Fundraising groups step up to help reopen national park sites and welcome visitors
The nonprofit funds $2,000 daily to keep the Civil War battlefield open during the shutdown, preserving access for over 1.7 million annual visitors, officials said.
- During the 2018 government shutdown, fundraising groups helped reopen national parks such as Vicksburg National Military Park, which is managed by the National Park Service.
- These efforts arose because shutdowns left park sites closed or understaffed, making them vulnerable to vandalism and limiting public access.
- A local nonprofit organization committed $2,000 per day to ensure the historic Vicksburg battlefield, which contains over 18,000 veterans’ graves, remained open to the public during the government shutdown.
- Executive director Bess Averett emphasized that their main concern is safeguarding the park.
- Such private and nonprofit interventions suggest that continued public access during shutdowns may depend on external funding and advocacy.
105 Articles
105 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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