Some local historic sites close during partial government shutdown; others remain open

Some national historical sites in Dayton remain open while others are closed as a result of the partial federal government shutdown on Saturday.

Sites in the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park funded through the Department of the Interior were affected by the shutdown, according to the national park web site.

"During the federal government shutdown, park grounds remain open. However, there will be no visitor services and all business offices will remain closed. Visitor centers will be closed as well. If hazardous or dangerous conditions arise, please call 911," according to a notice on the park web site.

Visitors to the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site on Saturday could walk around the grounds, but the buildings were closed.

"Because of a lapse in federal appropriations, this national park operated facility is closed for the safety of visitors and park resources," a sign taped to the door said. "Please visit www.nps.gov and select 'Find a Park' for additional information about access to other parks and sites in this area."

Another notice on the National Park Service web site said, "During the federal government shutdown, this website will not be updated and may not reflect current conditions. Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Some parks are closed completely. Some visitor services may be available when provided by concessioners or other entities. For most parks, there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance. For more information, see www.doi.gov/shutdown and the park website.

While the Dunbar buildings were closed, other sites controlled by Dayton History — the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center at Carillon Historical Park; and Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s mansion — were open.

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"Since Dayton History receives no ongoing financial support from any federal agency for the sites it owns and operates, its museum operations remain unaffected by the current partial shutdown of the federal government," according to a Dayton History.

The aviation center at Carillon Historical Park houses the 1905 Wright Flyer III and dozens of original Wright artifacts.

Located at 1000 Carillon Boulevard in Dayton, the site is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission fees of $10 per adult (18-59), $9 per senior citizen (60+) and $7 per child (3-17) are in effect. Children under 3, as well as Dayton History members, are admitted free of charge.

The mansion provides visitors with a glimpse into the mind of the world’s first successful airplane pilot. Tours are conducted year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. via shuttle van access from Carillon Historical Park. Advance, prepaid reservations are required. Hawthorn Hill admission fees of $12 per person and $10 per Dayton History member apply.

The Dunbar site closed on Saturday features the Italianate-style home of the first internationally acclaimed African American poet as well as an adjacent visitor center. The site, located at the intersection of North Paul Laurence Dunbar Street and Edison Street in West Dayton, is usually open for tours year-round on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

RELATED: Government shutdown puts more than 400 local jobs at risk

The partial federal government shutdown took hold early Saturday.

The shutdown  blocks funding for nine of 15 Cabinet-level departments and dozens of agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, Interior, Agriculture, State and Justice.

This includes more than 400 jobs in the Miami Valley.

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