(Dover, TN) - On Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Fort Donelson National Battlefield is holding its annual Park Day, inviting members of the public to take part in the cleaning of the 1,717 grave markers of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. Participants may also assist in clearing the cemetery of any branches or other small debris from recent windstorms.
To kick off the event, national park rangers will present a short program on the history of the national cemetery and of the procedures for safe and effective cleaning of its historic grave markers.
Those interested in participating in Park Day must pre-register by contacting Ranger staff at FODO_Information@nps.gov, or by calling the park Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at 931-232-5706 ext. 0.
“Park Day is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers and park staff to come together for activities that preserve and care for the historic resources and or landscape of Fort Donelson. The cleaning of grave markers of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery provides a dual opportunity of both honoring those interred here, as well as allowing for the public to be part of activities in preparation for Memorial Day," said Superintendent Brian McCutchen.
The special conservation product and technique for stone cleaning requires dry surfaces for application. In the event of rain prior to or during the activity, the picking up of small branches and other debris in and around the cemetery will continue, as long as lightening is not a threat.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield, a unit of the National Park Service, preserves the resources of and tells the stories of the 1862 campaign and battles for Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson, and the opening of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. For an updated list of events for 2023, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/fodo.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service