About the Friends
Friends of Vicksburg was founded in 2008 to serve as the official non-profit partner of Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP). We believe that preserving this hallowed ground is not just about honoring history — it’s about keeping the story alive for every visitor, today and for generations to come.
At Friends, we partner with passionate volunteers, donors, and community members who share our commitment to conserving and enhancing the battlefield and its historic surroundings. Together, we support projects that bring the Vicksburg Campaign’s legacy into sharper focus — from restoring monuments and historic markers, to improving visitor access, to creating educational experiences for students and families.
Through these efforts, we work to ensure that everyone who visits VNMP can fully appreciate the courage, sacrifice, and strategic impact that shaped the outcome of the Civil War. Because while the events took place over 160 years ago, their resonance and importance remain deeply relevant — and we’re dedicated to safeguarding that legacy today.
If you value history, education, and the enduring power of remembering, we hope you’ll join us in supporting this meaningful work.
Replaced 22 historic cast-iron interpretive tablets that were removed from the park and melted down in 1942 during World War II’s scrap metal drive.
Restored 90 acres of key battlefield views by clearing non-historic vegetation, allowing visitors to better understand the 1863 landscape at Old Jackson Road, Battery DeGolyer, Third Louisiana Redan, Railroad Redoubt, Fort Garrott, and Graveyard Road.
Successfully advocated for the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, adding the core battlefields of Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and Raymond to VNMP.
Created an interactive “soldier for a day” experience for local 4th grade students.
Expanded youth programming by growing Junior Ranger Summer Camps and launching Ranger-in-Training Camps that encourage future careers with the National Park Service.
Advocated for funding to repair storm-damaged tour roads, ensuring safe access for visitors.
Led research efforts to identify unknown soldier graves, including partnering with Harvard University. Additionally, worked with the American Battlefield Trust to create the Vicksburg Battle App—a free GPS-enabled tour—and the Vicksburg Animated Map.
Expanded the volunteer corps, adding resident volunteers and more than doubling annual volunteer hours for five consecutive years.
Preserved historic land, including seven acres at Anshe Chesed Cemetery and 11 additional acres at Railroad Redoubt in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust.
Facilitated critical monument repairs, including full restorations of the Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, and Rhode Island memorials.
Helped secure the transfer of 850 historic acres from the State of Mississippi to VNMP at Champion Hill and Port Gibson in 2019.
Advocated for the allocation of $5.9 million from Congress in 2018 to address erosion and damage at the historic Railroad Redoubt.
Provided special programming, including the beloved Symphony at Sunset with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra—an annual free outdoor concert on Memorial Day Weekend.
Maintained basic park operations during the nation’s longest government shutdown, protecting VNMP from vandalism and relic hunting while keeping the tour road, visitor center, U.S.S. Cairo Museum, and restrooms accessible to visitors.
Launched the “Undertold Stories” speaker series, highlighting lesser-known narratives of the Vicksburg Campaign.
Provided housing for VNMP interns, supporting hands-on learning and professional development within the Park.
We help preserve the tangible reminders of bravery and perseverance of soldiers, sailors and citizens involved in the struggle for Vicksburg.
President Abraham Lincoln referred to this campaign as the “key” to victory in the Civil War. Our goal is for visitors to the region to experience and understand the impact of the people and events that comprised the most strategic and decisive campaign on the Civil War.
Our 501(c)3 non-profit organization is the official partner organization for VNMP. All tax deductible donations work to help us enhance the battlefield and promote public appreciation for the history it symbolizes. While the park’s basic operations are funded by the National Park Service, many features and programs that visitors enjoy most are made possible through private funds from generous donors like you, including the important work on maintaining one of the nation’s largest collections of sculptures, monuments, markers, and tablets. Friends of VNMP is committed to the park and the public it is designed to serve.
Our Board of Directors
Brig. Gen. Robert Crear – President
Pete Stone – Vice President
Patty Cappaert – Secretary
Don Jarratt – Treasurer
Robert Bailess
Kane Ditto
Mark Hosemann
John Nau
Elee Reeves
Staff
Bess Averett, Executive Director
Sean Simpson, Development Coordinator
Our Impact
Preservation
We protect Vicksburg’s historic landscape by saving battlefield land from commercial development and ensuring its availability for education and interpretation. Recent efforts include acquiring high-risk parcels near the park, preserving historic acres at Anshe Chesed Cemetery, and partnering with the American Battlefield Trust to safeguard land at Railroad Redoubt.
Education
We connect students, families, and lifelong learners to the history of Vicksburg. From immersive “soldier for a day” tours to expanded Junior Ranger and Ranger-in-Training programs, we spark curiosity and build future stewards. We also co-created the Vicksburg Battle App and Animated Map to enhance learning onsite and beyond.
Restoration
We restore the battlefield’s historic character and interpretive resources. Highlights include returning 22 cast-iron tablets removed during World War II, fully restoring major state memorials, and reopening 90 acres of key vistas so visitors can better understand the 1863 landscape.
Advocacy
We facilitate vital support for the park by championing legislative and funding solutions. Our advocacy helped secure millions in federal resources for storm-damaged roads and historic areas, and led to the 2014 authorization adding Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and Raymond to VNMP.
VOLUNTEERS
We strengthen VNMP through a robust volunteer program that earned the National George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. With expanded residency opportunities and record participation, volunteer hours have more than doubled over the past five years.
Capital Projects
We improve visitor access and interpretation through strategic investments. Our first major project at Champion Hill—funded through a mix of private and public support—will provide paved parking, trail improvements, kiosks, and interpretive signage, allowing visitors to more fully experience this decisive Civil War battlefield.
We can’t do it without a little help from our Friends!
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to support the important work of Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign.
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