As our nation commemorates the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, volunteers across the country will once again answer their nation’s call to service. On Saturday, April 5, 2014, history buffs, community leaders, and preservationists, and National Park Service staff will team up with the Civil War Trust, History™, and Take Pride in America at more than 98 historic sites across the country to participate in the 18th annual Park Day.
Since its inception in 1996, Park Day has attracted volunteers of all ages and abilities bound by their dedication to serving their communities. In 2013, nearly 8,000 volunteers at 105 historic sites across the country donated more than 36,000 service hours. This year, organizers hope to build on these impressive figures.
In Hanover County, Richmond National Battlefield Park will participate in Park Day. Approximately 90 volunteers are currently scheduled to participate. This includes volunteers from the local community, non-commissioned officers from Fort Lee, and the University of Richmond’s Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. At its Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield unit, volunteers will work with park staff to clear invasive brush and clean up debris in the cultural landscape. At its Gaines’ Mill Battlefield unit, volunteers will work to install historic rail fencing, and at Cold Harbor, volunteers will be putting the finishing touches on a new section of trail.
WHAT: “Park Day” historic preservation event at Richmond National Battlefield Park
WHEN: April 5, 2014, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield / Rural Plains, 7273 Studley Road,
Cold Harbor Battlefield, 5515 Anderson-Wright Drive, Mechanicsville, 23111
Gaines’ Mill Battlefield, 6283 Watt House Road, Mechanicsville, 23111
The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States, dedicated to preserving our nation’s endangered Civil War battlefields and to promoting appreciation of these hallowed grounds. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 38,500 acres of battlefield land in 20 states, including more than 1,500 acres in the Richmond area. Learn more at www.civilwar.org, the home of the Civil War sesquicentennial.
Rural Plains, Cold Harbor, and Gaines’ Mill are three of the 13 sites protected by Richmond National Battlefield Park where key Civil War battles took place in 1862 and 1864. The park also hosts five visitor centers and a driving tour of the battlefields along an 80-mile route through Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties. A full day is required to experience the entire battlefield park. The main park visitor center is located at Historic Tredegar (470 Tredegar Street in Richmond) and provides museum exhibits, audio-visual programs, and orientation services to help plan a visit to the battlefields. For additional information, contact Richmond National Battlefield Park at 804-226-1981, or via the internet at www.nps.gov/rich or www.Facebook.com/RichmondNPS.
