Superintendent's Compendium

ANDERSONVILLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED
UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT


APPROVED:

Superintendent, Gia Wagner 03/04/2022

AUTHORITY

Under the authority of 54 USC (United States Code), Sections 100302, 100751, 100752, 100753, 102102, and 103104, and Title 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 and 12, this Compendium of Superintendent’s Orders is established for Andersonville National Historic Site and National Cemetery. Regulations listed in this compendium are in addition to those listed in Parts 1-7 and 12 of Title 36 CFR unless otherwise noted. The specific authority for this regulatory procedure is found in Section 1.5 through 1.7 of Title 36. Additional authority and guidance regarding management of the National Cemetery is found in National Park Service Director’s Order 61 and Reference Manual 61.


In addition to these regulations, the following are also provided:

· Section 1.6(f) states that a list of those activities which require a permit must be maintained. That list appears in this document under Section 1.6.

· The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document. As required by 1.7(b), these regulations, permit requirements, and written determinations shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request.

PURPOSE

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 1, Parks, Forest, and Public Property, has been established to provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). {36 CFR 1.1(b)}


Regulations within 36 CFR will be used to fulfill the statutory purposes of units of the National Park System: to conserve scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife; and to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. {36 CFR 1.1(b)}


Within 36 CFR the park Superintendent has discretionary authority to establish regulations more or less restrictive than a given regulation in certain instances. The Superintendent is required to compile in writing all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. {36 CFR 1.7(b)}.

All designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions are addressed in Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 12 below under the appropriate section number and heading where they are applicable. Violations of compendium restrictions will subject a person to the same penalties as violating provisions of 36 CFR.


PUBLIC NOTICE AND INFORMATION

In addition to the compendium, all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions will be made available to the public by at least one other method of notification. Methods include maps, signs, and publication in news media, brochures, handouts, or other appropriate media. {36 CFR 1.7(a)} A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov OR from the Superintendent of Documents at P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The CFR is also available on the Internet at www.ecfr.gov. This Superintendent’s Compendium is available for review at https://www.nps.gov/ande/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm or at the Superintendent’s office, Visitor Center, or by request.

Written comments on the compendium may be submitted to:

Gia Wagner, Superintendent

496 Cemetery Road

Andersonville, GA 31711

gia_wagner@nps.gov

 

36 CFR PART 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or Activities


The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
 

(a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established as follows:

 

Visiting hours

Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time.

Museum operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands, staffing, and special programs.

Open to visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time.

Open to visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time. 

Subject to staffing availability, the National Cemetery may be open when the rest of the park is closed.

Open by Appointment.

Open to visitors may be scheduled outside posted visiting hours.
 
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
 

Closures

The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.

The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited.
 

Locations Closed to Public Access

The Cemetery Office is currently closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Once open, and subject to staff availability and burial services, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except on federal holidays.

The Park Headquarters is currently closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Once open, and subject to staffing, it will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except on federal holidays.

All employee residences and their yards.

Determination: the residences are the private domiciles of the employees.

Determination: Maintenance yards can be dangerous and are closed for visitor safety.

Determination: Museum collections are closed to visitors for preservational purposes.

Roads identified with “Do Not Enter”, “Authorized Personnel Only”, or “Service Road” signs.

Determination: This closure allows for protection of resources or for assurance of public safety during periods of unusual or unpredictable circumstance

Areas temporarily closed for prescribed burns or other management actions as identified by signs.

Limitation on visitor access to the area near the National POW Museum parking area.

Determination: This closure allows for protection of resources or for assurance of public safety during periods of unusual or unpredictable circumstance
 

Public Use Limits

Parking at the visitor center is allowed only in spaces that are delineated by painted lines on the lot.

Parking for oversized vehicles is in the lower level of the parking lot.

Funeral processions and attendees are to enter through the cemetery gate located 1.0 mile north of the town of Andersonville.

If no burial services are scheduled, the cemetery gate is to remain closed unless authorized by the Superintendent.

Section 5.2.A of the DOI COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, Superintendents and building managers will require the 25% reduced occupancy standard or the six-foot physical distance reduced occupancy standard for indoor spaces.

  • Visitor Center (National Prisoner of War Museum) is limited to 50 people within the interior space.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.  

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.  

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.  Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.  

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.  

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.
 

(a)(2) Areas designated for specific uses or activities, and restrictions or conditions for specific uses or activities include:

 

Areas designated for specific uses or activities:

The Rostrum is located at the east side of the National Cemetery and is designated as a committal shelter to be used for all burial services. Use of the Rostrum is limited to committal services scheduled through the Cemetery Administrator and special events and programs authorized by the Superintendent.

The Scout Camping Area is located across Highway 49 from the National Cemetery entrance.

Use of this primitive camping area is by reservation only; is limited to no more than 5 consecutive days; and is limited to organized youth groups, such as Boy and Girl Scouts. To be eligible, groups must participate in a park program or complete a service project.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

The Youth Crew Camping Area is located adjacent to the museum parking lot.

Use of this area is limited to authorized youth crews working in the park under an approved agreement with a designated youth organization partner (e.g. American Conservation Experience).

The POW Research Library is located in the museum and is available for public research by appointment only. Access requires staff assistance and oversight.

Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.

First Amendment Areas have been designated for public assemblies, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views. These areas include the grassy field immediately west of the picnic area and the eastern section of the lawn in front of the National Prisoner of War Museum.

Determination: To maintain the dignity and reverence for which the historic site was established by its enabling legislation, the Superintendent has designated specific areas for the purpose of First Amendment Rights. Requests for a special use permit will be reviewed to determine if they are appropriate and reasonably consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for which it was established.

 

The following activities are prohibited as specified:

  • Any and all recreational games and activities, including jogging, bicycling, and use of e-bikes, in the National Cemetery;
  • Climbing, sitting on, or playing with cannons, monuments, walls, or headstones;
  • Conducting events or demonstrations in the National Cemetery except for committal services scheduled through the Cemetery Administrator and official events and programs authorized by the Superintendent;
  • Collecting wood except as authorized by the Superintendent;
  • Conducting rubbings of monuments or headstones;
  • Food and drinks in museum exhibit areas;
  • Geo-caching;
  • Hunting and fishing;
  • Pets in buildings and grassy areas of the National Cemetery;
  • Placement of private headstones, markers, or monuments;
  • Use of metal detectors, ground penetrating radar, and other such detecting or imaging devices except as authorized by the Superintendent;
  • Wading, splashing in, bathing, or drinking waters of Providence Spring, Stockade Branch, or the Memorial Courtyard fountain;
  • Walking on, ascending, descending, or traversing earthworks, rifle pits, or wells;
  • Weddings;
 

The following conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities as noted:

  • Park visitors with mobility disabilities are permitted to use manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, or electric scooters in any area where pedestrian visitors are permitted.
  • Park visitors with mobility disabilities are permitted to use Segways in park structures and facilities, and on sidewalks and paved walkways. Use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs) such as golf carts requires Superintendent authorization.
  • Mobility assistive devices must be operated in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger one’s self or other park visitors, or cause damage to property, facilities, or historic or other resources. Maximum speed will not exceed eight (8) miles per hour.

Determination: Wheelchairs and OPDMDs provide a range of mobility aid options for those who would otherwise be unable to visit the park or find it difficult to visit sites due to personal mobility limitations.

Use of e-bikes, defined as a two-or-three wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.):

  • E-bikes are permitted where traditional bicycles are allowed. Except where public use of motor vehicles is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
  • E-bike operators are subject to sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5) of 36 CFR part 4.
  • Except as specified in this Compendium, use of e-bikes in the park is governed by state law, which is adopted and made part of this Compendium. Violation of so adopted state law is prohibited.

Determination: Park intent is to allow e-bikes to be used for transportation and recreation in a manner similar to traditional bicycles. Except on park roads and other locations where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, operators may only use the power provided by the electric motor to assist pedal propulsion of an e-bike. It will not create any adverse impacts to park visitors, resources or values due to the existing use of the these locations by motor vehicles and bicycles. This action is covered by the categorical exclusion 3.2.E in the NPS NEPA Handbook.

Buses and other motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines more than five minutes when parked with no passengers on board and are prohibited from blocking traffic.

Determination: Idling vehicles create noise and pollutants which can disrupt funerals, disturb those visiting graves, and interfere with outdoor programs. The Superintendent may make exceptions from this depending on weather conditions and locale of planned activities.

Launching, landing, operating, or other use of drones or other unmanned aircraft (UA) from, on, or over lands and waters within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. UA include any devices used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention, and the associated operational elements and components required to operate or control the device.

Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within the park conflicts with or impacts visitor experience, health, and safety as well as park resources and values.

 

36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require A Permit

(f) The following activities require a permit or written permission from the Superintendent as specified. Unless noted otherwise in this document, permit applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the scheduled date of the event or activity:

  • Burial in the National Cemetery under conditions specified by the Cemetery Administrator.
  • Camping – see also Part 2 Section 2.10.
  • Carrying or possessing a weapon, trap, or net (excluding legal firearms) – see also Part 2 Section 2.4.
  • Collection of specimens (take of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals) – see also Part 2 Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5.
  • Professional or commercial filming involving more than 5 persons may require a permit depending on equipment use, location, and potential impacts to visitors, resources, and other factors.
  • Conducting a sports event, pageant, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, or similar event.
  • Disinterment and removal of remains under conditions specified by the Cemetery Administrator.
  • Display, posting, or distribution of advertisements.
  • Engaging or soliciting any business without a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or unless pursuant to special regulations.
  • Holding public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, or other public expressions of views involving more than 25 persons – see also Part 1 Section 1.5 and Part 2 Section 2.51.
  • Installation of a commemorative monument or plaque.
  • Memorialization – see also Part 2 Section 2.62.
  • Operation of a public address (PA) system – see also Part 2 Sections 2.50 and 2.51.
  • Placement of memorial headstones or markers.
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances – see also Part 2 Section 2.35.
  • Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.
  • Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods, or services.
  • Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
  • Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads.
  • Use of horses such as for a caisson.
  • Use or possession of fireworks.
 

36 CFR PART 2 – RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION

 

36 CFR §2.1 - Preservation Of Natural, Cultural, And Archuological Resources

(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected only by authorized personnel for use in living history programs and demonstrations or by those authorized to camp in designated camping areas.

(a)(4), (a)(5) Activities that impact earthworks, monuments, headstones, or other cultural and archeological resources are prohibited. This includes:

  • Walking on, ascending, descending, or traversing earthworks, rifle pits, or wells.
  • Climbing, sitting on, or playing with cannons, monuments, walls, or headstones.
  • Wading, splashing in, bathing, or drinking waters of Providence Spring, Stockade Branch, or the Memorial Courtyard fountain.
  • Conducting rubbings of monuments or headstones.

Determination: The park’s enabling legislation, General Management Plan, and Resource Management Plan calls for preservation of cultural resources within the boundaries of the historic site. These activities are particularly detrimental to long-term preservation of these resources.

(a)(7) Possession or use of a metal detector, magnetometer, ground penetrating radar (GPR), or other detecting or imaging device is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.

(c)(1), (c)(2) Up to one gallon per family or group of blackberries, wild plums, wild grapes (muscadines), and pecans may be gathered for personal use or consumption only. Collection of Spanish moss, magnolia seed pods, and pine straw is prohibited. No other fruits, nuts, or berries may be collected.

Determination: Because of the cultural tradition of preserves/canning of wild fruits and berries and agricultural tradition of gathering pecans and the limited pressure from persons collecting these items, there is currently little risk that limited personal collection will adversely affect the long-term integrity of these resources. If significant changes in visitor use patterns or measurable adverse effects to park resources are detected, these limits may be revised or the authorization to gather a particular item eliminated entirely.

 

36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife Protection

(d) Transporting lawfully taken wildlife is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

  • After notifying park law enforcement, the Superintendent, or their designee, and under supervision of a park ranger, properly licensed hunters may remove lawfully wounded wildlife that escaped into the park and expired. If the animal is severely injured but not expired, the hunter may be allowed to safely shoot (euthanize), tag, and claim the animal at the discretion of the park ranger or Superintendent.
  • Hunters may not carry firearms or hunting weapons into the park without permission from the accompanying park ranger or Superintendent.
  • No engine-driven mechanical equipment (e.g. winch, hoist, all-terrain vehicle, etc.) may be used to retrieve the animal. With park ranger approval, street legal and licensed motor vehicles may be driven on park roads not open to public use in order to transport the animal out of the park.
  • Commissioned park rangers, state game wardens, local law enforcement officials, or park personnel specifically authorized by the Superintendent may also be allowed to safely shoot (euthanize) a severely injured animal found in the park, or a diseased animal that poses an immediate danger to park visitors or staff, as directed by the park Superintendent.

(e) Viewing of wildlife using an artificial light is prohibited.

 

36 CFR §2.4 - Weapons, Traps, Or Nets

a)(2)(i) Carrying, possessing, or using weapons (excluding legal firearms), traps, or nets is prohibited with the following exceptions:

  • Military Services providing honor guard or military honors for burial services
  • As allowed and specified under an approved scientific research permit
  • As authorized by the Superintendent for safely euthanizing injured or diseased wildlife
  • Authorized wildlife damage control personnel as specified in an approved, written agreement or contract

Determination: Feral hogs, armadillos, bats that infiltrate structures, and other wildlife can damage earthworks, historic structures, and other park resources. Exclusion devices such as nets, or control measures such as trapping or shooting, may be required to prevent or minimize damage to park resources and assets.

  • Persons registered as approved participants in living history programs, events, or demonstrations may carry historically accurate weapons under terms specified by the Superintendent; weapons must be kept unloaded except when participating in authorized firing demonstrations under the direct supervision of National Park Service black powder certified staff

Determination: Allowing presenters and volunteers to carry these weapons helps create the historic atmosphere of the event/program time period. To provide for public safety, weapons will remain unloaded and only demonstrated under specific guidance and supervision as authorized by the Superintendent.

 

36 CFR §2.10 - Camping and Food Storage

(a) Camping is prohibited except as provided for in the following designated areas under the conditions listed:

  • Use of the Scout Camping Area, located across Highway 49 from the National Cemetery entrance, is limited to organized youth groups (e.g. Boy and Girl Scouts) by reservation only. See also Part 1 Section 1.5(a)(2).
  • Use of the Youth Crew Camping Area, located adjacent to the museum, is limited to authorized youth crews working in the park under an approved agreement. See also Part 1 Section 1.5(a)(2).
  • Portions of the historic prison site as specified by the Superintendent are designated as Living History camping areas, to be used only during park sponsored living history events and programs. All persons camping in these areas must be registered with the park as authorized participants.
 

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking


(a) Picnicking is allowed only in the designated picnic area, located along the road connecting the National Cemetery to the historic prison site.
 

36 CFR §2.13 - Fires

(a)(1) Fires are prohibited except as follows:

  • In the picnic area, fires must be self-contained in a grilling device made for such purpose. Ashes must be cooled and removed or placed in a trash receptacle.
  • In Scout Camping and Youth Crew Camping Areas, fires are permitted in designated fire rings only.
  • In Living History Camping Areas, fires are permitted on pre-designated fire pads only.
  • Fires must always be monitored and never left unattended. Ensure fires are completely extinguished.
  • Fire safety protocols and provisions outlined in permits or other specific guidance must be followed.
  • During periods of high fire danger, no fires of any kind are permitted.
 

36 CFR §2.15 - Pets

(a)(1) Conditions for pets and service animals are as follows:

  • Service animals are welcome anywhere visitors are permitted. Service animals include dogs and miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Pet policies apply to all other animals.
  • Even if carried or in a stroller, pets are prohibited in park buildings, including the National Prisoner of War Museum and landscaped and grassy areas within the National Cemetery.
  • Pets must not be left unattended and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
  • Pets and service animals must always remain under human control.
  • Owners must not allow pets or service animals to walk or relieve themselves on monuments, graves, or other markers, and must immediately remove and properly dispose of pet waste.

(e) Conditions for pets in park housing areas are as follows:

  • Volunteers or interns residing in their own recreational vehicle (RV) on a park RV pad may keep pets provided they do not present a threat or recurring source of noise or disturbance to visitors, staff, or others.
  • Pets must not interfere with staff, contractor, or service agent access to RV pad, Guest House, or Carriage House areas.
  • Pets may not be left outside unsupervised and cannot be allowed to run loose, dig holes, chase birds, or otherwise disturb or impact natural or cultural resources.
  • Pets are prohibited inside park housing unless authorized by the Superintendent.
  • Beyond the immediate volunteer or intern residence area, all visitor pet policies apply.
 

36 CFR §2.16 - Horses and Pack Animals


Use of horses or horse drawn vehicles is prohibited unless authorized in writing and under conditions specified by the Superintendent.
 

36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking and Tobacco Products

(a) Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and other nicotine delivery systems are prohibited in the following locations and under the following conditions:

  • Inside park vehicles and buildings, including the National Prisoner of War Museum and park housing.
  • In the Commemorative Courtyard.
  • Within 25 feet of a building entrance or exit.
  • In hazardous material storage areas.
  • During periods of high fire danger.

Determination: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in government buildings and vehicles to comply with government-wide health and safety policies. Smoking is prohibited where posted and during high fire danger to protect park resources and reduce risk of fire.

  • Vehicles may not be left in the park overnight unless authorized by the Superintendent.
  • Vehicles and other property left in the park after closing hours without prior authorization will be considered abandoned. Abandoned vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. The owner will be responsible for reclaiming their property.
  • In cases of vehicle breakdown when a tow truck is not available and overnight parking is permitted, the vehicle must be removed from the park within 24 hours.
  • Other abandoned property will be processed following procedures for lost and found items.
 

36 CFR §2.35 -Alcohlic Beverages and Controlled Substances

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park except within the established picnic area and in locations designated by and under conditions specified by the Superintendent.
  • Consumption or possession of controlled substances is prohibited without a valid prescription.
 

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives


Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials are prohibited. Using or possessing fireworks is prohibited.

Conditions for Explosives

The possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park permitted historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

Determination: Fireworks can intrude upon the park's contemplative visitor experience, create a safety concern, and possibly start unwanted wildfires. Black powder and other explosives are similarly dangerous, unless used under carefully controlled and supervised settings such as a historic weapons demonstration.

 

36 CFR §2.5 - Research Specimens


Research specimens may only be collected under the authority and conditions of an approved research permit. See also Part 1 Section 1.6.
 

36 CFR § 2.51 - Public Assemblies and Meetings

  • Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views will be allowed at designated locations. See also Part 1 Sections 1.5(a)(2) and 1.6.
  • If required, applications for permits must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the date desired.
  • Public expressions of views must not conflict or interfere with scheduled park functions or programs.
 

36 CFR §2.62- Memorialization

(a) Installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative object without authorization is prohibited.

  • Commemorative plaques must be approved by the Superintendent (as delegated by the Regional Director) and will be allowed only in the “Commemorative Plaque Walkway”.
  • Placement of monuments requires approval from the Superintendent and the Director

(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation is prohibited except for eligible veterans and dependents through a special use permit in the area of the National Cemetery identified in the Cemetery Operations Plan.

 

36 CFR §4.10 - Travel On Park Roads and Routes

(a) Park roads are open to travel by motor vehicles, e-bikes, and bicycles as listed and under the following conditions:

  • All visitor improved access roads shown on the Andersonville National Historic Site official Map and Guide are open to motor vehicles.
  • Bicycles and e-bikes are not permitted in the National Cemetery but are permitted on all other visitor improved access roads as shown on the Andersonville National Historic Site official Map and Guide.
  • The National Cemetery entrance gate is a funeral entrance. It will be opened only during periods when burial services are scheduled and for special events and programs as authorized by the Superintendent.
 

36 CFR §4.13 - Obstructing Traffic

  • Buses and other motor vehicles are prohibited from blocking traffic while touring the National Cemetery, the historic prison site, or other areas.
  • The parking area immediately adjacent to the Cemetery Office is reserved for use by funeral attendees starting one hour prior to a scheduled burial service. During this time other visitors will be asked to move their vehicles.
  • The park road in the National Cemetery that leads from the center flag circle to the Rostrum will be closed beginning one hour prior to a scheduled burial service to ensure the honorable burial of eligible veterans and to ensure grieving families are not disturbed during the committal service.
 

36 CFR §4.21 - Speed Limits


Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is fifteen (15) miles per hour.
 

36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS

 

36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS

36 CFR §12.4 - Special Events and Demonstrations

  • Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited; except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery. At Andersonville National Cemetery these dates include:
    • April 9 (National Former POW Recognition Day)
    • Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of Memorial Day weekend
    • July 4 (Independence Day)
    • The third Friday in September (National POW/MIA Recognition Day)
    • November 11 (Veterans Day)
    • December (Yearly Holiday Tribute)
  • Committal services are excluded from this restriction.
  • Use of the Rostrum is limited to committal services scheduled through the Cemetery Administrator and special events and programs authorized by the Superintendent.
  • Official commemorative events also may occur on days that are not listed above provided they have a special historic and commemorative significance for the particular national cemetery. Superintendents may designate dates that commemorate events that occurred at the site of the national cemetery or those interred at the national cemetery.

36 CFR §12.5 - Interments


Eligibility for burial is determined in accordance with provisions of Federal statutory law. Interments are conducted in accordance with National Park Service and Veterans Administration policies.

36 CFR §12.6 - Disinterments


(a) Disinterment and removal of remains are allowed only for the most compelling of reasons and only pursuant to terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent.

(c) Disinterment shall be accomplished at no cost to the National Park Service.

(d) Next-of-kin is responsible for making all arrangements and incurring all financial obligations related to disinterment, including but not limited to opening and closing the grave and rehabilitation of disturbed areas according to conditions established by the Superintendent. Next-of-kin must provide notarized affidavits and sworn statements from family members as required to grant permission for disinterment.

36 CFR §12.7 - Headstones and Markers


Placement of private headstones, markers, or monuments is prohibited.

36 CFR §12.8 - Memorial Headstones and Markers


Placement of memorial headstones or markers may be requested by the next-of-kin of a person eligible in accordance with the provisions of Federal statutory law.

36 CFR §12.9 - Commemorative Monuments


Installation of a commemorative monument must be approved by the Director and shall be accomplished with no expense or liability incurred by the National Park Service.

36 CFR §12.10 - Floral and Commemorative Tributes

  • Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time during the year. Temporary, non-breakable flower vases must be used and are available in marked containers in two locations in the National Cemetery.
  • Artificial flowers and wreaths are permitted from October 10 to April 15.
  • Potted plants and holiday themed wreaths are permitted from ten (10) days before to ten (10) days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
  • Small American flags are permitted only during the weekend prior to and on Memorial Day. A permit is required for any other type of flag.
  • Winter holiday themed wreaths or floral blankets, no larger than two by three feet (2’ x 3’), are permitted from December 1 through January 31.
  • Permanent below ground floral containers may not be used. Existing containers will not be maintained.
  • Attaching decorations or other objects to headstones or monuments is prohibited.
  • Park staff will remove floral items when they become faded or unsightly. All other permitted items will be removed at the discretion of park staff.
  • All other objects and decorations are prohibited and will be removed. These items will be held and may be retrieved by owners for up to thirty (30) days before being discarded.

36 CFR §12.17 - Vaults

An outer burial receptacle, also known as a vault or grave liner, is required for all interments by the state of Georgia with the following conditions:

  • Under the authority of the Veterans Benefits Correction Act of 2018, the park provides a reimbursement to the designated next of kin for the cost of a grave liner, at the same rate as the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), and for up to $500 of the actual cost of installation of the grave liner.
  • The park provides use of the Rostrum for committal services, opening of the grave, and closing of the grave at no cost to the family.
  • All other services normally associated with the interment of eligible veterans and family members are the responsibility of the next-of-kin.

 

NOTICE OF CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION USE IN THE PARK

In accordance with National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Andersonville National Historic Site uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

NPS use of CCTV is for law enforcement and security purposes and will only be used to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use, which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards, will help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist activity; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities, revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer- worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers.

Operation of CCTV cameras will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy. No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views.

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Andersonville National Historic Site
496 Cemetery Road

Andersonville, GA 31711

Phone:

229 924-0343

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