Eastern National, Vicksburg National Military Park Help Locals Find Their Park
November 2018
Staff from Eastern National and Vicksburg National Military Park came together this fall to bring a taste of the park to the local community during the long-standing Old Court House Flea Market and the first annual Vicksburg Porchfest.
The team at the Old Court House Flea Market had plenty of contact with visitors who stopped by the booth over the course of the day. One person remarked that he learned something about Civil War history even though he didn’t expect to learn anything at the flea market, and another asked for information about volunteering at the park after she retired.
A few weeks later, EN staff joined the park and Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park & Campaign at Porchfest—an event that featured local artisans, restaurants, and live music. Attendees were invited to play Civil War trivia at the booth, where they could also learn about volunteer opportunities at the park, joining Friends of VNMP, and the unique educational products that EN offers at the park store.
Both events offered terrific opportunities to strengthen partnerships with the park—an ongoing strategic priority for Eastern National. EN Unit Manager Lyne Bradley reports, “The events were very mission-affirming…and we made some sales, too!”