Civil War  |  Park Day Volunteer Opportunity

Park Day @ Lancaster Cemetery

Upcoming Event
Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT

205 East Lemon Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

For More Information
Meeting place
Volunteers should meet inside the entrance of Lancaster Cemetery at the circle at 9:00 am where there will be an area to sign in as volunteers. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Once volunteers are signed in, we will walk over to the Reynolds Family Plot where we will hold a remembrance for MG John Fulton Reynolds prior to the work project.
After the presentation we will move to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Burial Plot where we will provide instructions on how to properly clean the headstones for those interested in working in teams to perform that work.
Planned Activities
The day's activities will involve the cleaning of headstones at the GAR Burial Plot in Lancaster Cemetery. There are 206 headstones in the Plot but not all headstones will be included in the cleanings. General landscaping activities require raking leaves, picking up dead falls, picking up trash, grass and weed cutting.
We will also install a perimeter of Belgian blocks, and do some landscaping around the Gen. George H. Thomas, Sons of Union Veterans Camp #19, memorial cannon, and monument at the foot of the flagpole.
History or Educational Activities
In addition to the Reynolds remembrance, biographies of selected soldiers interned in the GAR Burial Plot will be read. A brochure, containing biographical sketches of those and other veterans who rest there will be made available for all volunteers.
Just as memorable to their own families as MG Reynolds, Lancaster Cemetery has over a thousand veterans interred on the property, with their dates of service spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War, with the largest concentration, over 450, being veterans of the Civil War.
Should I bring any tools or supplies?
Tools and supplies will be provided, however more are welcome. Volunteers should wear comfortable but protective clothing, hat, gloves, and shoes or boots (please no open-toed shoes). Water and snacks will be provided but volunteers may want to bring a sack lunch.
Is there a rain date?
In the instance of inclement weather, Park Day will continue as planned.

Accessibility considerations

Does the site have accessible parking?
Yes
Does the site have accessible bathrooms?
Yes
Are there activities planned for those with disabilities?
No
Can the site accommodate a wheelchair, scooter, or walker?
Yes
Does your site offer accessible facilities?:
Yes
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