Soldiers at sunset at Fort Union National Monument. Courtesy/NPS

Fort Union News:

WATROUS – Fort Union National Monument announces its upcoming September evening programs.

“A Play of Candlelight” – Dressed in historic costumes, staff will guide visitors on a lantern lit tour to “meet” some of the personalities who helped weave the fabric of Fort Union. Reservations are required for this free event being held 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 by calling the visitor center at 505.425.8025 extension 0.

Each program lasts about 45 minutes and is limited to 22 reservation holders.

Lantern Lit Legacies and An International Dark Sky Park programs to be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 27- 29. 7 p.m. – Lantern Lit Legacies: Why preserve these ruins? Discover this site’s legacy as the sun has set and lanterns now shine during this 45-minute tour. This tour immediately precedes the dark sky program. (Park gates re-open at 6 p.m., but historic fort area will not open until the 7 p.m. tour for participants.

7:45 p.m. – An International Dark Sky Park: Experience the night sky as rangers share fun facts, celestial stories and guide you in the observation of deep sky objects through park provided viewers. 90-minutes. (All grounds and gates will close at 10:30 p.m.)

About Fort Union National Monument:

Fort Union National Monument is west of Watrous. Take exit 366 off I-25 and follow N.M. 161 eight miles west to the Monument. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/foun or contact the park at 505.425.8025, ext. 0. The site, programs and events are free.