HomeMy WebLinkAbout23.09.13 - Minutes, Antietam Battlefield Advisory CommitteeBattlefield Advisory Committee
The committee met on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Attending the meeting: Acting Sup. Corey Wolfensberger, Chris Vincent, John Schildt,
Miriam Cunningham, Vernell Doyle, George Franks, Justin Mayhue, and Gerard Kendle.
Mike Barnhart, absent.
The new Superintendent position was announced on USA Jobs and the selection
process has begun. A new Superintendent could be in position by the end of the year.
Visitor Services began operating out of the renovated Visitor Center at the beginning of
August. It has been well received by the public. The Park continues working though a
punch list of items with the contractor and on the landscaping. The video wall will be
finalized soon, and an edited version will be added. They are in the final editing of the
new orientation film. The Park is expecting that to be completed in December with a
possible premier showing at the Maryland Theater. The temporary modular buildings
are being removed and that area restored. The overflow parking area will be set up in
the fields by the Katie Poffenberger house.
The rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony occurred on September 8. A larger
number of people than expected turned out. Guest speakers included Kevin Kissling,
President, and Chief Executive Officer, Eastern National; Susan Trail, former
Superintendent, Antietam National Battlefield; and Keith Snyder, Chief of Resource
Education and Visitor Services at Antietam National Battlefield. Acting Sup. Corey
Wolfensberger did apologize that not all local officials received an invitation to the event.
Other Projects: HPTC continues to work on the preservation project at the Piper farm
with the wagon shed roof and at the David R. Miller house on the windows and porch.
The pavement preservation project began and is moving along. The public can expect
delays and closures as all the park roads are resurfaced.
National Cemetery rehabilitation is part of the FY27 funding but some of the preliminary
steps have begun with some tree removal, pruning, and new planting. This project will
include realigning headstones and the lodge building rehabilitation.
The new Piper Farm Trail has been completed and is open for use. This trail connects
the Piper farm to the far end of Richardson Ave. This will allow Scout and Youth Groups
staying at the campground to hike to the Visitor Center without walking on the Burnside
Bridge Road and along the highway.
The Salute to Independence mediation has completed Phase I, which consisted of
interviews with NPS and partner officials. Phase II will begin soon. This will be a series
of professionally facilitated meetings, to see if the event could be held in a safe and
adequate manner that meets the needs of stakeholders, visitors, and the requirements
of the park.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13th, 2023.
Chris Vincent