News Release

Ninety Six National Historic Site Makes Friends

Date: February 28, 2024

NINETY SIX, SOUTH CAROLINA – Ninety Six National Historic Site now has an official philanthropic partner, the Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site. This new dynamic, non-profit organization will support the Park through volunteerism, advocacy and fundraising. Members are from a variety of backgrounds with many different interests.

“This is a monumental achievement for this site. Not only do folks have a national park unit right here in their own backyard, but now they have one with a Friends group,” exclaimed Superintendent Joshua Manley. “Friends groups don’t exist at every national park. This is a big deal! We are fortunate that we have a group of people right here that care enough about the park and the community that they volunteered to help create this organization. They will fundamentally change the visitor experience here and drastically impact the local community.”

The Friends of Ninety Six is a private organization and not part of the National Park Service. They are managed by a board of directors consisting of local residents, each with track records of volunteering and advocating for public causes and raising funds to support community efforts and initiatives.

The group’s foundation was spearheaded by its inaugural president, local resident and executive director of the Ninety Six Historical Society Jennifer Donlon. “Our group is very excited to collaborate with the Park on their many programs and events. We are striving to provide a strong support system to enhance and assist the Park. Our Friends board is already planning and we look forward to a wonderful and productive partnership with our Park.”

Across the National Park Service, Friends groups promote and support parks and their events, programs and initiatives. They impact parks by raising funds and awareness to support efforts not funded by the National Park Service. They also play an important role of partnering to support park needs and engaging the community.

The Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site will do the same as they help carry out the mission of preservation, commemoration and education of visitors and the community.The Friends of Ninety Six will hold a membership drive during the annual 96 Crossroads event on Saturday, April 6, from 12 to 2 PM. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in supporting the park. For information on joining visit the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/people/Friends-of-96-National-Historic-Site/100092684780460/.

Ninety Six National Historic Site was established in 1976 to preserve and commemorate for educational benefit and enjoyment the settlement and development of the English Colonies in the backcountry of America and the role of Ninety Six in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War. It preserves unique and original resources, such as the Star Fort earthworks and Kosciuzko’s Mine, remnants of the 28-day siege of the Star Fort, the longest land siege of the entire Revolutionary War. The unique national park unit consists of 1,022 acres which include over 10 miles of hiking trails, a 27-acre fishing lake and official state fishery, and numerous natural resources and outdoor opportunities.