Battlefield Messenger

The Web Newsletter for Antietam National Battlefield

Summer 2004 Issue

Welcome to the Battlefield Messenger web newsletter! Western Maryland Interpretive Association (WMIA), the nonprofit partner of Antietam National Battlefield, is pleased to offer this service to our "Antietam Partner" members and others near and far who enjoy and value this special place. As we write, the park is in the midst of its busy season. Read on to learn about just a few of the latest activities and things-to-do at your Antietam.

Explore Your Antietam

Antietam's on-the-go interpretive rangers have scheduled hikes, kids programs and many other activities for 2004. In addition to these special events you can always watch a film, browse the museum exhibit area and park bookstore, and enjoy a ranger talk in the Visitor Center Observation Room. We also encourage you to consider a more close-up approach to seeing Antietam by walking the park- trails or biking the 8-mile tour road. So come on - bring your friends, family or just yourself to enjoy the fresh air, picturesque views and stories of one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War.

Click here to see the park calendar of events for 2004

Calling All Birders

It's not only people who flock to Antietam. As of the most recent count in 2003 a total of 77 different bird species have been sighted during park surveys. The open fields provide great habitat while stands of trees and wooded areas attract winged wonders like the Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl and majestic Red-Tailed Hawk. Some of the better areas to view birds are the wooded areas along the waters edge off of the Sherrick Farm and the Snavely Ford Trails.

Click here for more information on Antietam's wildlife

Home Improvement

Any homeowner could tell you there's never a shortage of projects. So imagine the 'to-do' list for a structure that has experienced about 200 years of wear and tear. The Mary Locher Cabin at Antietam may be the oldest existing cabin in Western Maryland. Land adjoining it served as a makeshift burial ground for a number of soldiers who died in the West Woods fighting. Of course, Antietam features many other famous and historic structures such as the Pry House headquarters of Union General George McClellan, the Miller, Mumma, Roulette and Poffenberger Farms, and the simple yet stately Dunker Church that is a 'must see' for visitors.

Click here to read about the Dunker Church

Test Your Antietam I.Q.

Think you know Antietam like your very own backyard? Well, here's your chance to prove it. Send us an e-mail identifying the object in the photo and we will send an e-mail reply with the correct answer and other details on this issue's 'Test Your Antietam I.Q.' photo subject. Simply direct your answer or educated guess to WMIA@AntietamPartner.com.

A Monumental Endeavor

As park budgets nationwide continue to be cut back, the already substantial project backlog at Antietam and other National Parks grows. The Maryland Monument, for example, is temporarily closed as a result of a deteriorating ceiling and roof structure. Estimated repair costs are in excess of $200,000. You can help restore the only monument honoring both Union and Confederate soldiers through a tax-deductible contribution to WMIA, the nonprofit partner for Antietam. 100% of contributions go to Antietam. Donations can be directed to: WMIA, Attn: Maryland Monument Restoration Fund, PO Box 692, Sharpsburg, MD 21782.

"Battlefield Messenger" - Partnership in Action

The Battlefield Messenger web newsletter is a partnership effort of WMIA and the Herald-Mail Company of Hagerstown, MD. A publisher of the Morning Herald and Daily Mail newspapers, the Herald-Mail Company is committed to raising awareness, appreciation and support for Antietam National Battlefield. Thanks Herald-Mail!

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