FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - A state-sponsored Civil War tourism group is piggybacking on a National Park Service youth program to promote local museums.
The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area said in a statement Tuesday that its new program is a companion to the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative President Barack Obama announced last year.
The federal program grants fourth-grade students free admission to national parks. The companion program offers participating kids free admission to certain museums, historical sites and state and county parks in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties.
Executive Director Liz Shatto says the program encourages families who are visiting national parks to also spend time at nearby historical and cultural sites maintained by local governments and organizations.
