Church relives history Historians, congregation re-create famous Civil War photo during celebration of Massaponax Baptist Church's 220th anniversary Sep 21, 2008
"It certainly brings the stories to life," said Donald Pfanz, staff historian with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. "As historians, you're trying to tell the stories to other people, and nothing tells a story like a photo.". (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Officials welcome bypass project First phase of Spotsylvania Courthouse Bypass is finished, while next phase awaits funding Sep 12, 2008
The road is unique in its design, which is depressed into the rolling hills of the landscape, so it does not disturb the historic nature of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Three scenic areas with historic markers will eventually be part of the bypass. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Stafford port was slaves' gateway to freedom Aquia Landing was part of an escape route for many area slaves during the Civil War Sep 7, 2008
"The arrival of the Union army really broke down the structure that held slavery in place," said John Hennessy, chief historian of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. "Many local residents talked about the slave population becoming restless.". (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Ceremonies honor war veterans on Memorial Day May 27, 2008
Donald C. Pfanz, staff historian for Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, discussed the history of the cemetery's Memorial Day program. The tradition began with the local African-American community and later became a "stage of reconciliation between former enemies.". (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
National parks robbed of heritage Jan 24, 2008
Thieves caught last year at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park sold a Confederate belt buckle for $3,300 and buttons for $200 each. The park service has 1,500 law enforcement rangers and 400 seasonal law enforcement rangers one for about every 56,000 acres. (USA Today)
Parks looted Jan 24, 2008
At Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia, where three men dug 460 holes last year and extracted Civil War artifacts, there are signs every 20 or 30 feet along boundaries reminding visitors not to remove anything. Rangers stop anyone with a metal detector and visit trade shows to look for looted items, but chief ranger Keith Kelly says, "I don't know if we'll ever be able to stop people.". (USA Today -- News)
Presidential visits have history Bush's upcoming visit won't be the first to the area this year Dec 17, 2007
Coolidge came to Fredericksburg to dedicate what's now Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which commemorates the area's four major Civil War battles. warren g. harding-1921. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
A ghost at Chatham? Lady in White legend attracts more than 100 to Chatham grounds on Thursday. Jun 23, 2007
Today, Chatham serves as the National Park Service's headquarters for Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Thursday night's visitors seemed to sense that the grounds, which are not very well lit, had an aura of spookiness about them. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Spotsylvania eager to mark Civil War May 28, 2007
"It's not too early at all to start getting things ready," said Russ Smith, superintendent of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, who is leading the National Park Service's efforts in the region to mark the event. Virginia has 12 national parks with Civil War themes, Mr. Smith said. (Washington Times)
Exclusive: Robert Knight hits John Edwards for turning holiday into anti-war opportunity May 26, 2007
At Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are placing candles at the more than 15,000 gravesites. American Legion Commander Morin offered these suggestions: "Attend a parade without the divisive political signs. Make cards for the comrades of the fallen that are recuperating in military and VA hospitals. Lay a wreath at the stone of a departed hero.". (WorldNetDaily)
Click here to read more. May 23, 2007
"It's not too early at all to start getting things ready," said Russ Smith, superintendent of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park ... Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Civil War crises have modern day similarities Feb 22, 2007
While the former historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park has studied and written about different Civil War military campaigns, this latest book also examines the social, economic and political history of the Southern city--in short, what it was like to live in Petersburg then. Greene said many readers will be surprised to learn that at the time of the war, Petersburg was a major Southern city. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
Area battlefields to get boost NATIONAL TREASURES >> President pushes park funding Feb 8, 2007
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park would get an additional $195,000 next year, Superintendent Russ Smith said ... Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, $195,000. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
Robert E. Lee 200th birthday events Feb 3, 2007
Part of the Lee Bicentennial Series planned by Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. 540/371-0802. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
• Neil F. Maune Jan 24, 2007
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, Va. 22405; or to St. George's Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, Va. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
History group honors journalist Jan 2, 2007
Now he is assistant manager with Eastern National bookstores, which are affiliated with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. In addition, the historical society recognized Skip and Cindi Causey, owners of Potomac Sellers of Widewater, a new winery. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
Community Briefs Jan 2, 2007
Friends of Wilderness Battlefield is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization devoted to assisting the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in efforts to preserve the Wilderness Battlefield in Orange and Spotsylvania Counties. With more than 240 members, the Friends provide advocacy, educational programs and service projects for the battlefield. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
