Harpers Ferry National Historical Park National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Community Bulletin
Harpers Ferry Park Welcomes New Education
Specialist
In 2004 I became an Education Pro-
Harpers Ferry NHP is pleased to gram Developer at Independence. In
welcome Amber Kraft to its grow- this new role I created and evaluated
ing Education Staff. Amber recently the educational program and materials
moved to the area from Philadelphia, for the Independence Park Institute,
Pennsylvania and graciously agreed the education branch. I promoted the
to write a bit about herself for this park to teachers and students as a pre-
month’s Community Bulletin. mier educational resource and strived
to create educational experiences that
Growing up I always enjoyed family va- sparked intellectual and emotional
cations, especially the ones to National connections to the stories and resourc-
Parks. I thought it would be great to es of the park. I based all programs on
wear a Smokey Bear hat and work in current research and best practices in
such amazing places. I remembered the field as I created standards-based
all those wonderful experiences after learning experiences for teachers, stu-
I graduated from Texas Lutheran dents, and learners of all ages.
University (TLU) and was looking for Amber Kraft
a job. I am now honored to be a member of
the exciting and productive education
As a political science major at TLU, I team at Harpers Ferry National His- Amber and the rest of the Education
had the opportunity to study how and torical Park. I have come to learn that Team are preparing for upcoming
why our government works. Upon the education program has made great Spring programs for school groups,
graduation, I put my knowledge to strides in recent years and I welcome a Summer Teacher Institute on John
work as a park guide at Independence the challenge to continue the excellent Brown from June 23 to 27, and a Bridg-
National Historical Park in Philadel- standards set by the folks at Harpers ing the Watershed Teacher’s Institute
phia. It was wonderful to watch visi- Ferry NHP. from July 7 to 11. For more information
tors at the Liberty Bell, the Rising Sun about the Education Program at
Chair, and the Declaration of Indepen- Harpers Ferry NHP log on to
dence, pondering what these things http://www.nps.gov/hafe/ or call the
represent to our country. Education Offices at 304-535-6283.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, March 2008
Volunteers Needed For 20th Annual River Cleanup
Join us on Saturday, April 5, from 9:00 11 shopping carts, eight car bumpers,
a.m. to noon, rain or shine, to clean three bed frames, two recliners, $50
up the shoreline of the Potomac River. in foreign currency, and, yes, even the
Harpers Ferry National Historical proverbial kitchen sink. How did most
Park and River and Trail Outfitters BTI of this trash get there? As water washes
Whitewater, and River Riders staff will down our sidewalks and street and into
be at Potoma Wayside, across from storm drains, the runoff carries with
the intersection of Hwy. 340 and Rte. it whatever is in its path. Storm drains
671, to assist volunteers. Extra parking then dump the water into nearby
will be in the gravel lot upstream and tributaries, or into the river itself. Some
across the highway. Volunteers should people intentionally dump anything
wear boots or sturdy shoes and pre- they don’t want into the rivers!
23 volunteers contributed to the Potomac
pare to get dirty. Trash bags and canvas
Watershed cleanup on March 31, 2007.
gloves will be provided. Join the fun and share the good feel-
ings that come from doing your part to
This annual event, the largest single 14,000 square miles in West Virginia, help clean the Potomac watershed and
watershed cleanup in the region, is a Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and to protect the Chesapeake Bay. We all
unique cooperative effort of federal, Washington D.C. live downstream. Join us on April 5th.
state, county and city governments It’s time to take out the trash!
working with a variety of groups and Why have a watershed cleanup? Riv-
concerned citizens. Last year, volun- ers are a symbol of the health of our For more information about the clean
teers participated at sites in DC, WV, community. What does it say about up at Harpers Ferry, contact Park
VA and MD hauling away 291 tons of us when we allow trash to line the Ranger David Fox at david_fox@nps.
trash from the tributaries and shoreline river shoreline and lodge in stream- gov or (304) 535-6282.
of the Potomac River. The drainage ba- beds? Last year´s haul included more
sin of the Potomac includes more than than 13 tons of recyclables, 889 tires,
100 tributaries and covers more than
Team Up to Cleanup Battlefield
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
On Saturday, April 5, 2008, history until 4 p.m. to coordinate the clean
buffs and preservationists from around up. Volunteers should wear boots or
the country will team up with the sturdy shoes and be prepared to get
Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) dirty. Tools, trash bags and water will
The history of Harpers Ferry has few parallels in the to help clean and restore America’s be provided by the park. Bring gloves,
American drama. It is more than one event, one priceless battlefields, cemeteries if possible, and a lunch.
date, or one individual. It is multi-layered, involving a
diverse number of people and events, decisions and and shrines. The nationwide effort
actions that influenced the course of our nation’s – dubbed Park Day – is underwritten Park Day is an annual event sponsored
history. Visit Harpers Ferry and step into history.
with a grant from The History Chan- by the Civil War Preservation Trust
nel. For the second time, this year’s (CWPT). It is an excellent opportu-
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
P.O. Box 65 Park Day is presented in partnership nity to bring Civil War enthusiasts and
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425 with Take Pride in America, a division community activists together in an
Visitor Center of the U.S. Department of the Interior. effort to help keep our nation’s Civil
304-535-6029 Harpers Ferry National Historical War heritage not only preserved, but
Harpers Ferry Historical Association Bookshop
Park is one of the sites that will ben- also pristine, well kept, and cared for.
304-525-6881 or 800-821-5206 efit from Park Day-related activities. This event will be held rain or shine.
Volunteers are needed to cleanup the T-shirts provided by CWPT will be
Harpers Ferry NHP Home Page Schoolhouse Ridge North Battlefield. available to all volunteers.
www.nps.gov/hafe/
Starting at 9 a.m., volunteers will re-
move trash, fences, brush and downed Join us on April 5th. For more infor-
The National Park Service cares for the timber in preparation for new trails mation, contact Park Ranger, David
special places saved by the American people
so that all may experience our heritage. and exhibits. Parking will be on site at Fox at 304-535-6282 or by e-mail at
the intersection of Bakerton Road and david_fox@nps.gov
Highway 340. Park staff will be on site
Community Bulletin, March 2008