National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Long-Range Interpretive Plan Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Long-Range Interpretive Plan
November 2010
Prepared by: National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center – Interpretive Planning and the staff of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
U.S. Department of Interior Washington, D.C. Table of Contents
Introduction Actions Planning Background 4-5 Organization 36 Park Creation 6-10 Spaces & Themes 37-47 Beyond the Core 48-50 Planning Foundation Outreach 51 Park Purpose & Significance 11 Use of Technology 55 Interpretive Themes 12-13 150th 56-60 Audience Experience Goals 14-15 Research, Collections & Library Needs 61 Existing Conditions Staffing & Training Needs 62 Implementation Charts 63-72 The Park in 2010 16 Current Audiences 17-21 Appendices Interpretive Facilities 22-25 Interpretive Media 26-27 Appendix 1: Tangibles & Intangibles 73 Personal Services 27-32 Appendix 2: Centennial Goals 74-75 Issues & Initiatives 33-34 Appendix 3: Holding the High Ground 76-77 Appendix 4: 2015 Time line 78 Appendix 5: Participants 79-80 Introduction
Planning Background
Appomattox Court House National Each year about 60,000 people use the The park’s General Management Plan Historical Park encompasses visitor center and view park exhibits. (GMP) is now in the final stages of approximately 1,800 acres of rolling About two-thirds of those who use the review and approval. The preferred hills in rural, central Virginia. The site visitor center also watch one of two, alternative calls for reconstruction of the includes the McLean House (surrender 15-minute audiovisual programs offered Clover Hill Tavern stable where a new site) and the village of Appomattox in a 70-seat theater (also not accessible). bookstore would be housed adjacent to Court House, Virginia, the former universally accessible restrooms. county seat for Appomattox County. Visiting the park is largely a self-guiding There are 27 original and reconstructed experience. Living history programs are The Civil War Preservation Trust 19th-century structures on the site. The offered every day during the summer has completed a land acquisition/ park preserves the old country lanes months, and occasionally on weekends preservation project of 46 acres where Robert E. Lee, Commanding in the spring and fall. Ranger-led including lands associated with the General of the Army of Northern programs are offered throughout the Battle of Appomattox Station. The Virginia, surrendered his men to Ulysses year. The park provides guided tours administrative future of this land is Grant, General-in-Chief of all United for groups by appointment, offers a currently unknown, but its preservation States forces, on April 9, 1865, the curriculum-based education program may serve as an added resource that historic setting for events signaling the for 4th and 5th grades that meets the visitors may be able to explore in end of the Southern states’ attempt to Virginia Standards of Learning, and the future. create a separate nation, and the birth of co-sponsors an annual symposium with a modern, reunited United States. Longwood University. The visitor center is in the reconstructed courthouse building on VA Highway 24, two miles northeast of the town of Appomattox, VA. This facility and most of the historic structures are not fully accessible.
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Long-Range Interpretive Plan
This planning project will produce a Ap North p 656 To 60 Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) om 24 at to Site of Lee’s x including foundational elements (e.g., R Headquarters iv purpose, significance, interpretive e r 0 0.5 Kilometer Sweeney themes, audience experience goals) and Apple VILLAGE OF Prizery recommendations for personal and non- 0 0.5 Mile Tree 656 APPOMATTOX site personal services throughout the park COURT HOUSE (see map below Appomattox and for partnerships that support the for detail) History delivery of the interpretive, education, Confederate Trail Cemetery Visitor Center and visitor services program. It also will Site of Grant’s provide guidance for commemorating Headquarters Raine Prince Edward the 150th anniversary of the Appomattox North Carolina Monument Court House 24 Monument Road Campaign, surrender, and onset of To 460 and Reconstruction. Appomattox 627
In addition, this LRIP will, as one of the Current map of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park first post-GMP planning documents, advance the GMP’s preferred alternative and design an interpretive program based on the interpretive themes contained in the final GMP. It will address several issues (see “Issues” below) identified in the project’s scope of work and refined by discussions with park staff during a scoping trip on November 17 and 18, 2009.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 5 Introduction
Park Creation
History of Park Creation was stored onsite. Over the next 50 years, rather than a national military park, and Planning the materials succumbed to rot, weather, due to the size of the engagement and vegetation, and souvenir collectors. number of casualties. Post-Reconstruction Commemoration and Park Establishment (1889–1933) The effort to create congressional Creation of a National Monument Soon after the war, the village began to recognition of Appomattox continued. attract tourists curious about the site of In 1893, ten cast iron tablets describing An Act of June 18, 1930, (46 Stat. the surrender. In 1890, a group of Union the events of April 9, 1865, and their 777) implemented the study’s veterans, organized as the Appomattox connection to local features, were recommendation and authorized the Improvement Company, purchased installed. This was followed in 1905 by War Department to acquire one acre of 1,400 acres of land in and around the the construction of the North Carolina land at the site of the old courthouse, village. Their purpose was to create Monument to mark the place where fence the area, and erect a monument. a National Campground for veteran the North Carolina Brigade of Brig. The act contained the following reunions and other military uses. The Gen. William R. Cox fired the last volley language: “ . . . to acquire at the scene group attempted to convince Congress before the surrender. The monument of the said surrender approximately to build a monument and roads to and two outlying markers were the first one acre of land . . . for the purpose of special points of interest, and proposed and only state markers erected on the commemorating the termination of the plans to build a hotel and park and sell Appomattox battlefield. War Between the States . . . and for the off lots to Union veterans. The plan was further purpose of honoring those who never realized because the McLean Between 1905 and 1926, the village engaged in this tremendous conflict.” House could not be purchased. declined, homes were abandoned, the This is considered the park’s McLean House and courthouse sites enabling legislation. In 1891, a separate group formed to became overgrown, and nearby farmland buy and dismantle the McLean House. fell fallow. In 1926, Congress passed In 1931, Congress authorized $2,500 After abandoning the original idea of the Act for the Study and Investigation to design, plan, and estimate costs exhibiting the house at the 1893 World’s of Battlefields, charging the Army War for the monument (46 Stat.1277). Columbian Exposition in Chicago, College with the task of identifying all The War Department appointed a this group proposed moving the house the sites of battles on American soil. five-man Commission of Fine Arts to to Washington, D.C. Bankruptcy Appomattox Court House was to be administer a national competition for the intervened and the dismantled house recognized as a national monument, monument’s design. Some factions of the
6 National Park Service Introduction
national office of the United Daughters organization (the Lynchburg Group) of the Confederacy considered any advocated “the entire restoration of the memorial at Appomattox an attempt McLean House and the courthouse “to celebrate on our soil the victory of group of buildings which stood there in General Grant and his Army.” In 1932, April 1865” and expressed interest in wishing to avoid further inflaming “securing the entire battlefield area on emotions, the commission stated its which the last stand of the two armies preference for “the idea of recreating the was made.” historic scene of the surrender” rather than a memorial sculpture. This idea of Congress amended the 1930 legislation “recreating the historic scene” would be on August 13, 1935, (49 Stat. 613) a major shift in interpreting historic sites. to authorize the acquisition of land, structures, and property within one Pre-World War II Park Development and a half miles of the courthouse site and the Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of creating a public (1933–1942) monument. In preparation for the construction of the monument, the In 1933, oversight of the memorial Virginia State Highway Department became the province of the Department regraded and resurfaced Highway 24, of the Interior. The National Park which roughly followed the course of the Service, in agreement with the Fine old Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road, Arts Commission, recommended that and built a bridge over the Appomattox the authorized funds be devoted to River. Called the Memorial Bridge, it The Memorial Bridge the restoration of the most important was comparable to other bridges built by buildings—those that stood at the time the federal government at entrances or of the surrender. The recommendation gateways into Civil War battlefields. reflected a growing consensus among The NPS acquired additional land under NPS historians that the most appropriate the Resettlement Act and approximately memorialization for battlefields 970 acres from the Department of was preservation of the landscape. Agriculture via a 1939 Executive Order Locally, there was opposition to the (#8057, 3 CFR 460). idea of erecting a monument and one
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 7 Introduction
A 1940 Secretarial Order (5 CFR 1520) Restoration Efforts and National House was to be as true to the original designated the Appomattox Court Historical Park Designation landscape as possible. This included House National Historical Monument, (1942–1954) using archeology and other reliable creating the park. A development plan documentation to reconstruct the centered on the idea of a restored During this period, NPS officials buildings, using authentic materials as village and set the priorities for site debated the role of restoration and far as financially feasible, and recreating work: demolishing unwanted buildings, reconstruction. There were concerns views, vistas, and circulation and clearing underbrush, constructing roads about the historical accuracy of vegetation patterns that were known to and trails, and providing utilities as well planned reconstruction of the have existed at the time of the Civil War. as a utility area. The reconstruction of village. Some thought that, with the Historians, archeologists, and architects the McLean House was a top priority. exception of the McLean House, worked together to determine accurate The plan recommended rerouting Route Appomattox Court House was not information for building reconstruction. 24 from around the courthouse to north historically important enough to Legislation in 1953 (67 Stat. 181) of the village. warrant restoration. They argued that authorized a land exchange through the house should be the sole focus which the NPS transferred 98.6 acres for The introduction of the Civilian of commemorative efforts and that, 76 acres along the Richmond-Lynchburg Conservation Corps (CCC) as a by evoking nostalgic memories of Stage Road of greater historic value and labor force laid the groundwork for 19th-century rural life, re-creation closer to the village. The designation development of the park. Some of the village would detract from the of the site was changed to Appomattox parts of the road realignment, importance of the McLean House. Court House National Historical Park clearing of the monument grounds, However, opposition eventually faded through legislation adopted in 1954 (68 archaeological excavations, and and work to reconstruct the McLean Stat.54). Restoration of the Peers House, stabilization of historic structures House and other features began. From the Clover Hill Tavern and its guesthouse were undertaken in 1940-41 by 1949 to 1968, the NPS restored or and kitchen were finished and the slave Company 1351, composed of reconstructed 14 buildings in total. quarters reconstructed in 1954. The approximately 190 African Americans One early decision in developing an bypass road south of the village opened from Yorktown, Virginia. approach to work at Appomattox Court in 1954 and automobile traffic was excluded from the village in 1956.
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Mission 66 Developments and and improvements made to the village’s Planning and Legislation, 1970-1992 Additional Reconstruction Efforts roads. The program funded interpretive The NPS continued to acquire land (1954–1966) signs, markers, maps, and exhibits, and the Mission 66 prospectus outlined not associated with the battle and surrender. Major physical improvements were only the restoration and operational New boundaries were authorized in funded by Mission 66, the 10-year NPS program at the park, but interpretation 1976 (90 Stat.2732). The 1977 General program (1956-66) intended to upgrade as well. The focus was on the McLean Management Plan addressed the park facilities. The reconstruction of House, as had been the case since the expanded boundary and the need to the courthouse was among the most 1890s. Elsewhere, the emphasis was manage the park relative to potential important projects at Appomattox. mainly on exterior restoration. The surrounding development. Land The 1940s development plan had restored and reconstructed buildings acquisition was proposed to increase recommended its reconstruction would “provide only the outline and visitor capacity while providing site as the park’s visitor center and setting for the drama of Appomattox.” protection for the historic village, headquarters, which was also favored The landscape in 1965 reflected the NPS preventing visual intrusions to the by local residents. Although the typical understanding of the site during the Civil historic scene, and protecting important visitor center constructed during the War. NPS land acquisitions had included resources within the proposed boundary. period was a modern building, park property significant to important events The area of acquisition was within sight service officials met with local citizens of the Civil War and scenic easements of the historic village and contained the in 1961 and gave them the choice that maintained historic viewsheds. The final battle site of the two armies. between a modern visitor center and establishment and maintenance of views a reconstructed courthouse. The local through vegetation management was also choice was reconstruction. of primary concern.
Under the Mission 66 program, the parking area between Route 24 and the village as well as roadside pull-offs and parking at historic sites were developed,
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 9 Introduction
In 1992, new boundaries incorporating General Management Plan, 2010 story told at the park concludes with the area of proposed land acquisition the beginning of peace, the early were adopted and acquisition authorized In the preferred alternative contained in days of Reconstruction, and national by donation (106 Stat. 3565). The the General Management Plan that is in reunification. military significance of the park was the final stages of approval, the park is considerably strengthened through this the focal point of a region featuring the A regional partnership with owners and boundary expansion, which included events of the Appomattox Campaign, managers of Appomattox Campaign sites the Burruss Timber and Conservation the surrender, and the termination of will develop proactive relationships to Fund tracts (acquired in 1992 and 1993, the Civil War. The wide range of sites protect and interpret related sites. respectively). Congressional testimony within the park provides an on-site, speaks to the importance of retaining firsthand experience with the story of the lands because of the military the surrender and events that preceded actions of the Appomattox Campaign, it. Restoration, rehabilitation, and specifically those engagements that reconstruction will be used selectively took place prior to the surrender. The to enhance visitor understanding of boundary expansion also included those events. Visitors will be introduced a non-contiguous parcel three miles to the related events that took place north of the park boundary containing through the end of April 1865 as news the remains of the New Hope Church of the surrender spread. The broader breastworks.
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Purpose & Significance
Statement of Purpose • To provide opportunities for the public contributes markedly to the public’s to learn about the Civil War, the people awareness of how these events helped A park’s purpose describes the reason affected, the Appomattox Campaign to shape the military, political, and social for which it was set aside and preserved and its culmination in the surrender outcomes of the Civil War; and by Congress. It provides the fundamental at Appomattox Court House, and criteria against which the the beginning of peace and national • The site of the Battle of Appomattox appropriateness of all planning reunification. Court House on April 9, 1865, which recommendations are evaluated. led directly to the surrender. Park lands Statement of Significance display the largely unaltered terrain of The GMP team developed the following the battle and key topographic features statement of purpose: A statement of significance defines what that influenced its outcome, and is important about a park based on contain the remains of the domestic and The purpose of Appomattox Court legislative purpose and the park’s agricultural sites associated with the House National Historical Park is: place within its broader national context. engagement; and Appomattox Court House National • To commemorate the surrender of • The site where reunification of the Historical Park is nationally General Robert E. Lee to Lieutenant nation commenced with the terms of the significant as: General Ulysses S. Grant and the surrender and the magnanimous actions effective termination of Union and Confederate soldiers at of the Civil War brought about by the • The site of the surrender of the Army of Appomattox Court House. The rural Appomattox Campaign from March Northern Virginia under General Robert setting evokes a timeless sense of place 29-April 12, 1865, and to honor those E. Lee to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. for the consideration of these events. engaged in this great conflict. Grant, commander of the Union forces, The park’s landscape and structures, effectively marking the end of the Civil commemorative features, archeological • To preserve and protect those park War. The village of Appomattox Court resources, archives, and artifacts resources, including landscape features, House and the surrounding landscape provide an opportunity for the public historic structures, archeological sites, have exceptional integrity and are to understand the different conceptions cemeteries and monuments, archives, intrinsic to understanding the surrender and meanings that the end of the Civil and collections that are related to the and subsequent events. In combination War has taken on through time. Appomattox Campaign, the surrender, with park archives and artifacts, they and its legacy. form an outstanding assemblage that
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 11 Planning Foundation
Park Interpretive Themes
Interpretive themes, developed during of American law and society. It was Theme Content: This theme focuses the GMP planning process, are the experienced by many as the end of on the surrender—the campaign from most important ideas or concepts to slavery. The people of Appomattox Petersburg to Appomattox, the events be communicated to the public about a experienced the promises, fears, and of April 9, the immediate aftermath, park. They are based on park purpose expectations brought about by the including the stacking of arms on and significance statements, and economic, social, and political upheaval, April 12, and the paroling of Lee’s connect park resources to relevant ideas, as did others nationwide. The struggles army. It examines the choices made meanings, and values. Themes set the and negotiations among different groups by the commanders and their political framework for interpretive activities and arising from this upheaval have been leaders as well as the soldiers within anchor audience experiences offered by continually re-evaluated as society’s the context of the times, and how the park. values and views on the war have these choices influenced the outcomes evolved. of the Civil War. The nuances of this The thematic framework for this LRIP watershed event can be explored from includes a statement of the overarching Theme #1 many different perspectives including: idea and three themes that flow from From Petersburg to Appomattox: The military strategy, politics, the leadership that idea. Topics, statements, and content Final Days & Surrender and personalities of generals Grant and paragraphs are expressed for each Lee and their civilian superiors as well theme. The content paragraphs describe On April 9, 1865, generals Grant and as the personal stories of the soldiers the context for each theme. The GMP Lee set the tone for the men who had and villagers who participated in the planning team also developed example followed them into battle, choosing dramatic events. stories that would fill out an interpretive reconciliation over vengeance and program after acceptance of mutual citizenship over regional the final plan. differences, thereby signaling the effective end of the Civil War. The peaceful conclusion—unlike most civil Overarching Idea wars—was not a given, as injuries and The ending of the Civil War witnessed hatreds on both sides could have led to the failure of the South to become a a bloody aftermath in the wake of the separate nation and confirmed the nation’s most destructive war. United States as a single political entity -outcomes backed by constitutional changes that have re-defined the nature
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Theme #2 the social and economic structure of a Theme Content: This theme focuses The Legacy of Appomattox devastated South. This theme explores on the evolution of thought and how the expectations, hopes, and perspectives related to the surrender, Appomattox came to symbolize the promises of Appomattox were played and the meanings Americans have promise of national reunification, a out in a larger political context. It imposed on both the physical setting first step on the long road to dealing explores whether the expectations and of Appomattox Court House and the with sectional divisions. However, hopes held by the villagers, as well as by events that occurred there in April 1865. this ideal was not always supported by the soldiers involved in the surrender or It introduces the first person accounts reality, as African Americans struggled even the country at large, were met or and recollections of eyewitnesses as for equal rights ostensibly guaranteed remained unachieved. well as varied reactions from observers through newly ratified constitutional throughout the nation. It explores amendments. White southerners coped Theme #3 the ways that Americans have chosen with economic and political dislocations, Memories and Meanings to remember and commemorate the and feelings of submission, humiliation, Appomattox occupies a significant surrender since 1865, including the and resentment. The tensions among and compelling place in our national re-burial of soldiers, the introduction conflicting societal forces are part of the memory. The meaning of the historic of monuments, scholarly investigation, unresolved legacy of Appomattox. events at Appomattox has been shaped preservation and reconstruction of and reshaped by the differing views buildings, and creation of the national Theme Content: The idea of peace held by veterans interested in national historical park. It further explores with honor and national unification, reconciliation, white Southerners the values and symbolic attributes symbolized by the Appomattox supporting the “Lost Cause,” African that different groups have applied to surrender, was replaced by fear, chaos, Americans believing in the promise of Appomattox over time. and violence (different from the wartime freedoms yet unfulfilled, and others. In violence that preceded it) which gripped turn, preservation and commemoration the nation in the wake of President efforts undertaken at the park reflect Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. differing views of the meaning of these A period of readjustment followed, events. known as Reconstruction (1865-1877), in an attempt to restore order, protect the rights of freedmen, and reorder
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 13 Planning Foundation
Audience Experience Goals
While primary themes/stories focus Equally important, although by on what audiences will learn as a definition less evident, is a parallel result of interpretive programs and list of intangibles associated with media, audience experiences explore Appomattox—emotions, ideas, what audiences will do. What types of relationships, concepts, and values, for activities will reinforce park themes? example—suggesting more universal How might the design of interpretive stories that resonate with a wide programs and media invite audience spectrum of audiences (see Appendix 1 involvement and, as a result, reinforce for a list of Appomattox’s tangibles key elements of the park’s stories? How and intangibles). can interpretation use the powerful impact of hands-on, sensory activity Considered in tandem, these tangible Grave of village resident and soldier to send audiences home with lasting and intangible resources suggest ways Lafayette Meeks memories? How can living history and that properly chosen interpretive recreated landscapes bolster audience techniques can underscore the park’s understanding of the campaign, national significance, reinforce the surrender, and reunification? park’s themes, and produce a more memorable experience. Tangibles & Intangibles
Every NPS unit offers a variety of both tangible and intangible resources, and it is that variety that forms the basis for audience experiences. On the one hand, audiences will discover physical objects, buildings, landscapes, and even interpretive media like a film or exhibit— tangible things useful to understanding the past.
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Audience Opportunities
As the park designs the interpretive • Visit other local, actual and authentic program of the future, the techniques sites (in and out of the park) directly • Form reasonable expectations, based selected will offer targeted related to the campaign, surrender, and on up-to-date information, about what audiences opportunities to . . . Reconstruction the park has to offer, even before arriving on-site • Step away from the 21st century and In addition, a mature, well-rounded enter a setting that evokes, although it interpretive program will offer • Choose from a variety of visiting options and control the content and can never fully replicate, Appomattox in audiences opportunities to connect length of their visit, based on knowledge 1865 emotionally with the park’s of what the park offers themes by . . . • Visit the McLean House and the site where the surrender occurred • Benefit from a variety of interpretive • Encouraging quiet contemplation of media that match different styles of the significance and the multiple legacies learning • Visualize the surrender, both the of what happened at Appomattox meeting between Grant and Lee and the process of disbanding an army • See iconic artifacts and objects with • Encouraging contemporary audiences their associated stories that humanize to honor the personal sacrifices made the park’s themes • Connect Appomattox events with during the war and reunification the bigger picture, before and after, the Appomattox Campaign and • Interact with knowledgeable staff who • Acknowledging the immediate and have excellent interpretive skills Reconstruction long term difficulties inherent in healing the wounds of enslavement/racial • Continue the learning process via • Glimpse the impact of the Civil War on injustice, prolonged warfare, a small town like Appomattox access to a wide variety of interpretive reunification, and persistent sectionalism sales and tourism materials • Connect the uncertainties inherent Finally, to help reinforce the in the surrender to human stories • Connect the park to other theme- associated with Appomattox park’s themes, interpretive media related places in the region also will help ensure a satisfying • Hear the park’s stories from multiple park experience by allowing points of view audiences to . . .
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 15 Exisiting Conditions
The Park in 2010 Appomattox Court House National Historical Park includes the historic village where General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant. There are 15 main structures (restored and reconstructed) plus reconstructed dependencies that depict some of the buildings that existed in 1865.
The park also has acreage outside of the village core that contains numerous resources including the headquarter sites of Lee and Grant and monuments and gravesites associated with the Battle of Appomattox Court House.
The park is open 360 days a year from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Park staff prepared the following sections of this document: current audiences, interpretive facilities and programs, as they existed at the beginning of this planning process. Village Landscape with Meeks Store and Clover Hill Tavern
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Current Audiences
In order to design the most effective Appomattox Court House NHP is interpretive programming and a destination park for most visitors. “Individuals understand places employ the most effective interpretive Although out-of-the-area travelers differently depending on how techniques, it is critical to identify may be touring other historic sites they have experienced them, and intended audiences, both existing around Virginia, most have a basic audiences who actively use site understanding of the park’s significance this experience in turn is shaped interpretive programs AND potential when they arrive and have made the park by their social characteristics such audiences that well-planned a priority within their itinerary. as age, gender, race, class, and interpretation might encourage. physical condition.” Visitor counts are done manually at the The term audience is used purposefully visitor center and the McLean House. David Glassberg in Sense of History: in this document. In the 21st century, it Starting in 1993, the park experienced its The Place of the Past in American Life is common to communicate with both highest visitation numbers, presumably on-site visitors as well as others who as a result of the Ken Burn’s series on have not or cannot “visit” local sites. the Civil War released that year. From Increasingly, for example, the Internet 1993-1995 the park visitor center is a source of both information and received an average of 110,000 visitors a interpretation. While many who use year. Visitation steadily declined in the their computer as a gateway to a site or following years. Since 2003, the visitor region will eventually visit, that is not center numbers have stabilized and have universally true. In addition, for reasons averaged just over 60,000. There was a of time and budget, outreach and school small increase in FY09 to 62,288. programs might be conducted off-site. Visitation patterns are seasonal. News and magazine articles as well as Predictably over 80% of the annual television and radio programs reach visitation is from April through October. millions who fall outside the technical definition of “visitor.” In addition, any sites associated with a heritage area, trail, or byway have neighbors who live within the region and should be the recipients of interpretive information and programming.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 17 Exisiting Conditions
Audience Profile
In the past, school groups have boosted Institute and State University. The pattern of visitors who have a moderate April and May visitation numbers survey results are still supported by to strong interest in the Civil War, but significantly. One pattern of note is an staff observations in 2009. According there also are those who come because annual dip in September and a small to the survey, the typical park visitor is they are traveling in the area and spike in October. November through white (94%), has a household income are aware of the national significance March patterns are low enough to greater than $60,000 (2001 dollars), has of the site. Nearly all visitors are very warrant closing the entrance station (fees at least some college education, and an satisfied with their visit, as determined are charged in the visitor center), and average age of 50. The surveyed showed by the 2001 survey and annual Visitor the McLean House is opened only for that 57% of visitors are from Virginia Use Surveys. Seventy-seven percent of scheduled tours. and other southeastern states, and visitors spend 1-3 hours in the park. current observations support that 43% In 2001, the National Park Service of visitors are from other parts of the conducted a survey of 400 park visitors country and world. There is a noticeable with the help of Virginia Polytechnic
School group and black powder demonstration
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Profiles of identifiable visitor programs and media. Also under the Scouts groups are as follows: heading of “enthusiasts” are people tracing an ancestor’s Civil War Scout groups regularly use the park as an educational trip and a service project. Local Residents experiences. These visitors, also not relatively numerous, may spend extra Usually scouts complete a questionnaire Outside of school groups, the park time in the park researching with staff around the historic village and battlefield does not see a strong pattern of local where their ancestor may have been and also pick up trash along portions visitation. Typically, locals visit the park during the historic events. Often they are of the history trail. Occasionally, scouts when they bring out of town guests, or researching if their ancestor was paroled will participate in a special project in the when they use the 4.5-mile history trail with Lee’s army. village, for example fence painting. (this trail is accessible after hours, so it is difficult to capture the number of School Groups Military Groups visitors who use it or to know if they are local). Outside of the trail, the park School groups are most numerous in Again not numerous, but several times does not have recreational facilities April, May, and October. Numbers can a year military groups visit the park. (campgrounds, picnic area, etc.) that vary significantly from year to year, The purposes of their visits can be for might attract additional local use. The presumably due to budget fluctuations. general knowledge of the Civil War, but park is administered in a way that The predominant grade level is fourth, are sometimes a study in leadership. The preserves the tranquility that many feel but other grade levels do visit, including visits are arranged in advance and are is a fitting memorial to the place and its college classes and home-schooled typically hosted by the park historian or history. students of all ages. Most school groups member of the interpretive staff; they come from the surrounding area, but can last a half-day or more. Subject Matter Enthusiasts there are several schools from across the country that make Appomattox a part of Like many Civil War parks there is a core their Washington, D.C./Virginia trip. group of visitors, military enthusiasts, who come to the park having already read about the Appomattox Campaign and the surrender. Although they may be a small percentage of the overall visitation, they tend to fully engage in all, or most of the park’s interpretive
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 19 Exisiting Conditions
Virtual Visitors of this plan, and that planning should African Americans develop interpretive media with direct There has not been a comprehensive appeal to the following groups: Both survey data and anecdotal analysis done on the park’s web visitors. observation indicate that African It is known though that during FY09 Americans do not visit the park in Educational Groups the park’s homepage was visited more large numbers (fewer than 1% of total than 85,000 times which suggests that In addition to the elementary school visitation in 2001) or find relevance the park’s presence on the web is of students who currently participate in in the park’s stories. Low visitation growing importance. A brief analysis park programs, staff intend to add new and interest persist despite additional of the park’s web stats also reveals that programming for middle, high school, focus on slavery as a factor in the war, visitors primarily use the website to plan and college students. By adding learning on the participation of U.S. Colored their visit. In addition, although most opportunities for older students, Troops in the Appomattox Campaign, web visitors do not contact the park via and by interacting with them several and on African American residents of email, an increasing number of visitors times during their academic life, the Appomattox. This suggests the need to do, asking a wide range of questions that park hopes to develop progressively look more carefully at both interpretive often includes history research as well as meaningful experiences and build new messages and interpretive media that questions about their upcoming visit. constituents among young audiences. might appeal to additional African Americans. Targeted Audiences Local Audiences Survey results indicate that local This section of the interpretive plan audiences make little use of the recognizes that interpretive techniques park. At the same time, the park, and audiences are inter-related—some through partnerships and limited land interpretive tools are better adapted acquisition, increasingly connects events to, or appeal to, particular audiences. that occurred in the core village to what So, although all audiences are welcome happened in the surrounding area. and invited to participate in the park’s Together, these realities suggest the need interpretive programs, staff discussions to develop additional programming that suggest that five audiences should will appeal to more local residents. receive specific attention during the life
20 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
Virtual Audiences Accessibility and Audiences John Falk and Lynn Dierking, in Potential audiences increasingly turn to The NPS is committed to developing the Internet and distance learning outlets The Museum Experience, argue that a comprehensive strategy to provide for both information and interpretation. visitors are strongly influenced by the people with disabilities equal access to Since this trend is likely to accelerate, all programs, activities, services, and physical aspects of museums, including this LRIP needs to develop strategies facilities. As part of that effort, Harpers architecture, ambience, smell, sound, to use new and emerging technologies Ferry Center developed “Programmatic to reach cyber-savvy audiences in cost and the “feel of the place.” Accessibility Guidelines for National effective and sustainable ways. Park Service Interpretive Media” and made them and other resources available Latinos at (www.nps.gov/hfc/accessibility/index. As U.S. demographics shift, there will htm). be additional opportunities in the future to connect the national narrative, Concern for increased accessibility preserved and interpreted in the national is a significant motivating factor in park system, to audiences with diverse recommendations associated with backgrounds, particularly Latinos. exhibit redistribution. Emphasis on compelling stories that transcend individual experience and are As the park revises or rehabilitates universal to the human narrative—the existing interpretive programming and uncertainty that pervaded the surrender develops new interpretive media, staff at Appomattox, for example—will must consult these guidelines. help to increase the relevance of the park’s themes to all audiences. As the park achieves other interpretive goals, proactive outreach will help identify specific programming that might attract Latinos.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 21 Exisiting Conditions
Interpretive Facilities Courthouse / Visitor Center The park has one visitor center housed in the reconstructed (1964) courthouse located in the center of the historic village. The building also serves as the park’s primary museum space. The NPS reconstructed the building to look like the original courthouse on the exterior, but with modern facilities inside. It is a two-story structure that contains a visitor orientation desk, exhibits, restrooms, and water fountains on the main floor. The second floor, accessible only by stairs, contains a 70-seat auditorium plus the majority of the park’s primary museum and interpretive exhibits. There are two 15-minute audio-video presentations that are alternately shown on the hour and half-hour. Those programs also can be viewed on a monitor on the first floor of the visitor center. There is an assisted listening device that allows visitors to use headphones in the second-floor auditorium or when viewing the first- floor monitor. These headphones provide customized volume control as well as some verbal descriptions of the artwork in between the program narration. The visitor center is where most visitors begin their tour of the park. On average, 60,000 visitors use the center each year. Upon arrival, visitors receive a map/brochure of the park and are oriented to the park’s layout and programs available that day—typically ranger-led and first person living history programs. The audiovisual programs are shown year-round. In the summer, staff collect the park’s entrance fee at a station by the parking lot and visitors are directed to the visitor center; during slower months, staff collect the fee in the visitor center.
One interpreter typically staffs the visitor center.
Current visitor center exhibits
22 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
The McLean House The McLean House is a reconstruction (1948/49) of the original home built in 1848. The parlor of the home was the site of the surrender meeting between generals Lee and Grant. The property consists of the home (three floors and six rooms), an icehouse, slave quarters, and outdoor or summer kitchen, all open to the public. The parlor is furnished with a combination of original but mostly reproduction pieces and looks very much as it did on the day of the surrender. The rest of the rooms of the house and outbuildings are furnished with period pieces reflecting the McLeans’ economic status.
When the gradient of the yard can be negotiated, the ground floor of the main house (two rooms: dining room and warming kitchen) is wheelchair accessible. Otherwise, all of the other rooms are inaccessible, including the parlor. The McLean House today
On average, the McLean House gets about the same visitation (60,000/year) as the visitor center. Except on slower winter days, the house is staffed all day by an interpreter who greets visitors and interprets the events that unfolded there on April 9, 1865. Visitors are invited to tour the rest of the property on their own and to ask further questions. Interpreters are encouraged to “read” visitors and look for ways to help them connect to the site and to feel comfortable asking questions that they may have been hesitant to ask.
Although there are multiple stories that involve other parts of the park (the campaign, the battles, village life, and Reconstruction), the McLean House remains the destination for most visitors. It will always be the answer to the oft-asked question, “where did it happen?”
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 23 Exisiting Conditions
The Village Besides the courthouse and the McLean House complex, there are 20 other structures in the village ranging from small privies to larger, multi-story structures. Ten of the structures are original and 10 are reconstructed. Nine structures are open to the public, either to enter or to look inside. These include the tavern guesthouse, although it is temporarily closed because it contains no exhibits. Eleven structures are not open to the public and in some cases have other functions. The Peers House is used for park housing, and the Isbell House is the administrative headquarters for the park. The tavern kitchen building is original and today serves as the park bookstore. Besides the ground floor of the visitor center and tavern guesthouse, it is the only building accessible by wheelchair. The ground floor of the jail has no steps, but has a steep grade leading to the entrance. The jail, Clover Hill Tavern, Meeks Village Landscape, 2010 Store, storehouse, Woodson Law Office, and the McLean complex are all open to the public and furnished to a period appearance to help convey a sense of village life in 1865. The Jones Law Office is also open and furnished, but conveys a mixed interpretive message that should be addressed. The building is called a law office, but is furnished as a shoe cobbler’s shop and residence. Also the interior walls have not been restored and the exterior boards are visible from the inside.
None of the buildings, except the McLean House, are routinely staffed and are viewed by visitors on a self-guiding basis. The typical exceptions are occasional printing demonstrations presented by an interpreter in the west room of the Clover Hill Tavern. These programs explain how Confederate soldiers Parole printing press demonstration were paroled, including why and how that process was accomplished. The demonstration uses a reproduction printing press, ink, and paper to create reproduction parole passes that serve as keepsakes for visitors. The other occasional staffing exception may be a temporary display/presentation in the tavern guesthouse.
Parole pass
24 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
The current setting of the village The other significant element in the It was the road used by Lee and Grant also includes properties (village lots) village is the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage to get to the McLean House for the that are now vacant but would have Road. This road serves as a catalyst to surrender meeting, and it was the road contained structures in 1865. The park tell the park’s most important stories. It that was used to stack and receive the brochure/map identifies the location of was the early 1800s construction of the arms of Lee’s Confederate troops. 31 additional buildings that no longer road that led to the original formation of stand. These buildings include homes, the village. The dwindling importance shops, stables, slave quarters, and offices. of the stage road after 1855 (because Some of these locations are identified of the new railroad) led to the village’s with small signs, some are not identified demise. This road brought Lee’s army to at all, and only the original county jail Appomattox, and it was along it that the building is marked with a portion of its armies fought their last battles. foundation (corners) exposed.
Stage Road 2010
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 25 Exisiting Conditions
Interpretive Media
Audiovisual Programs of the original exhibits are interspersed Further away from the courthouse and within more recent climate controlled McLean House, along the outskirts There are two a/v programs shown in cases containing original McLean of the village and pull-off areas along the visitor center to orient visitors to parlor pieces, uniforms, flags, weapons, Highway 24, more waysides are used the historical events leading up to and etc. A fiber-optic map covers the final to highlight the Lee-Grant meeting of including the surrender of Lee’s Army campaign, and a “sound and light show” April 10, the stacking of arms, the battles, of Northern Virginia. These programs focuses on the Lee-Grant meeting and Grant’s and Lee’s headquarters, etc. were originally created as slide programs the terms of surrender. Individually in the mid-1970s and have since been these exhibits and artifacts are effective-- Park Brochure/Map converted to DVD format. One program and to many even impressive. Though highlights the Appomattox Campaign, the exhibits are chronological, the Because the visitor experience is describing the military events leading up final glass case feels crowded and lacks fundamentally self-guiding, the current to and including the surrender of Lee’s cohesion. Also, it should be noted, the brochure is critical. One side of the army. The other program focuses on park’s most significant exhibits and brochure gives brief informational the various perspectives of the soldiers, presentation of artifacts are located sketches of the surrender, the village, and North and South, who participated on the second floor of the courthouse the park today, but the map side is most in the surrender events, particularly and not physically accessible. useful for visitors in the park. It shows the stacking of arms. The programs the village core in three-dimensions do not orient visitors to the modern and adds “ghosted” images of buildings Wayside Exhibits park. Though the programs do treat that existed in 1865 but are no longer the surrender, and to a lesser degree More than a dozen wayside exhibits standing. This is a powerful tool for the campaign, they do not address the highlight key information about visitors who want to visualize the village Appomattox story as the beginning of particular places and events, all as it looked when the surrender Reconstruction. directly related to the battles and/or the took place. surrender events that took place around Museum the village in April 1865. Waysides are used strategically in the park. In the The museum is located on the second core of the historic village there are only floor of the courthouse/visitor center two (tavern and McLean House) and building. The exhibits have evolved since they are placed within fences and are the reconstruction of the building in unobtrusive on the historic landscape. 1964. Today it is apparent that of some
26 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
Other Park Publications Personal Services Presently the park offers two site Staffing bulletins: “The Trail Map for the In addition to the division chief (GS History Trail” and a “Birder’s List,” 11), there is a lead ranger that serves as both available at the visitor center desk. the education coordinator (GS-9), and There is another site bulletin in draft that three park guides (GS-5), two of which addresses the causes of the Civil War. are subject to furlough and typically It has been suggested that perhaps that off two pay periods during the winter. draft could be broken into two bulletins, The division is able to hire six seasonal one documenting the political rationale interpreters. Three of these positions for the war, and a separate bulletin are paid by Centennial Initiative money. profiling the different reasons soldiers One of the seasonal positions is devoted fought. This dual approach may better to the living history program, leaving reveal the complexities of the war and its five in traditional “green and grey” causes. positions. It should be noted that the park’s cooperating association, Eastern Website National, pays for an additional living Since the NPS conversion to the Content history performer. Management System, the park’s website has been slow to grow, primarily Another significant factor in staffing due to staffing, but there have been is the Volunteer In Parks programs. In improvements. The basic information FY10, the division benefited from over needed to plan a visit is included along 9,000 VIP hours, well over four full- with suggestions for planning a field time equivalent (FTE) positions. These trip, a photo gallery, and information were quality hours that contributed to about the surrender. There is currently every facet of the division’s functions: an effort to expand the web content in daily staffing, formal programs, living response to research questions received history, special events, and education through the website, and to provide programming. more educational material for teachers.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 27 Exisiting Conditions
Programs Education Interpretive programming is a significant The majority of school visits to the park part of the division’s function. take place in April and May with a flurry Approximately 70% of all park visitors of visits in October. participate in at least one formal program during their visit. The most Otherwise, school visits are sporadic attended programs are the living history the rest of the year. Again, when staffing programs that run full-time (at least permits (and this includes VIPs), school three and often six programs a day) groups are broken into smaller groups during the summer and weekends in and moved through the village to three, the fall as funding permits. Ranger-led four, or even five stations. Some stations programs also are offered all summer. naturally deal with the surrender, others During the slower winter months cover the physical culture of the soldiers the McLean House is open only as a and the villagers. There is also a weapons guided ranger tour. Other programs demonstration. include (when staffing permits): parole printing demonstrations in the Clover Hill Tavern, particularly during summer weekends; historic weapon firing demonstrations (often for school groups); and special events, typically weekend encampments in April and October featuring a stacking of arms ceremony, among other demonstrations. Ranger programs
28 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
Another element of the education Outreach program is the summer day camps. Usually in July there are six to eight dates In recent years there had not been a selected to host day camps. great deal of outreach, mostly owing to Many of these camps have Civil War vacancies and general staffing levels. In themes although some have natural the last year, however, the park has been resource themes. Kids from ages 7 to 12 expanding outreach programming. In spend five hours in the park participating the summer of 2009, the park offered 12 in numerous hands-on activities designed programs at nearby Holliday Lake State to teach about life during the Civil War Park. The park also attended the town’s and the surrender at Appomattox. Railroad Festival weekend and has presented several park programs in local Outreach education has been limited, libraries. It will take planning and staffing School program mostly because of staffing outside of the to continue expanded outreach. summer months, but there have been recent efforts to increase the number of school programs off-site.
Summer camp
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 29 Exisiting Conditions
Special Events Current special events emphasize quality over quantity. In that vein, the park has set aside the third weekend in April and the second weekend in October for re-enactment units to stage weekend encampments, various military demonstrations, and a stacking of arms ceremony. All programs are designed for public attendance. All units must be selected by the park after careful reference checks are done and the unit commanders are made fully aware of the park’s expectations. Groups are booked one to two years in advance. Special event
The April event is the third weekend so that it doesn’t interfere with anniversary programs that run April 8-12. During those five days, the park historian organizes a program schedule that includes park staff and invited guests to deliver surrender theme- related programs and special living history demonstrations. The park also holds an annual Civil War Seminar with Longwood University on the last Saturday in February or the first Saturday in March.
Stacking Of Arms special event
30 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
Partnerships
Eastern National (sales) Appomattox County School System Also in 2009, the division entered into an additional agreement with the school The division benefits from the park’s In 2009, the division entered into system, the Youth Internship Program. partnership with Eastern National. As multiple partnerships with the This also is a two-year program that referenced earlier, Eastern National Appomattox County School System. The introduces two minority high schools pays for one of the two living history Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program is a students to the NPS, with emphasis positions. The education and visitor two-year agreement that brings a high on the students exploring the NPS as services division share with Eastern school American history teacher into a possible career. These students are National an interest in visitors staying the park for the summer to help the park introduced to the park, visit seven other longer in the park, becoming more develop curriculum-based educational NPS units during their first summer, interested in the park story, and materials and to learn what the roles and and travel to several more during their consequently buying more books from responsibilities are of an interpretive second summer, including the regional the Eastern National bookstore, which park ranger in the National Park Service. and Washington offices. The students in turn pays for programming such as During National Park Week in April the are not only exposed to the agency but the living history position. Also, Eastern teacher wears the NPS uniform at school also do work within various divisions to National provides an important service and provides programs around the develop a sense of what their interests for the visitors: an opportunity to take school system about the NPS. may be within the agency. a memento from the park or to read more about the important stories of Appomattox.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 31 Exisiting Conditions
Museum of the Confederacy (MOC) Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park The mission of the Society is to operate the Museum and White House of On April 6 at Sailor’s Creek, Sheridan’s the Confederacy to serve as the cavalry and elements of the Second preeminent world center for the display, and Sixth Corps cut off about one-fifth study, interpretation, commemoration, of the retreating Confederate army, and preservation of the history most of them surrendering. This action and artifacts of the Confederate States of was considered the death knell of the America. Confederate army and key to Lee’s decision to surrender at Appomattox MOC intends to create a system of Court House 72 hours later, thus ending museums, including one at Appomattox, the war in Virginia. Upon seeing the each with a full visitor experience and survivors streaming along the road, major artifacts. Semi-permanent exhibits Lee exclaimed, “My God, has the will focus on local importance during army dissolved?” the Civil War (such as Lee’s uniform and sword he wore while meeting with Sailor’s Creek State Park includes the Grant at Appomattox) supplemented Overton-Hillsman House. Used as a field by rotating exhibits from MOC’s vast hospital during and after the battle, the collections storage. house is open June through August and by request. Period costumed interpreters commemorate park battles and conduct “The idea of combining artifacts other living history events throughout with battlefields will bring new the year. Motorists will enjoy Lee’s Retreat Driving Tour, which follows the life to both.” route of his army from Petersburg to Appomattox Court House. While on President O. James Lighthizer, Civil the trail, drivers can set the radio to AM War Preservation Trust 1610 for battle details and descriptions.
32 National Park Service Exisiting Conditions
Issues & Initiatives
In order to develop the most effective might be used interpretively: the As possible, given the historic interpretive programs and media, tavern guesthouse; McLean House character of park structures, workshop planning must acknowledge and seek to kitchen; tavern; courthouse; and participants will be invited to suggest address management realities, including Jones Law Office. accessibility solutions. issues that are closely linked to providing desired audience experiences. As the park implements the GMP, Outlying Areas and Extended Stay additional space may become available Park Issues (the Isbell House, tavern kitchen, and Although the village is, and undoubtedly the Mariah Wright House), and the will remain, the core of an interpretive In preparing for this LRIP planning interpretive use of those buildings experience for many visitors, the park’s process, park staff identified several should be discussed as part of the story is enriched whenever audiences issues critical to successful interpretive LRIP process. recognize and become immersed in programming. Those issues are: stories associated with natural and As the LRIP details the park’s desired cultural resources beyond the village audience experience, workshop core. There are significant features Themes, Spaces, Landscapes, participants will explore the overall outside the village that are tied to the and Media management and appearance of the central themes. The park should find As a primary goal, the LRIP will match village setting, both cultural and natural ways to encourage visitor access to these the park’s themes with physical spaces landscapes and resources, and determine areas and use them in park programs. available for interpretation. At the same visual elements (marking buildings that time, the LRIP will recommend the best have been removed, for example), new As workshop participants consider interpretive media for communicating technologies, or personal services that desired audience experiences they will those themes given the suitability and might enhance identify opportunities to encourage conditions (light, accessibility, heating/ the identified experience goals. exploration of the entire park including air conditioning, humidity control, size, trails and waysides as well as non-park, etc.) of available spaces. As a balanced interpretive program re theme-related resources in the area. emerges from planning, staff will assess Efforts to extend the length of stay After reviewing the assessment of how park materials present visiting of on-site visitors can only broaden existing conditions (see above), options and recommend any changes understanding of the park’s stories. workshop participants will consider how needed to realign audience expectations space in all or several of the following with reality.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 33 Exisiting Conditions
Audiovisual Media and Technology Associated discussions will be The Future of America’s National particularly important since local Parks: Summary of Park Centennial The GMP recommends creation of a communities include underserved Strategies (see Appendix 2 for a list new audiovisual program that orients groups, African Americans in particular. of goals) on-site visitors to the park setting and The final plan will recommend addresses the park’s current themes, a programming to heighten relevance to program that will strike an appropriate students and residents. “National Park Service leaders . . . balance between contextual and place- will review and update their centennial based storylines and that resonates with 150th Anniversary diverse audiences over a span of many strategies each year in support of a years. 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the second century of preservation, Appomattox Campaign, the surrender, conservation, and enjoyment.” In addition, several NPS planning and the onset of Reconstruction. As documents recommend creative with similar events, the sesquicentennial The Future of America’s exploration and use of existing and provides opportunities for integration National Parks emerging technologies including the of recent scholarship into the historical Internet. narrative, for contemporary debate on event relevance particularly to extended Holding the High Ground (see Appendix 3 for goals) The LRIP will identify objectives for a audiences, and for exploration of the new orientation program and consider legacy and continued relevance of appropriate ways to use technology watershed events. effectively. NPS Initiatives Education and Outreach In addition to local issues, the National Because park staff are committed to Park Service has announced servicewide expanding outreach to educators and initiatives that individual parks should local residents, the LRIP will include support. recommendations, linked to 21st century realities of funding and testing, that advance these efforts.
34 National Park Service Actions
Introduction
Part 2 of the LRIP describes the actions Many of the bulleted items are Part 1 should function as a yardstick that park staff and partners will take to dependent on funding not in hand. against which new ideas are measured— build on The Foundation, described in Those actions will be noted in the does a new idea reach targeted Part 1, during the next 5-10 years. implementation charts. Other actions audiences, address an identified issue, can be completed only if additional offer a desired audience experience, etc. This plan is intended to be a dynamic staffing becomes available—they also When properly used, Part 1 provides document that responds to changing will be identified on the charts. priorities that can help move interpretive conditions. Staff will revisit the plan on programming in a consistent direction an annual basis and make adjustments, Since viable plans need to be nimble, despite changing times. remove accomplished tasks, and identify responsive to changing conditions, staff new projects for action. also can and should take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. No plan Each action item included in Part 2 is can foresee every eventuality. This LRIP bulleted in the plan narrative and listed provides a framework for considering in implementation charts near the end other interpretive proposals as of this document. Those charts identify they emerge. the staff position responsible for moving each action forward and the fiscal year or years when progress is expected.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 35 Actions
Organization
Although the themes, audiences, • The LRIP will recommend creative • Since 2015 marks the 150th audience experiences, and issues exploration and use of existing and anniversary of the Appomattox described in Part 1 suggest many ways to emerging technologies for orientation, Campaign, the surrender, and the focus interpretive programming for the interpretation, and education. onset of Reconstruction, it provides next several years, Part 2 is organized to opportunities for integration of recent focus on the priorities identified by park • Because park staff are committed to scholarship into the historical narrative, staff during the 2009 scoping trip. expanding outreach to educators, local for contemporary debate on event residents, and underserved groups, the relevance, and for exploration of the Specifically, this part of the plan focuses LRIP will include recommendations, legacy of watershed events. on actions related to the park’s desire linked to 21st-century realities of to address specific issues related to funding and classroom demands, that interpretation: advance these efforts.
• As a primary goal, the LRIP will match the park’s themes with physical spaces available for interpretation, and recommend the best interpretive media for communicating those themes and providing desired audience experiences.
• Since the park’s story is enriched whenever audiences recognize and become immersed in stories associated with resources not only within but also beyond the village core, the LRIP will suggest ways to encourage interpretation of the whole park, particularly of those actual places associated with historic events.
36 National Park Service Actions
Actions to Match Spaces with Themes/Experiences
The park is fortunate to have several spaces that could be available for new or repositioned interpretive media. This LRIP, combined with the park’s new GMP, provides a timely opportunity to match themes and audience experiences with appropriate physical spaces and interpretive media.
In addition, selection of Appomattox as the site for one of the Museum of the Confederacy’s regional museums, with the MOC’s expansive artifact collection, reinforces the value of pairing a partner’s exhibits with the sites of actual events included within the park.
Village Entry Although first impressions may be formed by online interaction with the park’s Walkway into the village website, or as visitors drive into the park along Highway 24, entry into the village usually begins at the parking lot.
The following actions look at that initial, pedestrian approach to the village.
• Reevaluate the entry feature at the nexus between the parking lot and the walkway to the village. Do the existing flagpole and outdoor exhibit with map match the park’s orientation and audience experience goals? As actions in this LRIP are implemented, should the content or the appearance of the entry be adjusted? Should it be more evocative of 1865?
• While the primary walkway to the courthouse, along the gravel path, helps the large majority of visitors make the transition into the past, the gradient proves to be a challenge for some visitors. An alternative village approach might be identified, and marked, for those needing a gentler slope.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 37 Actions
Visitor Center Today, as in 1865, the courthouse stands tall at the center of village life. Although the GMP considered other circulation and orientation options, during the life of this LRIP the courthouse will remain a focal point of the landscape and a logical place to provide introductions to both the park’s themes and visiting options. It should not, however, become THE destination. Instead it should function as a staging area for ranger tours and a portal into an informed visit to the wider park.
The building’s physical realities—size, construction, use of interior space, and limited accessibility in particular—make creative use of both first and second floors a challenge. To the extent possible, recommended actions will programmatically address the building’s physical limitations making them a high priority for funding and implementation. Improving accessibility lies at the core of many of the recommendations included in this plan, particularly actions that will affect the visitor center and the distribution of interpretation throughout the village.
In addition to improving accessibility, exhibit recommendation will 1) provide better orientation to the park 2) better reflect the themes in the park’s GMP and 3) encourage visitation to see more of the park.
The current visitor reception area on the first floor contains a reception desk recessed in a niche. In the gathering space opposite the desk is a rectangular room with glass exhibit cases containing rare assets and related narrative text. Unfortunately, the desk counter is too high and the cabinet exhibits address segments of the park’s stories rather than interpret the primary themes. The layout of the space is not conducive to interpretive interaction with staff and does not engender the concept of discovery Visitor reception area that should envelop each visitor and encourage them to go out and see the park’s authentic places.
38 National Park Service Actions
The second floor of the courthouse, the • Complete a parkwide accessibility Federal and Confederate soldiers, black location of both the park theater and assessment and white civilians, men and women, theme-related exhibits, is not accessible poor and wealthy all faced their own to visitors who cannot climb steps. The • Produce a new audiovisual program uncertain future as a result of what organization of the exhibits may not be that can be shown in both the 2nd floor happened at Appomattox. readily apparent to all, and segments of theater of the courthouse and on a first the exhibit have been revised or altered floor monitor that is integrated into the 4) Beyond content, this program will at different times. surrounding interpretive setting. be structured so that it represents the beginning of a learning process, The following actions are intended to As with any introductory AV program, it a catalyst for viewers to leave the preserve the courthouse as a viable visitor will have several focused objectives. courthouse and find the authentic center while improving access, for all settings that altered the arc of history for audiences, to the central themes of the 1) It will use the strengths of the medium both the nation and individuals. park. to immerse viewers in another time even as it answers basic questions like why the • Immediately, park staff need to prepare surrender occurred at Appomattox. Authentic: requests that will earmark the funding genuine, original, real, bona fide necessary to improve interpretation in 2) It will use the power of film to tap into Encarta World English Dictionary three areas: the park’s emotional underpinnings, particularly the uncertainty triggered by The visitor center and exhibits to be those April events. distributed throughout village buildings. 3) It will explain not only the basic Media that will enhance wayfinding and interpretive themes developed during interpretation of the park’s historic the GMP (see “Themes” above) but landscapes and viewsheds. also will remind viewers that there are many ways to assess the past and Additional personal services and staffing multiple perspectives on the legacies of to oversee media development, Appomattox. volunteers, and educational programs, and to provide adequate staffing for the 150th anniversary.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 39 Actions
The length of the program remains to • Initiate a comprehensive process of Replace the existing art of the village be determined. Current park programs redesigning exhibits for the courthouse now behind the information desk with hold viewer attention even though they to stress the orientation function of the the image used in the park’s official tend to be longer than other orientation building and use dramatic, iconic images brochure. This newer map shows films that average 10-12 minutes. and artifacts to begin immersion into the existing buildings along with ghost Planners should keep in mind, however, park’s themes and authentic places. images of buildings removed since 1865. that as other interpretive media are put into place per this plan, on-site Workshop participants generated many Retain some version of the 3-D map of audiences may find more incentive to ideas that should be seriously considered the village, perhaps incorporating it into explore beyond the courthouse and during redesign discussions including: a redesigned, accessible information could, in turn, find longer AV programs desk. less attractive. Consider installing stylistically cohesive and monetarily modest signage on the Consider developing a time line that Finally, the need to upgrade the second floor to help visitors grasp and summarizes the period covered by courthouse’s audiovisual hardware follow the chronology of the exhibits. the park’s themes. It might even be is critical. The park needs newer, interactive, offered as an option on sustainable, and cost effective theater As exhibits already planned are installed the audiovisual hardware that will be equipment to ensure that this lynchpin on the second floor, and space becomes installed on the first floor. of interpretation remains reliably available, distribute, highlight, and available. On the first floor, the park interpret McLean House artifacts. needs to configure an audiovisual presentation that is fully integrated into its setting rather than an obvious add-on. Sound and seating need to be planned so they do not interfere with ranger orientation.
40 National Park Service Actions
Develop programmatic access to the exhibits that will continue to be displayed on the second floor. Perhaps use a few iconic artifacts or images to introduce and present the primary narrative developed more fully upstairs.
Design and install a modest, climate- controlled exhibit case that can be used for artifacts on loan from interpretive partners.
Convert or supplement the existing, static, wall-mounted images of soldiers to an AV program that uses a flat screen as a space saving feature. Though civilian Wall of Honor images are scarce, add additional images that help to present other perspectives on events. Add a search feature that allows viewers to sort the images via categories to be determined.
The presentation of this program will be integrated into the overall first floor design and might use the same hardware installed to show the theater film to audiences that cannot climb stairs to the theater. If space becomes an issue during redesign, this image exhibit could be shifted to Clover Hill Tavern where it also would work well thematically. Existing wayside exhibit
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 41 Actions
Identify appropriate techniques that will It would capture the diversity of • As exhibits are modified on the second encourage visitors to the courthouse to populace and provide an interpretive floor of the courthouse (and throughout explore the wider park by, tool for use indoors as well as a powerful the park), ensure that light levels and text for example . . . incentive to move outdoors and explore. point size meet accessibility standards. And it would elevate the interpretive 1) Preparing a teaser at the beginning or potential of the courthouse first floor. • As the courthouse, village core, end of the theater program or additional and the whole park are interpretively images of park buildings and exhibits. 4) Creating an “object theater” within reconfigured, conduct a review of park the current exhibit area. The object provided materials to ensure that they 2) Developing a visual display that theater would provide a computer- accurately reflect current themes and highlights the park’s many authentic sequenced audiovisual experience, audience experiences. sites—places that can legitimately lay highlighting some of the most significant claim to an “it happened here” label. artifacts from park’s collection. The room could accommodate standing 3) Creating a large mural of the village and sitting visitors and the program that captures some moment in April narrative could run on a loop, a pre 1865. Via the art of a well-established arranged schedule, or on demand. As Civil War artist, this mural would help special lighting highlights artifacts, a bring the village to life by peopling video narrative would explain each buildings and streets. It would infill object’s relevance to the park’s primary current landscapes and line streetscapes themes and connect object and theme to with structures documented but authentic park sites. demolished.
42 National Park Service Actions
Clover Hill Tavern The tavern not only played an important role in the April surrender but also occupies a prominent place in the landscape of the 21st-century village. Building on the printing press installation that already is in place and the living history programs that will continue on the tavern porch in season, this is one of the best locations to interpret the immediate surrender aftermath.
The following actions are intended to interpret the personal stories of both Confederate and Federal soldiers as they face the uncertainty of post-war life.
• Retain the printing demonstration, interpretation of parole, and living history programs. Expand them as budget and visitation make it feasible.
Living history program at Clover Hill Tavern
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 43 Actions
• Use the nearly vacant room in the • This type of program would be • Move the village restoration/archeology tavern, across from the printing presses, appealing for adults and included in exhibit that is in use on the first floor of to install an exhibit that interprets stories the Junior Ranger Program. While it the courthouse into the guesthouse. associated with the immediate aftermath also would be appropriate for the Movement of this and other exhibits will of the surrender. For example: the courthouse, installing it in another require coordination to avoid obvious impact of Lee’s General Order #9; the village structure, like the tavern, would gaps in courthouse interpretation. process of going home and readjustment provide an additional incentive to visit for both Federal and Confederate troops; beyond the principal two attractions. • Keep the floor space open so that the speed with which the news of the school groups can go inside in inclement surrender spread around the country; This tavern space is available weather. the impact of Lincoln’s assassination; immediately. other Confederate surrenders; disposal of army property (Billy Hix story); Tavern Guesthouse opportunism and ill fortune associated with post-war life; the struggle to move Also available for interpretive use beyond sectionalism vs. efforts to stoke immediately, the guesthouse is the embers of conflict; and the problems unconditioned space unsuitable for the faced by former slaves. display of sensitive artifacts.
• Consider adding an interactive screen Given the history of the building since that allows a visitor to pick any unit that NPS acquisition, it would serve as a participated in the battle and discover logical place to interpret building Tavern Guesthouse where that unit was at Appomattox and restoration and archeology. access information about that unit— commander, casualties, other battles, The following actions are intended to use what was left of the unit and how many the guesthouse, one of several restored were paroled. This program might be village structures, to interpret the processes designed to allow visitors to input a zip used to research and reassemble the code to see if any units from that locale current village streetscapes. were present for the surrender.
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Appomattox County Jail The “new county jail” building reminds visitors that the village was not only a farm community but also a public venue, a place for government business and official functions. Completed after the war, the “new” jail is an appropriate place to interpret the impacts of Reconstruction on the county populace (roughly 50% white and 50% black at the time).
The following actions are intended to introduce visitors to the era of Reconstruction using Appomattox County as a case study.
• Design and install a new exhibit on the first floor of the jail that explains how the village functioned as the county seat and that explores the ways that Reconstruction affected the village and county. New Jail As with several other village structures, the jail does not have heat or air conditioning, a reality that must influence exhibit design.
“By the terms of the Agreement officers and men can return to their homes and remain there until exchanged.” R.E. Lee, Genl
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 45 Actions
McLean House The McLean House is the primary destination of most park visitors. Despite the building’s interesting post-war preservation history, the parlor visit is an appropriate objective for those who seek a compelling connection to the surrender. It legitimately can claim to be one of the places where history changed course.
The following actions are intended to first and foremost present and preserve the significance of the surrender but also to help humanize the impact of the war through interpretation of the lives of the McLeans and their household.
• Retain the parlor as it is.
• Design and install new exhibits on the ground floor of the house that focus on the McLean family, village residents, and the enslaved who helped maintain the household.
• Continue planning that will use the detached Mclean kitchen and slave quarters to interpret the African American war and Reconstruction experiences. • The US Colored Troop exhibit now in the courthouse might be reused for some portion of this exhibit, although removal will need to be coordinated to avoid an obvious gap in courthouse interpretation.
The park also has information about the role that blacks played in local history, narratives linked to local slaves and free blacks, information about a slave killed during the fighting around the village, about black teamsters at Appomattox, and evidence of black Confederates on parole lists. Each of these stories can be included This doll was in the McLean House parlor in an expanded exhibit that touches on the impact that Reconstruction and programs during the surrender. It belonged to the like the Freedmen’s Bureau had on local African Americans. McLean’s daughter Lula.
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Impact of GMP-recommended When that occurs, the Isbell House and At some point, the Clover Hill Tavern construction the house stable might become the park’s kitchen might serve as a better location education center. Back Lane would for the proposed African American The park’s General Management Plan provide direct walking access between experience exhibit. recommends limited new construction the house and bus parking and provide that will eventually make additional a new circulation flow that would help space available in the Clover Hill Tavern ease students into their park visit. kitchen (now used for park sales) and the Isbell House (now used by park administration).
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 47 Actions
Actions That Encourage Use Beyond the Village Core
As the park has been conceived to date, The following actions are intended to 1) An alternative primary image across the village helps audiences experience a encourage visits outside the core village the top of the brochure, perhaps even different environment and alternate time and to place the actual surrender in the village mural suggested for the period. By removing modern intrusions, the parlor in context by encouraging interior of the courthouse, might capture it sets the stage for interpretive media audiences to understand other place-based the park’s sense of place more effectively. that focus on the park’s themes park stories. and specifically the significance of 2) Carefully chosen images of park Appomattox. Personal services—visitor • Park staff should take another look at visitors, kept up-to-date, might suggest a orientation, ranger and volunteer talks, the official park brochure and evaluate its sense of activity, liveliness, and program education programs, and living history— effectiveness. While the addition of the participant diversity. provide an effective and flexible entrée “ghost” buildings to the large village map into the park’s stories, particularly in is a significant interpretive improvement, 3) If the park hopes to encourage season when those programs are most all features on the map seem to be equal. visitation outside the core village, the active. They should be continued to the There is little to suggest hierarchy, and tiny park map might need to be enlarged extent that staffing, budget, and visitation little to encourage on-site visitors to and supplemented with text or images dictate. explore beyond the core and discover that entice exploration. the park’s range of authentic sites and On-site audiences, however, now see contemplative vistas. little incentive to move beyond the handful of buildings clustered around Workshop participants made similar the courthouse. As a result, they leave comments about the “front” of the without a real sense of the scope of the brochure where compartmentalized text April events and never come face to seems designed to touch many bases face with some of the most poignant rather than focus interpretation on and personal stories associated with the what is most significant. Changes might surrender. include . . .
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• Installation of some form of mow over, Although questions remain about the At the same time, staff should explore low-maintenance system that marks usefulness of a smart phone-based the various ways to use emerging the location of building sites would program if introduced tomorrow, that technology and be ready to move to provide not only a more complete sense is not the reality. Instead, it seems likely content development as soon as possible, of the village in 1865 but also provide that over the life of this plan, perhaps confident that the input prepared will interpretive infill that will draw visitors within the next handful of years that it be portable enough to migrate to ever along the stage road, a significant village will take to develop a quality program, changing smart phone hardware. feature and one of the reasons Lee and the technological dust will begin to Grant converged at McLean’s parlor. settle. More audiences will have ready Simple markers would avoid the need access to smart phones and willingly use According to Wikipedia, although there for extensive research on building size them during their visit. And the park currently (3/4/10) is no industry and footprint. will have new exhibits with more diverse standard, “a smartphone is a mobile content to highlight. phone offering advanced capabilities, • In order to avoid the intrusive nature of modern on-site signs, no matter Given the promise of technology, the often with PC-like functionality.” how sensitively designed, workshop park should begin now to define the participants encourage exploration objectives of a village or park tour and of the creation of a park tour using develop an outline explaining how it smart phone technology. Smart phone could be organized effectively, keeping a applications may be an ideal way to close eye on park themes and audience enliven and expand interpretation of the experiences. park’s landscapes while empowering users to choose their own paths of discovery and perspectives on the past.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 49 Actions
• Use the building now called the Jones option, supplemented with additional • Consider ways to focus more Law Office for an exhibit profiling the information about the artist, the interpretive attention on the importance middle-class residents of the village locations, and additional Civil War art of the stage road that ran through the through Reconstruction. by Frankenstein and others. village. Discuss the need for additional landscaping along the path of the road, • Past experience suggests that the Plan, design, and write a small series creation of a walking trail along the stage addition of an African American living of wayside exhibits that feature the road trace to the site of the Coleman history character might be an effective paintings as a central interpretive House, and installation of a pull-off/vista way to present other perspectives on graphic. along Gordon Lane. the park’s themes and attract visitors to locations close to, but outside, the village Prepare a full color publication that • Outside the village core, on the core. A strategy to fund and recruit for interprets not only the Frankenstein art battlefield, add a very limited number of this position would seem a logical first but other Appomattox-related art as wayside exhibits (Root’s attack; Coleman step to reintroduction of an effective well. House site; Confederate camps; Custer/ feature of a popular program. cavalry action) and cannon (North Any of these interpretive solutions Carolina Monument and Confederate • Continue to the use the Mariah Wright would make the Frankenstein paintings, artillery park). house for the park’s successful summer now on display on the second floor of camp. the courthouse, more accessible for • Expand the Junior Ranger program to visitors with physical disabilities. encourage visits to locations outside the • Develop a “tour” based on the core village. landscape paintings of artist George Frankenstein.
The concept for this tour is simple— connect the Frankenstein paintings displayed on the second floor of the courthouse with the same vistas today— and can be accomplished in several ways. As the park explores and develops a smart phone-based program, a tour of the Frankenstein sites could be one George Frankenstein landscape
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Actions That Increase Outreach to Educators, Local, & Underserved Audiences
Appomattox attracts visitors from across C. Rather than a once and done D. As a primary tenant of any expanded the nation and around the globe. Like elementary school experience, the park programming, park staff will work many national parks, however, it is not prefers to encourage educators to use the collaboratively with educator consumers uncommon to find many local residents park at several stages in each student’s to ensure that new materials are useful. who have not visited the park recently. academic progression. Potentially, the Nor is it unusual to hear some say that park’s resources can play an important E. Recognizing that the delivery of the park has little relevance for either role in place-based education. educational lessons and materials blacks or whites living in the 21st is influenced by budget, standards century. of learning, and time constraints on “Place-based education (PBE) teachers, the park intends to be flexible Knowledge of the park’s themes suggests immerses students in local heritage, in program design. As possible, staff will otherwise, prompting staff to identify continue to accommodate well-planned several groups as fertile ground for cultures, landscapes, opportunities on-site visits and when possible send targeted interpretation. and experiences, using these as a staff off-site into the schools. However, foundation for the study of language realities of time and budget suggest Educators & School Groups arts, mathematics, social studies, science that more effort be invested in online educational opportunities, coordinated During a discussion of the future and other subjects across the curriculum. to match educator needs. for the park’s educational programs, PBE emphasizes learning through participants suggested a framework for participation in service projects for the the future. local school and/or community.” A. The park intends to retain programs for elementary grades but tap into www.promiseofplace.org national interest in youth education and expand opportunities for high school students.
B. Higher ed. can be a valuable partner, particularly given the number of colleges/universities in the region.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 51 Actions
The following actions are intended to for example, to involve students While this approach can be applied encourage educators to use the park in the development of new online parkwide, for a variety of tasks, it is within this framework. programming particularly important if the educational program is to expand. • Develop a procedure that all park • Develop and maintain a list of educator staff will use to assess the educational contacts so that park information can be • Continue to work closely with the readiness and visiting expectations of sent to targeted individuals who are the Museum of the Confederacy as they groups planning to come to the park. most likely to disseminate and use it. develop their educational program. This effort will include development of a Identify ways to share educational space menu of options, included on the park’s • Explore the use of advanced placement and develop complementary programs website and perhaps also described in an high school students for research that make the best use of the museum’s inexpensive brochure/handout, that the projects and the development of new collection and facilities and the park’s park is prepared to offer educators. By interpretive/educational materials. authentic on-site settings. sharing information, staff and educators will be better prepared to make the best • Similarly, explore the use of college The following actions are intended to use of in-park time. students/interns, Longwood University heighten contact between the park and active citizenship classes for example, for local residents. • Develop and implement a program similar that uses traveling trunks to increase the projects. • Continue to provide living history flexibility of elementary school lessons. programs, as visitation and staffing The trunks will include lesson plans and • Work with educators to develop dictate, as an effective way to present reproduction educational props. extra credit for visiting the park and the park’s themes, bring the park’s completing curriculum-based activities. stories alive, and address the intangible • Work with local educators to develop elements crucial to understanding the online materials and educational • Expand the park’s volunteer program legacies of park events. activities, particularly those that by defining specific needs and then encourage active rather than passive recruiting and training VIPs to meet learning and exposure to other NPS those needs. units.
• Use existing contacts to reach out to other educators, in media arts
52 National Park Service Actions
• Develop and publicize a speakers • Develop a special program for students encampments, living history, summer bureau of both park staff and willing who participate in one of the park’s camps, military bands, and “court partners who can present on- and off- educational programs to bring their day” celebrations to commemorate site talks on park-related themes. families back to the park when the park the liveliest days of any county seat’s will offer a variety of family focused calendar. Videotape these special events • Strengthen ties with the Girl Scouts by activities (still to be designed). so they can be re-used at other times and opening dialogue on how the park can in other interpretive venues. help achieve scouting goals and • Develop additional theme-related vice versa. events that encourage local visitation—
Encampment concert 1965 Centennial Living history progam
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 53 Actions
The following actions are intended to help • Design and present additional These actions acknowledge three African Americans discover the relevance theme-related special events that will apparent realities: of the park and increase park support and attract targeted local resident groups. visitation. Suggestions include military band 1) There are universal stories that focus performances, a Memorial Day event on shared experiences that reach across • Open additional dialogue with the with luminaries, an April 9 drumming demographics—see Appendix 1 for local African American community event based on African American a list of intangibles associated with to explore existing and possible tradition, an encampment-type event Appomattox. connections between the park and that includes US Colored Troops, a African American history, to solicit input Juneteenth event that reinforces the 2) A variety of personal stories, told from on the new African American experience connection between the surrender and multiple perspectives, are necessary to exhibit’s contents, and to uncover more the end of slavery. capture the full panorama of history. information about black history related to park themes. 3) Different groups invest leisure time Juneteenth commemorates the in different types of activities, and not • Incorporate images and topics to make announcement of the abolition everyone places a premium on the the park’s website more relevant to of slavery in Texas on June traditional pilgrimage to a national park African American audiences. or historic site. 19, 1865. It is one of several • Develop school programs, for “emancipation” celebrations older students, that focus on local still observed. demographics during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
• Develop interpretive exhibits that explore the demographics of Appomattox County during and immediately following the war—see entry for the “new” jail.
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Actions That Use Emerging Technologies
Several action items related to technology Consideration of an object theater on appear in other sections, specifically: the first floor of the courthouse.
Use of the Internet for distribution of Development of a program that makes it educational programs and interaction possible to search unit data. with educators and students. The need to upgrade existing audiovisual Exploration of smart phones for a equipment. village/park tour.
Installation of an audiovisual station on the first floor of the courthouse capable to playing the primary park AV program, displaying a database of park-related soldiers and civilians, and providing programmatic accessibility to the exhibits on the second floor.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 55 Actions
Actions to Mark the 150th Annual Focus In 2016, the focus will shift to Anniversary Reconstruction and the evolving ways At the workshop held in August 2010, that the Civil War and Appomattox have participants endorsed a thematic been remembered. Taking a Long View approach suggested by park staff. During each year leading up to the 150th Workshop participants, encouraged anniversary of the surrender, the park Actions for All Years by the superintendent, adopted a will focus on a different aspect of the long view of the 150th anniversary. The following actions (for priority order overall park themes. The sesquicentennial is a valuable see the plan’s Implementation Charts) opportunity to reach new audiences apply to all years, 2011-2016. 2011 Focus—Start of the war/ while fine-tuning the park’s interpretive mobilization of Confederate troops programming not just for a special event • Plan to offer special events every April over a weekend but more importantly and October. The April events will 2012 Focus—Union soldiers, particularly for the next decade or more. The park focus on the surrender and generally African American troops and African intends to use the heightened interest span several days including the weekend American war experiences that will accompany anniversary closest to the surrender anniversary. The events to explore important themes October event, however, will correspond 2013 Focus—Appomattox’s Confederate from a variety of different and fresh to the date of Railroad Festival in soldiers perspectives and to mainstream those Appomattox and will address the focus points of view in regularly available for the year. 2014 Focus—The war’s impact on the interpretive media. community/home front • Continue to sponsor a seminar at Longwood University every February\ 2015 Focus—The surrender of the Army March. Topics will be related to the of Northern Virginia and beginning annual focus. of peace.
56 National Park Service Actions
• Invite local residents as well as House (a “Ten Things to See Before You • Align the park’s Junior Ranger program other audiences to contribute stories, Leave” booklet). with the annual focus perhaps with an documents, and artifacts associated with annual insert or by using the “trading Appomattox, particularly descendents of • Develop special events rack cards that cards” being developed for Civil War soldiers and Appomattox civilians. can be inexpensively produced and parks. widely distributed. The cards will help • Offer to help with identification of influence visitor expectations before • Develop a program with local family Civil War items. This will they arrive by providing information schools that prepares students to proceed in three steps: planning, public on the annual storylines and by become guides for their families and for event, and display of discoveries by summarizing activities. younger students. willing owners. • Develop a modest but climate- • Work with local schools, youth, • Expand efforts to reach out the local controlled temporary exhibit space on or church groups to plan and stage African American community for oral the first floor of the visitor center that appropriate special events for other histories or artifacts associated with the will be used to highlight an important young audiences. surrender and Reconstruction. artifact related to annual focus. Partners with collections, particularly MOC, will • Adjust the content of the park’s • Create a series of site bulletins that be invited to loan an artifact(s) for this summer camp for kids to reflect the interpret the annual focus. exhibit and be recognized for the loan. annual focus. (see visitor center action items above). • Prepare proposals to print short • Seek intern funding to assist with interpretive booklets as sales items. • Retain close relations with MOC and the camp for kids and prepare theme- Booklet topics might be an outgrowth continue to explore ways to coordinate related materials. of the annual site bulletins, supplement interpretive activities. new interpretive media like the African American exhibit or the Frankenstein tour, provide a walking tour of the village as it looked in 1860 or during reconstruction, or encourage visitation beyond the visitor center/McLean
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 57 Actions
• Adjust the park’s website so that • Invite local residents as well as with partners, particularly MOC, Sailors information about the 150th is readily other audiences to contribute stories, Creek, and local schools/colleges, to available and easy to access. documents, and artifacts of individuals write columns for the series. These associated with Appomattox. columns also can be posted on the • As programs are developed, park’s website. particularly living history characters and • Plan Longwood seminar. ranger talks, videotape and preserve 2012 them for reuse. • Plan anniversary programs (April 8-12) and living history weekend (April 16-17). The annual theme will focus on Union • Explore development of Roads Scholar soldiers particularly African American (previously Elder Hostel) programs • Plan October living history weekend troops and the African Americans’ war during the off-season. Identify a with the focus on the outbreak of the experiences. This focus is particularly partner(s) to assist with planning and war and Appomattox in 1861. appropriate because of the anniversary logistics. of the Emancipation Proclamation and • Complete site bulletin on the causes of formation of USCT. the war and the village in 1861. 2011 • As MOC is completed and opened, cooperative activities will be finalized In 2011, park interpretation will focus • Establish a partnership with a local and implemented. on the outbreak of war, mobilization of news outlet to print a monthly column Confederate troops, how soldiers were related to the Civil War. While the • Plan Longwood seminar. recruited and supplied, who enlisted, focus of the column will have a regional etc. It also might introduce the impact connection, it also will place local • Plan anniversary events (April 8-13) that the beginning of the war had on the events into a broader, national context. and living history weekend (April 14-15). enslaved, migration to Union camps, and Although park staff may provide the • Plan October living history events with the North’s strategies to handle slaves who majority of these columns, there will be a focus on African American soldiers in freed themselves. ample opportunities to recruit and work the Union army.
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• Complete a site bulletin on UCST 2014 2015 and Appomattox. Focus on the war’s impact on the Interpretation will focus on the • Complete the African American exhibit community/home front. campaign and surrender. currently in planning. Combine with a • Plan spring symposium with • Rather than plan a single, large-scale speaker, book signing, etc. Longwood. event, park staff will focus on reaching audiences year round via smaller, more • Plan anniversary events (April 8-13) 2013 meaningful programming that has less and living history weekend (April 19-20). impact on park resources. Focus on Appomattox’s Confederate • Focus on civilians for October living soldiers. • Plan a more extensive, higher profile history event. During 1864, shortages spring symposium with Longwood. became acute, taxes increased, and the • Plan Longwood seminar. draft expanded. • Plan anniversary events (April 8-12). In an effort to reach more audiences and • Plan anniversary events (April 6-12) • Complete site bulletin on the limit the impact on park resources, offer and living history weekend (April 13-14). landscapes of Appomattox in 1864— a stacking of arms event several times what did the village and surroundings a day. Work with other partners along • Plan/invite Confederate units to look like. Lee’s Retreat to coordinate events (see October living history event. 2013 Appendix 4 for a preliminary schedule). coincides with the 150th anniversary of • Link to partner events at MOC, Clover Pickett’s Charge in which Appomattox Hill Village, and Lynchburg, particularly • Plan a recurring series of living history units participated. the film “Hunter’s Raid: The Battle for weekends: April 11-12; June 13-14; Lynchburg.” August 8-9; and October 10-11). The • Complete site bulletin on Confederate • Link to events at Booker T. August and October weekends will focus soldiers from Appomattox. Washington National Monument. on Union occupation, provost, and Appomattox civilians.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 59 Actions
• Work with local youth organizations • Plan a temporary exhibit that highlights • Plan spring symposium to plan and host a youth symposium Civil War items, photos, documents, etc. with Longwood connected to the long term implications preserved by local residents. of the surrender. • Plan anniversary events • Plan evening events (outside only) • Work with the local African American that will appeal to travelers who might • Plan living history programs and ranger community to research, plan, and choose to stay overnight in the area. talks that focus on how the war has present an event associated with oral Bivouac talk or candlelight tour of the been remembered. Recruit or work with traditions suggesting that drumming village, for example. partners like the United Daughters of the was a part of April 9 anniversaries. Or Confederacy or the Sons of Confederate plan a similar anniversary event marking 2016 Veterans. emancipation. Interpretation in 2016 will introduce • Complete a site bulletin on how the • Complete site bulletin on the last battle, post-war occupation and Reconstruction surrender has been observed over time. stacking of arms, or similar story. and interpret ways that the end of the war, Appomattox, and Reconstruction have • Invite descendants of the McLean, been viewed over time. The challenge will Lee, Grant, etc. families to return for be to provoke thought and discussion of a scheduled anniversary event, the post-war events. symposium for example.
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Research, Collection, Library Needs
Research is required in order to These details will be used to mark accomplish some action items included buildings now vanished, to complete in this plan. a mural for the visitor, to develop the park’s new film, and to prepare a Projects include: smart phone tour of the village and park. • Gathering information on soldier and civilian African Americans at • Gathering information, specific to Appomattox. Appomattox, that can be used to plan and prepare a Reconstruction exhibit for • Gathering additional information the new jail. about the units involved at Appomattox and linking them to current postal zip • Observing how visitors enter the village codes. This information will be used from the parking lot and how or whether in an interactive program yet to be they use the entry feature that now is in developed. place.
• Assisting with the accurate depiction of the village at the time of the surrender.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 61 Actions
Changes in Staffing & Training Needed to Implement the LRIP
Considering the types of projects • Rewrite the park’s request for staffing many media projects needed to bring recommended in this plan and the current to include additional line staff for the park to an appropriate level of expertise of park staff and partners, the the 150th, a volunteer coordinator to non-personal service in time for park needs assistance with additional properly supervise and expand the the 150th anniversary and provide staffing for the 150th anniversary park’s VIP program, and additional accessible venues for interpretation. events and increased visitation, with the staff for the expansion of the park’s Explore all possibilities including term development of electronic media, with educational and youth programs, appointments, interns, senior volunteers, expanding and adequately supervising including cooperative activities with educational partnerships, shared the park’s robust volunteer program, MOC and Appomattox schools. positions with other parks and and with enriching the educational partners, etc. programming offered to educators and • Plan to provide additional training for students. Actions include . . . the park’s volunteer coordinator. • Expand the park’s use of interns, and use the park’s available housing to • Offer training that helps staff put this • Expand volunteer training to ensure recruit beyond the local area. anniversary into the context of other that all public contact staff meet observations. professional competencies.
• Allow the park’s black powder • Develop a strategy to acquire additional specialist to be recertified. This is critical assistance with media development. This for the living history and special events is critical to successful completion of the anticipated.
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Implementation Charts
The charts that follow parallel the For several action items, the logical narrative in Part 2—each bulleted action first step forward is completion of a is included in the appropriate chart. PMIS statement. For those projects that depend on undetermined funding, For a more complete explanation of each progress is not predictable with precision action item, readers should refer to the although the charts that follow do narrative and not depend solely on the indicate target dates related to the park’s shorthand used for the charts. planning for the 150th anniversary.
The position listed in the Who? column In addition to projects that require is responsible for initiating/tracking funding, other actions require additional progress. Others will be recruited to staffing. assist. An annual review of the LRIP will reset Many actions are multi-year; some are these charts to reflect current conditions. on-going and need to be sustained over time.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 63 Actions
Actions that match spaces and themes/experiences implement the LRIP
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Accessibility assessment Chief VS Complete as soon as funding is available
Look at entry Chief VS Evaluate
Look at alternative path to the village Chief VS Will be part of the accessibility assessment
Produce new VC AV Chief VS Will be completed as soon as funding is available
Begin design of VC exhibits Chief VS Exhibit Target PMIS
Look at 2nd floor light levels Curator X
Keep park materials in sync with changes Chief VS On-going X X X X X
Install aftermath exhibit in tavern Chief VS, Curator, Historian Exhibit Target PMIS
Develop interactive on battle units Curator Exhibit Target PMIS
Move restoration exhibit Chief VS, Curator, Historian Exhibit Target PMIS
Develop exhibit for jail (Reconstruction) Chief VS, Curator, Historian Exhibit Target PMIS
Develop McLean ground floor exhibit Chief VS, Curator, Historian Exhibit Target PMIS
Develop slave quarter/kitchen exhibit Chief VS, Curator, Historian Target
64 National Park Service Actions
Actions that encourage use beyond core village
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Evaluate park brochure Chief VS X X
Install mow over markers Chief VS Landscape Target PMIS
Explore use of smart phones Chief VS Test Evaluate
Develop Jones Law Office exhibit Chief VS, Curator, Historian Exhibit Target PMIS
Reinstitute Af. Am. living history Lead Park Ranger Target Ongoing X X X X
Develop G. Frankenstein tour Nat. Res., Historian Landscape Target PMIS
More interpretation of stage road Historian Landscape Target PMIS
Add limited # of new waysides Historian Landscape Target PMIS
Expand Jr. Ranger to new sites Chief VS Ongoing X X X X X
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 65 Actions
Actions for outreach, local, and underserved audiences
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Assess readiness of visiting groups Lead Park Ranger X X X X X X
Develop traveling trunks Requires additional staffing
Develop online materials with Appommattox students Lead Park Ranger Request Parks as Classroom funding
Maintain list of ed. contacts Lead Park Ranger Ongoing X X X X X
Explore use of advanced placement students Lead Park Ranger X X X X X X
Expand use of college students Lead Park Ranger Ongoing X X X X X
Develop extra credit projects for students who visit Lead Park Ranger Ongoing X X X X X
Expand vol. program with educators Lead Park Ranger SOP Ongoing X X X X
Continue work with MOC on ed. Lead Park Ranger Ongoing X X X X X
Plan living history/theme events See below
Develop speakers bureau Chief VS, Curator, Plan Publicize Historian
Strengthen ties with Girl Scouts Lead Park Ranger X
Develop family incentive linked ed. program Lead Park Ranger X
Develop programs for older students on local families Lead Park Ranger X
Tape living history & theme events Chief VS Ongoing X X X X X
Outreach Chart continued on page
66 National Park Service Actions
Outreach Chart continued from page
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Increase dialogue with African American locals Chief VS Ongoing invitations and inclusion in planning
After website to entice locals Chief VS X
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 67 Actions
150th Actions
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
All Years
Offer April & October events Chief VS Ongoing X X X X X X
Offer Feb/March symposium Historian Ongoing X X X X X X
Invite locals to contribute historical information Curator Plan Event Showcase
Create annual site bulletins Chief VS X X X X X X X
Explore short interp. booklets Lead Park Ranger Plan Produce Produce
Develop special events rack cards Lead Park Ranger X X X X X X
Develop artifacts case in VC for special items Curator Exhibit Target PMIS
Align Jr. Ranger program with annual themes (insert or Lead Park Ranger X trading cards)
Teach students to guide families and other students See above
Adjust summer camp to annual themes Lead Park Ranger X
Videotape and preserve all living history characters See above
Explore partners for Roads Scholar program Lead Park Ranger Explore Plan Begin
150th chart continued on page
68 National Park Service Actions
150th Chart continued from page
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
2011 (in addition to above)
Establish partnership with local paper for column Lead Park Ranger Ongoing X X X X X
Create press packet Chief VS X
2012 (in addition to above)
Coordinate with MOC opening Chief VS X
Plan opening for Af. Am exhibit Chief VS X
2013 (see above)
2014 (in addition to above)
Coordinate with partners on home front events/stories Chief VS X
Coordinate with BOWA events Chief VS X
2015 (in addition to above)
Add additional Stacking of Arms events Chief VS X
Coordinate with Lee’s Retreat partners Chief VS X
Plan series of living history weekends Chief VS X
Develop major symposium with partners Historian X
150th Chart continued on page
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 69 Actions
150th Chart continued from page
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Develop Af. Am event for April Chief VS X
Invite descendents back as part of larger event Historian X
Plan temporary exhibit for loaned artifacts Curator Request items now
Plan evening events Requires staffing
2016 (in addition to above)
Plan living history/talks on park’s history/development
70 National Park Service Actions
Research, Collection, Library Needed
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Gather info. on African Americans at Appomattox Historian Ongoing X X X X X
Gather info. for interaxtive on soldier units Historian Target
Gather info. for VC mural Historian Target
Gather info for Reconstruction exhibit Historian Target
Observe entry Chief VS X
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 71 Actions
Staffing & Training Needed
Action Who FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Future
Plan/offer training on Anniversary observations Chief VS X
Complete black powder recertification Lead Park Ranger X
Rewrite request for 150th staff, vol. coord, and ed. Chief VS X programming
Schedule training for vol. coordinator Chief VS X
Expand vol. training Chief VS X
Develop strategy to get media assistance Chief VS X
Expand intern programs Chief VS X
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Tangibles & Intangibles
Appomattox Tangibles McLean House Sweeney Site Appomattox Intangibles Visitor Center Cemeteries, Graves Surrender, Beginning of the End Stage Road Collection Beginning of Reunification, Stacking of Arms Sites Printing Presses Reconciliation Appomattox River Parole Passes Range of Emotions, Despair, Elation, Historic Structures, Outbuildings, Fenc General Order #9 Sadness es Bookstore UNCERTAINTY, What’s Next? Village Landscape, Viewsheds Monuments Lost Cause Apple Tree Site Artillery Freedom, End of Slavery Battlefield Trails Place of Decision, Questions Answered Lee’s Headquarters Site Highway 24 Village Life, Village Society, Human Grant’s Headquarters Site Stories Confederate Campsites Interpretive Media, Waysides, Signs, Exhibits, etc.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 73 Appendices
Centennial Strategy Goals
Anticipating the 100th anniversary of Serve as the pre-eminent resource Encourage collaboration among and the National Park Service (2016), the laboratory by applying excellence in assist park and recreation systems at Secretary of the Interior prepared a science and scholarship to understand every level—federal, regional, state, report, The Future of America’s National and respond to environmental changes. local—to help build an outdoor Parks, and in 2006 presented it to recreation network accessible to all President George W. Bush. Encourage children to be future Americans. conservationists. That report contained the following goals: Establish “volun-tourism” excursions Environmental Leadership to national park for volunteers to help Stewardship achieve natural and cultural resource The National Park Service demonstrates protection goals. The National Park Service leads environmental leadership to the nation. America and the world in preserving and Expand partnerships with schools and Reduce environmental impacts of park boys and girls associations to show how restoring treasured resources. operations. national park experiences can improve children’s lives. Provide inspiring, safe, and accessible Inspire an environmental conscience in places for people to enjoy. Americans. Focus national, regional, and local tourism efforts to reach diverse Improve the condition of park resources Engage partners, communities, and audiences and young people and to and assets. visitors in shared environmental attract visitors to lesser-known parks. stewardship. Set the standard of excellence in urban park landscape design and maintenance. Recreational Experience
Assure that no compelling chapter in National parks are superior destinations American heritage experience remains where visitors have fun, explore nature untold and that strategically important and history, find inspiration, and landscapes are acquired, as authorized improve health and wellness. by Congress.
74 National Park Service Appendices
Education Professional Excellence Make national parks the first choice in philanthropic giving among those The National Park Service fosters The National Park Service demonstrates concerned about environmental, exceptional learning opportunities that cultural, and recreational values. connect people to parks. management excellence worthy of the treasures entrusted to our care. All planning processes, including Cooperate with educators to provide preparation of LRIPs, should consider curriculum materials, high-quality Be one of the top 10 places to work in these goals and, as appropriate, help programs, and park-based and online America. park managers reach servicewide learning. objectives. Use strategic planning to promote Introduce young people and their management excellence. families to national parks by using exciting media and technology. Promote a safety and health culture for all employees and visitors. Promote life-long learning to connect through park experiences. Model what it means to work in partnership. Impart to every American a sense of their citizen ownership of their national parks.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 75 Appendices
Holding the High Ground: This plan recognizes that NPS sites A Second Step: Acknowledging Interpreting the Civil War relating to the Civil War are more Differing Perspectives of the through the Sites of the varied than simply battle sites. Rather, Wartime Experience and the battles had implications far beyond National Park System the battlefields. Men (and even a few War’s Meaning women) didn’t just fight; they fought The approaching Sesquicentennial As it moves forward with this initiative, for reasons—some of them personal, the NPS will give voice to observers of the American Civil War offers the some of them political. The sacrifices of current generation its most important and participants with differing, relevant those men had profound meaning and perspectives on key events and places. opportunity to know, discuss, and implications for an entire society. This commemorate America’s greatest Such an approach will enhance rather plan expands the accepted definition than diminish the perceived significance national crisis while at the same time of what constitutes a Civil War site and exploring its enduring relevance to and relevance of events both military proposes a more nuanced approach to and not. America of the 21st Century. interpretation—one that goes beyond stereotypes toward a clearer (though The challenge that faces the National more complex) understanding of Park Service today is huge: to convey the war. the significance and relevance of the Civil War in all its aspects while at the same time sustaining the Service’s A First Step: Re-Defining a “Civil invaluable tradition of resource-based War Site” interpretation (a concept that is at the For the public to view the Civil War as very foundation of the National Park more than a succession of battles and Service’s mission). campaigns, the nation (and therefore the National Park Service) must expand This plan urges a broader approach to its definition of Civil War site to go interpreting the Civil War—it seeks to beyond battlefields. have parks challenge people with ideas, challenge them to not just understand the nature and horrid expanse of the bloodshed, but the reasons for it.
76 National Park Service Appendices
A Third Step: Establishing Fourth Step: Establish Goals for a Thematic Context for the Visitor Experience Interpreting the Civil War Actions Through the Sites of the National Park System The program will involve four closely related but distinct tracks calculated For the National Park Service to expand to spur tourism and interest in the its interpretation beyond traditional American Civil War. bounds, it needs to be guided by strong thematic statements that are both • Upgrade of On-Site Media and grounded in solid scholarship and Interpretation reflective of differing perspectives of the war and its meaning. • Personal Services/Education/Special Events
• Beyond the Parks: Education and Interpretation Through the National Media and Internet
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 77 Appendices
Timeline Proposal 150th CW Sesquicentennial 2015
Amelia Farmville Sailor’s Cumberland Creek Church Namozine High Bridge Church Trail SP March 28-29 March April 2 April 3 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 10 April 11 April 12 March 31 March April 1 March 33 March
M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S S
Fall of Petersburg/Richmond Sailor’s Appomattox Creek Petersburg National Battlefield APPO Station Sailor’s Five Forks MOC Creek Pamplin Park APPO CH NHP BHSP City of Petersburg/ South Side Depot Sutherland Tavern
78 National Park Service Appendices
Participants
Chris Bingham, Seasonal Interpreter, Brian Eick, Natural Resource Manager, Linda Lipscomb, Director of Appomattox Court House National Appomattox Court House National Administration/Retail Sales, Museum Historical Park Historical Park of the Confederacy
Josie Butler, Teacher, Appomattox High Rachel Greenhoe, Intern, Appomattox Mary Mallen, Interpretive Planner/ School Court House National Historical Park Contracting Officer's Representative, Harpers Ferry Center Chris Calkins, Park Manager, Sailors John Guss, Site Manager, Bennett Place Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Beckie Nix, Director, Lynchburg Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Milton L. Chambers, Business Manager, Betsy Haynes, Park Ranger, Booker T. Carver-Price Legacy Museum, Carver- Washington National Monument Ernie Price, Chief of Education & Visitor Price Alumni Association Services, Appomattox Court House Alyssa Holland, Volunteer Coordinator/ National Historical Park Dr. David Coles, Associate Professor & Interpreter, Appomattox Court House Chair, Department of History, Political National Historical Park Waite Rawls, President, Museum of Science, and Philosophy, Longwood the Confederacy University Reed Johnson, Superintendent, Appomattox Court House National Buddy Conner, President, Appomattox Historical Park Historical Society Walter Krug, Director, Central Virginia Anne Dixon, Director, Appomattox Community College (CVCC)-- County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, Appomattox Appomattox County Pete Lester, Teacher, Appomattox Bert Dunkerly, Park Ranger, Appomattox High School Court House National Historical Park
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park – Long-Range Interpretive Plan 79 Appendices
Participants, continued
David Richardson, Administrative Margaret Voorhees, Teacher, Assistant, Appomattox Court House Appomattox High School National Historical Park Carla Whitfield, Superintendent, Booker David Ruth, Superintendent, Richmond T. Washington National Monument National Battlefield Park Brent Ward, Principle, Patrick Schroeder, Historian, Riggs Ward Design Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Joe Williams, Curator & Chief of Museum Services, Appomattox Court Sebastian Selig, Intern, Appomattox House National Historical Park Court House National Historical Park Ron Thomson, Compass, Will Simmons, Director of Tourism, Facilitator/Writer Town of Appomattox Riggs Ward Design, Document Layout Robin Snyder, Volunteer & Youth Programs Coordinator, National Park Service
John Spencer, Assistant County Administrator, Appomattox County
Greg Starbuck, Director, Historic Sandusky
80 National Park Service
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Appomattox National Historical Park Highway 24, P.O. Box 218 Appomattox, VA 24522
434-352-8987 - extension 26 www.nps.gov/apco
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