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The Friends of Manassas National Battlefield Park is an organization dedicated to helping the National Park Service preserve and promote the hallowed site of the two historic Manassas conflicts.
We support the Park in many ways, including:
- serving as a liaison with visitors, sister historic organizations, commercial businesses, and the local community
- assisting with work projects and other volunteer programs
- raising money for approved Park projects
- sponsoring educational programs and entertainment which enlighten and preserve our heritage.
| The Friends of MNBP  was formed in 1996. We are duly registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission as a nonstock corporation, and recognized as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Mission Statement states the main goals of our organization. These include:
- To support the Manassas National Battlefield Park and to preserve the Park's historic significance and cultural and natural resources.
- To encourage community involvement and volunteerism in the Park.
- To provide a forum for community outreach.
- To promote educational and cultural programs.
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Volunteer Projects
By joining the Friends of Manassas National Battlefield Park you will be part of a dedicated and passionate group of people who volunteer their time to help preserve the Park and ensure that it remains one of the jewels of the National Park system. We organize work days in which our volunteers, under the direction of the Park's maintenance personnel, build traditional rail worm fences, clean and restore historic cemeteries, clean and paint vintage cannon, work on hiking trails, and plant flowers and trees. In addition, individual projects are available for those whose busy schedule might not accommodate an organized work day.
The fact is, virtually every aspect of Park administration can use your help, and we actively recruit applicants who would like to become VIPs (Volunteers in Park). Just call the Park Administration at (703) 754-1861, and advise them that you are interested in helping!
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Working with Other Organizations
We have established close and reciprocal relationships with local government institutions and other non-profit organizations who share a direct interest in the Park and/or in preserving our local historical heritage. Our Friends Display at the Park Visitor Center provides the Public ready access to the brochures and leaflets of these institutions and organizations. We are currently creating a sophisticated website which will promote our goals and provide Internet links to our partners.
Historic Tours and Special Programs
The Friends provide a number of educational and cultural programs related to the Park. Our historic tours of the Manassas Battlefield conducted by our President, the noted Civil War historian Edwin C. Bearss, are always popular. We cosponsor programs promoting the special tours and first person representations the MNBP presents on the anniversaries of the two great Civil War battles fought there. We also sponsor lectures by noted Civil War experts, and support a wide variety of community projects on subjects related to our local history.
Facilitating Donations to the Park
A major service provided by the Friends is to raise funds for specific approved park projects. Moneys donated for a specific Park project can be used only for the designated purpose. We do not divert any money from these donations for our operating expenses. Any money donated to or through the Friends is fully tax deductible.
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Second Manassas Battlemap Project
We are currently seeking to raise funds for the Second Manassas Battlemap which will be the centerpiece of the Stuart's Hill Center (by design, the Museum & Visitor Center at Henry Hill focuses on interpreting First Manassas). The proposed Battlemap will enable visitors to appreciate the calculated risk in Robert E. Lee's strategic gamble, to witness the daring and ingenuity of Stonewall Jackson's march into the heart of enemy held territory, and to honor the heroism displayed in battle by both Blue and Gray. After reliving the campaign known as Second Manassas, our visitors will be fully prepared to enjoy the fine tours conducted by Park Rangers on the hallowed ground where this battle was waged so many years ago.
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Joining the Friends
You can join the Friends as a General Member or as an Associate Member. General Members must be at least 18 years of age and are eligible to fully participate in the Friends, including voting at our general meetings and holding a position on our Board of Directors. Annual dues for General Members are $25. Associate Members are not eligible to vote or hold a Board position, but are encouraged to participate in all other Friends activities. Annual dues for Associate Members are $15. Dues are renewed in September of each year (though initial applications made in the summer will be honored through the next year).
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The Friends wish to thank Jill Hagan for donating the modern photographs on this page.
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Visit the Friends' Display in the Henry Hill Visitor Center
The Friends regret to announce that the Superintendent of the Manassas Battlefield has ordered our Display removed (temporarily, we hope).
Our display is located in the foyer connecting the Visitor Center's main lobby and the Eastern National Book Store.
Please take a moment to check out the brochures and flyers on the Friends Community Activity Center we make available for your use. There you will find a selection of government and non-profit organization publications that promote local activities and attractions. We hope this literature will make your visit to our region more pleasurable, more informative, and more rewarding.
Please take a Friends' brochure which you will find on the cabinet doors.
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Membership Application
The Friends
Board of Directors |
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| President: | Edwin C. Bearss |
| Vice Pres: | Harvey Simon |
| Secretary: | Kathy Webster |
| Treasurer: | Wendy Ault |
| Director: | Greg Gorham |
| Director: | Charlie Grymes |
| Director: | Art Hillmer |
| Director: | Larry Shankles |
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