Strategic Plan 2018-2021

Burnside Bridge on a summer afternoon.

NPS Photo

The primary intent of this strategic plan is to articulate an overarching vision for Antietam National Battlefield and to create a framework for setting goals and prioritizing work for the next three to four years. It tiers off the 2013 Foundation Document, which defines the park’s purpose and significance, and serves, as the name suggests, as the foundation for planning and management at Antietam.

This strategic plan does not account for all of the work we conduct at the park. Rather, it identifies areas of focused effort to accomplish important goals and to direct desired changes. In addition to the goals and strategies identified here, we will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our day-to-day operations.

This document is the result of a collaborative effort by the staff of Antietam National Battlefield. It represents hours of engaged discussion and thought, and reflects the expertise and commitment of the people who work here. We look forward to working together and with our partners and public to accomplish this important work!

Susan Trail

Superintendent

 

Park Purpose

The purpose statement defines why the battlefield exists. It is grounded in legislation, but goes beyond a restatement of the law to clarify what the law means in terms specific to the park. It reinforces the foundation for future park management administration and decision.

The purpose of Antietam National Battlefield is to preserve, protect, restore, and interpret for the benefit of the public the resources associated with the Battle of Antietam and its legacy.

Vision

The vision statement provides a descriptive image of the future and what the park will become.

We maintain Antietam National Battlefield as a sustainable historic landscape and tell stories in innovative ways that resonate with all people.

 

125 PA Monument at Antietam Battlefield

NPS Photo

Core Values

Core values serve as the guiding principles for our organization. They are crucial to determining our actions and behaviors.

Stewardship
We responsibly care for park, financial, and human resources.

Safety
We actively foster a culture of safety and strive to improve our operations to protect staff and visitors.

Teamwork
We work collaboratively with park staff, partners, volunteers, and local communities to accomplish common goals.

Professionalism
We value and invest in our employees and their development to provide a high caliber of expertise and service.

Transparency
We will be open and honest with each other and the public.


Respect
We respect each other and our visitors and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.

Resilience
We creatively respond to changing conditions, while holding true to our mission and vision.

 

Goals and Strategies

The goals set by the park define our primary focus areas for the next 3-4 years and will help guide our decision making. In this plan, they are what the park wants to accomplish, are consistent with our purpose, and move us toward our vision. Strategies and key actions are the approaches and measurable steps we will be following to achieve our goals.

 

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  Goal #1

  Preserve and protect the battlefield's fundamental and important resources and values.

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  Goal #2

  Provide a relevant visitor experience for all audiences.

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  Goal #3

  Develop a culture of operational excellence and continual improvement.