US EditionFundraising groups step up to help reopen national park sites and welcome visitors
A Mississippi nonprofit covers $2,000 daily costs to keep Vicksburg National Military Park open during the shutdown, protecting it from vandalism and relic hunting.
- A nonprofit organization helped reopen the Vicksburg Civil War battlefield on Thursday by covering daily operating costs throughout the government shutdown.
- This effort followed a contingency plan allowing state or local groups to provide funds because government shutdowns leave parks vulnerable to vandalism and relic hunting.
- Similar initiatives include Pacific Historic Parks covering estimated $9,000 daily costs to keep the USS Arizona Memorial open and state donations like Utah's $1.7 million in 2013.
- Bess Averett, Vicksburg executive director, stressed protection of over 18,000 veterans' graves while Kaci Yoh said, “We’re doing the best that we can” to support visitors despite staffing gaps.
- These fundraising efforts help maintain park accessibility and preservation during shutdowns but do not include full services, indicating ongoing risks and a need for sustainable solutions.
103 Articles
103 Articles
Fundraisers help reopen national park sites
DENVER — When the government shut down in 2018, a Mississippi nonprofit interceded to fund a bare-bones crew to keep one of the state's most-visited cultural attractions operating. Now, the group is committed to doing that for Vicksburg National Military…
Winston-Salem Journal
News & RecordFundraising groups help reopen national park sites
DENVER — When the government shut down in 2018, a Mississippi nonprofit interceded to fund a bare-bones crew to keep one of the state's most-visited cultural attractions operating. Now, the group is committed to doing that for Vicksburg National Military…
Associated Press News
Fundraising groups step up to help reopen national park sites and welcome visitors
One of Mississippi’s most-visited cultural attractions has reopened in the midst of the government shutdown, thanks to funding from a nonprofit group.
Vicksburg National Military Park reopens thanks to donor support
VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) - The Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP) will reopen for regular business hours on October 2, 2025. According to the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, the park was able to reopen thanks to donors. Plan to keep national parks open amid government shutdown faces challenges The Visitor Center, tour road, USS Cairo Gunboat & Museum, and restrooms will be open despite the government shutdown.…
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