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Contact: Becca Toy, 540-693-3200 x4100
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — From 10 am to 2 pm, on Saturday, February 25, 2023, the National Park Service and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) will host an Open House for prospective volunteers at Ellwood Manor, located at 36380 Constitution Highway (Rt. 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508. The Open House will introduce potential volunteers to opportunities for the 2023 season at the historic structure and grounds of Ellwood on the Wilderness Battlefield.
Ellwood is a historic slave plantation and farm that played a part in the battles of Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. Ellwood volunteers can become a part of the interpretive team that shares the story of this special place, or work with maintenance helping preserve the landscape for future generations.
Ellwood interpreters give formal and informal programs and provide orientation to park visitors. Individuals who are excited about learning history, discussing slavery and the Civil War, and telling historically underrepresented stories are encouraged to apply. Interpreters at Ellwood will need to attend an all-day training session. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Volunteers with the Grounds Force help maintain the grounds and historic landscape surrounding the manor. Grounds Force volunteers will need to attend training to safely operate groundskeeping equipment. Additional volunteer opportunities may be available through both the National Park Service and FoWB.
This open house is a chance for prospective volunteers to explore Ellwood and meet Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP personnel and FoWB members. Potential volunteers with questions or looking for more information may reach out to FoWB members Don Shockey (540-729–2885, shockeydl@comcast.net), Bob Lookabill (540-972–5668, ellwood@fowb.org), or National Park Service Volunteer Coordinator Becca Toy (540-693-3200 x4100, e-mail us).
Learn more about volunteering with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP.
About the Park. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park includes the sites of four major battles spanning eighteen crucial months of the Civil War. The battles caused more than 100,000 casualties. The constant presence of armies left Fredericksburg and the surrounding landscape devastated and ended bondage for thousands of enslaved people in the region. Learn more at www.nps.gov/frsp, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: February 16, 2023