Volunteers throughout Missouri are teaming up with the American Battlefield Trust to aid in the maintenance and restoration of six Show-Me State battlefields and historic sites as part of the 25th annual Park Day — a nationwide, hands-on preservation event.
Park Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, but as sites may choose to participate on an alternative date. Missouri volunteers will be joined by participants coast to coast in cleaning up and revitalizing historic sites in 27 states. Projects will take place mainly outdoors and all sites will encourage volunteers to wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of social distance from other participants, make use of hand washing stations or sanitizer and resist sharing equipment. Volunteers will receive reusable Trust water bottles, and some sites will provide refreshments. A local historian may also be present to discuss the unique role of the site in our national story. Missouri volunteers are encouraged to contact the individual sites listed below.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Lexington, 10 a.m. April 10
Contact: Karla Strain at Karla.strain@dnr.mo.gov
Volunteers will help with the removal of invasive species, fence painting, re-design of the garden, and general clean-up. A tour of the Anderson House and battlefield will be made available to volunteers.
Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, Pilot Knob, 10 a.m. April 17
Contact: Brick Autry at brick.autry@dnr.mo.gov
Volunteers will help park staff host a local Civil War reenactor group as they host their spring drill on the battlefield. They will also guide visitors and assist with paperwork and clean-up.
John S. Williams Hickory County Museum, Hermitage, 8 a.m. April 10
Contact: Roger Boyd at rboyd590@gmail.com
Volunteers will help paint, clean and plant period flower beds. If weather allows, the site may have an archaeological excavation open for children and adults to participate in. Tours will be available.
Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield, Soldiers’ Cemetery & Museum, Lone Jack, 8:30 a.m. April 10
Contact: Alinda Miller at amiller@historiclonejack.org
Volunteers will help with raking and clearing brush, as well as cleaning flower beds. Volunteers must register by April 7.
Missouri Civil War Museum, St. Louis, 10 a.m. April 10
Contact: Kristen Trout at ktrout@mcwm.org
Volunteers will help with gardening, cleaning monument and wayside markers, and general landscaping. Volunteers must register by April 1.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Republic, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Billie Aschwege at billie_aschwege@nps.gov
Volunteers will help with stream and trail clean-up, bench or rail painting, clearing brush, and general maintenance. The historic Ray House will be open for tours. Volunteers must register by April 1.
For more information, visit www.battlefields.org/parkday.
