SUPPORT YOUR PARK

Help Support Your Antietam Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield like other National Parks, has an enormous project backlog that federal funding can only begin to address. As a result park priorities such as historic restoration, land protection and youth education increasingly rely on the generosity of individuals and other private contributors. The non-profit Antietam Partner Program encourages you to join with us in preserving, protecting and enhancing this special place. Here are four ways you can make a meaningful difference:

To learn more about the Antietam Partner Program and how you can help preserve the battlefield, call Bob Casey at (301) 432-4329 or e-mail him by clicking here.

Volunteer

For more information regarding Antietam National Battlefield Volunteer Program, please contact the Park Volunteer Coordinator, Christie Stanczak, at 301-432-4567 or email her.

Key to the Battlefield

While visiting the battlefield, you will notice several tablets, markers, monuments and cannons that dot the landscape. All are part of the long term preservation and interpretation of the battlefield.

Cooperating Association

The Western Maryland Interpretive Association is the official nonprofit cooperating association for Antietam National Battlefield.

Our mission is to inspire people to preserve and protect Antietam for the benefit of all who visit here today, and for generations to follow. We are honored to work with the park staff that diligently cares for this hallowed ground and grateful for the growing numbers of Antietam Partners - members, project donors and volunteers - who value the sacrifice and serenity that is Antietam.

Please see the Join Our Friends section to read about ways you can help support Antietam Battlefield. We hope you will have the chance to visit soon!

Antietam Partner

People joining together to preserve Antietam Battlefield

With its landscape of tranquil beauty and memories of unprecedented American sacrifice, Antietam has the power to humble as well as inspire us. It also unites people from near and far who want to see that this special place is forever preserved and protected. You can be part of this effort by joining us as an Antietam Partner. Proceeds from Antietam Partner membership go directly to important preservation projects on the battlefield. You also receive other great benefits including:

Thanks to the support of Antietam Partners, the Battlefield is able to move forward with a number of important projects including:

Together, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference at your Antietam.

Click here to join today

Adopt-a-Monument

Help Antietam Battlefield Preserve the Tangible Reminders of Sacrifice
The purpose of the Adopt-a-Monument program is to find concerned individuals, organizations and companies that will "adopt" monuments on the Antietam National Battlefield. Donated funds help the park's Cultural Resources Division perform critical preservation treatments on ninety-six monuments, over half of which have major sculptural elements, statues, carved reliefs, and ornamental embellishments.

Adopt-a-Monument is a way for people to make a meaningful contribution--from a penny, to a dollar, to hundreds of dollars. Currently, donors have contributed to the restoration of more than 30 monuments. If you or your organization is interested, please contact Bob Caseyat (301) 432-0751 or click here to send him an e-mail or make a donation online today.

Build-a-Fence

The wooden fences at Antieam are a key element in the historic battlefield landscape and played a crucial role in the battle. The park is currenly restoring miles of fences throughout the battlefield. There are two main types of historic fences - the five rail verticle and the stacked snake rail. If you see a fence like these at Antietam, they represent a fenceline that was here during the battle.

Supporting the fence building project is a way for people to make a meaningful contribution--from a penny, to a dollar, to hundreds of dollars. Your gift will add new sections of historic fencing and help restore the battlefield. If you or your organization is interested, please contact Bob Casey at (301) 432-0751 or click here to send him an e-mail or make a donation online today.

Environmental Factors

The most important issue that natural resource managers face at Antietam National Battlefield is the protection and preservation of the local environment. When considering the local environment, the integrity of both natural and cultural resources must be evaluated.

Projects that are currently underway address issues such as non-native plant species, plant and animal pests, restoration of scenic vistas and the water quality of springs and streams with in the park.

Adopt-a-Cannon

More than 500 cannon were used at the Battle of Antietam. Because of the destructiveness of these weapons, the battle was nicknamed "Artillery Hell" by the participants. The rolling hills of Sharpsburg provided a highly effective setting for the artillery of both sides. The numerous ridges made excellent locations for cannons. Meanwhile, the infantry of both sides made easy targets as they marched across low-lying, open fields nearby. Posted on the ridgelines, the cannoneers devastated the soldiers in the swales below them. The landscape and the heavy reliance on artillery by both sides made Antietam one of the most significant artillery battles in the Civil War.

The Adopt-a-Cannon program is intended to raise funds for the restoration of the Battlefield's artillery carriages. The current artillery pieces were placed on the battlefield in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In order to withstand the elements, the carriages were constructed of cast iron rather than wood, which they were historically. The 41 carriages are showing the effects of time and the environment and we need the publics help to restore these pieces.

Adopt-a-Cannon is a way for people to make a meaningful contribution--from a penny, to a dollar, to hundreds of dollars. If you or your organization is interested, please contact Bob Casey at (301) 432-0751 or click here to send him an e-mail or make a donation online today.

Plant-a-Tree

Over an eleven year period, 10,110 volunteers have contributed over 20,000 hours planting 18,132 seedlings and 306 balled and burlapped trees over a fifteen acre area known as the West and North Woods. Volunteers have consisted of boy/girl scout groups, school groups, church groups, individuals and families. The volunteers have been critical in the success of this project; however, there is plenty more to do! Help will be needed this coming Spring to plant balled and burlapped, nursery size trees in the North Woods. Planting of seedlings will also resume during March of with the help of volunteers.