Series: 2021 Preservation Planning Grants Highlights

The American Battlefield Protection Program awards Preservation Planning Grants to preservation partners across the country to research, plan, protect and interpret these important stories. Check out these past award recipients to learn more. Have questions or interested in applying? Email abpp@nps.gov for more information

  • Article 1: 2021 Preservation Planning Grant Year in Review

    Series of charts, bar graphs and donut graphs conveying annual accomplishments

    In 2021, a record number of applicants applied for ABPP’s Preservation Planning Grants. The program awarded $1.19 million to 11 recipients whose projects will work to preserve the histories of underrepresented communities. Join us as we look back on the ground we’ve covered in the past year and forward into the new year as we look to strengthen our partnerships. Read more

  • Article 2: Northern Cheyenne Breakout Healing Trail

    Buttes bathed in golden light of sunset, grassy field in foreground

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to Chief Dull Knife College in Nebraska. Together with the Fort Robinson Memorial Foundation, they plan to develop a healing trail to turn historic tragedy into an opportunity for healing. Read more

  • Article 3: Interpreting Baltimore's North Point Battlefield

    Row of soldiers fire muskets out from line of trees

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to Neighborspace in Baltimore. They plan to conduct historic research into the Battle of North Point and create an interpretive trail that celebrates the role of the battle in saving Baltimore during the War of 1812. Read more

  • Article 4: Documenting Vermont's Mt. Independence

    Map of island in river with military fortifications

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation. They plan to digitize historic records from the archives of Mount Independence, a Revolutionary War fort. Read more

  • Article 5: Archeological Research at Fort Mose

    Three African American soldiers in blue uniforms and black tricorn hats smile at camera

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the University of Florida to conduct archeological research at Fort Mose, the first free-Black settlement, fort and militia from 18th century Spanish Florida. Read more

  • Article 6: Preserving Mile's Fight of the 1878 Bannock War

    Map of Umatilla reservation in Oregon, red box with crossing sabers locates “Mile's Fight”

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indians. The Tribe plans to locate, document, and protect “Miles’s Fight” of the Bannock War in Oregon. Read more

  • Article 7: Reexamining Tinian's Role in Ending WWII

    Large metallic plane with propellers on sandy runway, various military vehicles surrounding it.

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the Northern Marianas Humanities Council. The Council plans to expand the boundaries of the current National Historic Landmark on Tinian Island and share the island’s critical role in the ending of World War II. Read more

  • Article 8: Exploring the Complex History of Fort Lancaster, TX

    Military fort in arid environment, ten wooden structures in distance, cacti in foreground

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the Texas Historical Commission. The Commission plans to expand the understanding of the battle of Fort Lancaster through research, archeology and a partnership with the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to define the site’s significance. Read more

  • Article 9: Uncovering WWII Shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon

    Aerial shot bombing of ships in lagoon, large plumes of smoke rising, landforms in background.

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to the University of Guam. The university plans to further document the remnants of World War II shipwrecks in the Chuuk Lagoon and shed light on how the conflict between the US and Japan impacted the Chuukese. Read more

  • Article 10: Fort Negley Civil War Database

    African American soldiers charge crest of hill with cannons, Confederate soldiers on the other side

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to Vanderbilt University. Together with Fort Negley State Park and the descendants of the soldiers and laborers at the fort, they plan to develop a database of oral history transcripts, original research, and photographs to tell this story of Black resiliency. Read more

  • Article 11: Revisiting Fort Rutledge & Esseneca Battlefield

    Historical marker for Fort Rutledge that omits Native American history of site

    The NPS's American Battlefield Protection Program awarded a 2021 Preservation Planning Grant to Clemson University. The University plans to conduct archeological research of Fort Rutledge, a Revolutionary War fort built on the remains of Esseneca, a Cherokee town destroyed by colonists in 1776. The University will partner with local tribes to develop an interpretive plan that advances a more complete account of the site’s history Read more