Every year since 1996, history enthusiasts, preservationists, and other community volunteers have gathered at historic battlefield sites across the country for the Civil War Trust’s Park Day. This annual event, scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, is an effort to help keep our nation’s heritage not only preserved, but pristine. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, the 180 mile swath of land that runs from Gettysburg, PA to Charlottesville, VA has the largest concentration of Civil War battlefields in the country. As such, there are multiple opportunities for individuals to take on maintenance projects large and small to support the particular needs of each participating site. We encourage you to find a location or opportunity that works for you and join others on that day to make a difference. Here is a listing of confirmed activities within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area.
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
Join volunteers from the Civil War Trust and Gettysburg National Military Park cutting brush on the slopes of Little Round Top to reveal historic terrain and original breastworks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact: Jo Sanders at Gettysburg NMP via phone at 717-334-1124 x3351 or by email at: Jo_Sanders@nps.gov. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/gett.
MONOCACY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
As our nation commemorates the final year of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, volunteers across the country have another opportunity to answer their country’s call to service. The Park Day project at Monocacy National Battlefield will focus on removing trash from an area that has been previously inaccessible. It promises to be fun work that will greatly assist your local National Park. Please dress appropriately for field work. Event registration will be from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the visitor center. Volunteers must attend the safety briefing at 9:00 a.m. to participate. Pre-registration is encouraged; please call 301-662-3515. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/mono.
ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Forty volunteers are needed to assist with the spring cleanup of the Antietam National Cemetery and the Mumma family cemetery. To sign up please contact project coordinator, Rick Schriever at 301-432-6035. Thirty volunteers are also needed to assist with preparing the Rohrback Group Campground for the camping season. To sign up please contact project coordinator, Debbie Cohen at 301-432-2243. Both projects will work from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Volunteers should wear proper footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/anti.
HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Volunteers are needed to help mulch and clear trails. Work will be done on the historic 1862 battlefields of the Park. The park will supply wheel barrows, pitch forks, loppers & steel rake but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves. The Park Service will supply extra gloves if needed for this 4-5 hour work day. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
BALLS BLUFF REGIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK
At Ball’s Bluff Battlefield projects include mulching, removal of fallen branches, trash pickup, and many other things. Please bring weather appropriate clothing, gloves, water, and rakes and shovels if you can. And wear clothing that can get dirty, and is appropriate for the weather.
Light snacks will be provided. For more information, call 703-779-9372 or e-mail templehallfarm@nvrpa.org. For more information, visit http://www.nvrpa.org/park/ball_s_bluff.
CEDAR MOUNTAIN
Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield is organizing a 2015 Park Day activity on CWT’s Cedar Mountain Battlefield Property. Volunteers are needed to take on a variety of tasks including clearing trash & debris, improving interpretive trails, cleaning markers, and cutting back intrusive brush and fallen trees. They may also work on the split-rail fence on the battlefield. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, weed whackers, loppers, etc. and wear appropriate work clothing. Light food and drinks (snacks, desserts) will be provided. For more information, visit http://www.friendsofcedarmoutain.org.
BRANDY STATION
The Brandy Station Foundation has identified two projects: to clean up and maintain the trail leading to Kelly’s Ford on BSF owned property along the Rappahannock River at Kelly’s Ford. This trail is used by visitors to access the historic ford, one of the most heavily used during the Civil War; cleanup of the one of the storage areas on the Graffiti House property and a corner of the property along the railroad tracks at Brandy Station. Everyone is invited to join in. it is a great way to see historic areas, make new friends, and improve historic areas. Volunteers will be welcomed at the Graffiti House, 19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station, Virginia, and assigned work at 9:00 AM. They should bring their own work gloves, hats and sturdy shoes. Please bring tools helpful in cutting and removing brush, downed trees and weeds. BSF will provide water, snacks and Park Day T-shirts or patches (while they last). Please sign up in advance with BSF Park Day coordinator Gary Wilson at 540-547-4106. This will help work assignments which match the abilities and interests of volunteers and get needed tools lined up. For more info, visit http://www.brandystationfoundation.com.
BRISTOE STATION
Volunteers are encouraged to join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries and trail maintenance throughout the 133-acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. For more information, call 703-366-3049
WILDERNESS
Activities here will include trash and debris pickup, raking leaves, painting, cleaning up pulloff and monument areas. Volunteers should meet at the Saunders Field shelter on the Wilderness Battlefield, on Rt 20 in Orange County at 9:00 a.m. Bring your own gloves and safety vests if you already own some. For more information, visit http://www.fowb.org
This 18th annual Park Day volunteer event, which takes place at more than 98 historic sites nationwide, is sponsored by the Civil War Trust, HistoryTM and Take Pride in America. For a full list of locations, visit http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus/events/park-day/
