Hands-On Preservation Event Encourages Volunteers To Clean Up Battlefield Parks And Historic Sites

(Washington, D.C.) — Volunteers of all ages and abilities can give back to their local communities and honor our nation’s vibrant history by joining the American Battlefield Trust on Saturday, April 6, for Park Day 2019.  Park Day is an annual, hands-on preservation event devoted to restoring our nation’s battlefields and historic sites. Nearly 160 sites in 32 states and the District of Columbia are scheduled to participate in Park Day this year.

Park Day projects encompass historically significant areas throughout the nation — from Gettysburg, Pa., to Modesto, Calif., and Perryville, Ky., to Princeton, N.J. — and maximize the opportunity to help keep America’s hallowed grounds and outdoor classrooms looking their best. And, since many underfunded sites depend on volunteers for routine maintenance and upkeep, Park Day participants make it possible for sites to implement projects often overlooked or delayed due to budget and staff constraints.

“Park Day volunteers are critically important to historic sites that must balance basic maintenance needs with limited budgets and small staffs,” American Battlefield Trust President James Lighthizer said. “Visitors really do notice the difference our volunteers make.  We are honored to play our part in keeping some of America’s most treasured landscapes and related resources clean, open and accessible for the enjoyment of all people."

Since 1996, thousands of community-minded citizens — including Boy and Girl Scouts, Rotarians, Lions Club members, church groups, ROTC units, youth groups and many others — have taken part in Park Day.  Activities can include building trails, raking leaves, painting, building fences and contributing to site interpretation.  Park Day is a great opportunity for history lovers and concerned citizens to give back to their local communities. Participants receive official Park Day T-shirts, and may have the chance to hear a local historian talk about the unique role of their Park Day site in our national story.

In 2018 alone, nearly 7,000 Park Day volunteers donated more than 25,000 service hours at 160 sites throughout the country.  Every freshly painted fence or newly planted tree makes each place better prepared for future visitors who will come to learn more about their nation’s history.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today.  The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 50,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

For a running list of participating Park Day sites, visit Battlefields.org/parkday. Volunteers can participate in Park Day online using #ParkDay2019.