American Battlefield Trust, National Park Foundation Contribute Toward Gettysburg Battlefield Restoration

(Gettysburg, Pa.) — A major rehabilitation project to upgrade facilities and increase safety on one of the most popular areas of the Gettysburg Battlefield have received a major boost with a $2 million gift from the American Battlefield Trust and the National Park Foundation. The joint contribution to restore historic Little Round Top was facilitated through philanthropist John L. Nau, III, who serves on the boards of both organizations and is the former chairman of the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.   

“There is power in place, a unique ability to inspire and teach that comes from being physically present at a site where great events transpired,” said Nau. “Ensuring that such locations are well-situated to offer visitors a meaningful and pleasing experience materially advances that goal.”  

Work at Little Round Top will relieve chronically overcrowded parking areas, address erosion concerns, create accessible trail alignments, install new interpretation and otherwise make the area more functional and appealing to visitors. The extensive project is expected to close the area to visitors for approximately 18 months, beginning in late spring of this year. Separate but related rehabilitation work to address erosion issues closed nearby Devil’s Den in late March.    

“The American Battlefield Trust is committed to safeguarding the unique resources within battlefield parks,” said organization president David Duncan. “The very popularity of certain areas of the park can compound how forces of nature wear upon historic landscapes, and ongoing effort is required to keep these places looking as they did when the battle occurred.”   

“Gettysburg National Military Park is the most visited battlefield park,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “Improving visitor access to this hallowed ground is an investment in the future that protects and pays honor to our past. I am grateful for the generosity of John L. Nau, III and the partnership of the American Battlefield Trust for making it possible.”  

About the National Park Foundation  
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at www.nationalparks.org.  

About the American Battlefield Trust  
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today.  The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 54,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.  

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