News Release

Celebrate the founder of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Mr. Gerald Holmes (right) of the Wolf Trap Foundation points out features of the model of the Filene Center to Mrs. Shouse (center) and violinist Mr. Yehudi Menuhin (left), November 1968.

Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.

News Release Date: February 24, 2020

Contact: Interpretive Office, 703-255-1827

VIENNA, Va .— Join National Park Service staff and Friends of Wolf Trap volunteers on Sunday, March 1, from 1-3 p.m., for a celebration of the park’s founder and leading lady Mrs. Catherine Filene Shouse. Mrs. Shouse was a philanthropist, advocate, and trailblazer who founded Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

The National Park Service presents an opportunity to learn about Mrs. Shouse’s life, education and career, which culminated in her gift of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts to the American people. We’ll explore the history of Wolf Trap as a world-renowned sanctuary for the performing arts and a unique public-private partnership. From 2-3 p.m., visitors will take a backstage tour of the Filene Center.

This program is free and open to the public. RSVPS to the Wolf Trap Interpretive Office are appreciated. The program will meet in the in the Filene Center Musician’s Lounge. Please enter through the “Stage Door,” which is located on the right side of the Filene Center.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is open to the public year-round and presents a variety of musical, theatrical and dance performances that appeal to any audience during the summer, as well as opportunities to spend time in a serene, natural environment.