medicine. Meet at the park visitor center.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is administered by the National Park Service and is dedicated to commemorating the period from 1861 through 1900 when nearly four million African Americans, newly freed from bondage, sought to integrate into a free society and into the educational, economic, and political life of the country. The park visitor center and headquarters is located in the Old Firehouse, located at 706 Craven Street in Beaufort.