Pamplin Park announcement

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I saw this announcement regarding Pamplin Park on Facebook
Does anyone know anything about this? I loved visiting Pamplin Park.








Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier will be open by appointment only beginning on February 12, 2024 with the exception of special events, and groups of 10 or more are invited to schedule tours, educational programs or facility rentals seven days a week. This closure to walk-ins will impact some special events and includes the cancellation of the 30th Anniversary Gala which was to be held on February 23, 2024.
Those who wish to book groups of 10 or more, educational programs or inquire and book facility rentals can call (804) 861-2408 or email [email protected]. More information is also available for groups on the park's website at www.pamplinpark.org.
The new restricted hours of operation is part of an overall reorganization of the park. A comprehensive plan has been designed to transform and bolster Pamplin Historical Park to address rising operational costs, while emerging to preserve this Historical Landmark and to continue as a leading educational and historical destination in the nation.
While Pamplin Historical Park is undergoing this transformation, we invite individuals to attend the park's special events and symposium. Current Pamplin Historical Park members and Dinwiddie County Residents only can continue to enjoy walking the park's trails by checking-in and parking at 6619 Duncan Rd., Petersburg, VA 23803 between 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
For more information, to book an educational program or facility rental and to view a full list of special events, visit www.pamplinpark.org or watch for postings on the park's social media channels.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Pamplin Park was having financial trouble before the pandemic, though. They´ve been temporarily closed before. I love that museum. It has a wonderful collection imaginatively presented, historic buildings and a magnificent section of original Petersburg defense line. It was a very, very ambitious project, though. It really aimed to be a one-stop-shopping visitor center of the Civil War. It was built for crowds. I remember when the cafe was still open too. My daughter and I got something there, although it was understandably overpriced. The truth is that museums are not money makers. Without endowments and ongoing grants, they can´t continue to function. I suspect Pamplin was too big and too commercial for certain levels of funding, but at the same time too small to attract the attention of major private sector donors either. It´s a pity because it was such an ambitious undertaking. 30 years isn´t a bad run for a private business, though.

 

[LCYingling3rd]

I certainly hope they can keep it open because I have always wanted to visit. It sounds to me like they are trying to cut some staffing costs and other overhead to keep from have to close completely. I certainly want to see the museum and hike the trails where the "Breakthrough" occurred.

They have a "descendants" association page on their website which I joined not long after they opened. The 87th PA was involved in the April 2, 1865 "Breakthrough" battle and you could join if you were a descendant of any of the Union or Confederate Regiments involved in that battle. It was a very nice aspect of their website because you could possibly connect with other descendants.

I don't know, however, maybe this is a reason to consider this area for our Muster? I was going to argue for the Richmond/Petersburg area on the muster thread but didn't get a chance to. We could certainly muster more than ten people and we would probably have the whole park to ourselves with possible guided tours?

LOL...regardless, I do hope they are able to keep it open and I hope the NPS can take it on if they can't. I certainly want to visit and maybe some of us could do a little mini-muster at some point? If we can get ten people or so together for even a day just to visit the park? I don't know how many of our members live in that area, but if ten of us can get together, that would be fun. I have never visited the NPS site at Petersburg either, and I have heard it is very nice. It is quite a long way for me; however, it is something I would certainly consider.

 

[Jamieva]

That is why it is called Pamplin park. His foundation formed the park. The business school at virginia tech is named after him too.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I certainly hope they can keep it open because I have always wanted to visit. It sounds to me like they are trying to cut some staffing costs and other overhead to keep from have to close completely. I certainly want to see the museum and hike the trails where the "Breakthrough" occurred.

They have a "descendants" association page on their website which I joined not long after they opened. The 87th PA was involved in the April 2, 1865 "Breakthrough" battle and you could join if you were a descendant of any of the Union or Confederate Regiments involved in that battle. It was a very nice aspect of their website because you could possibly connect with other descendants.

I don't know, however, maybe this is a reason to consider this area for our Muster? I was going to argue for the Richmond/Petersburg area on the muster thread but didn't get a chance to. We could certainly muster more than ten people and we would probably have the whole park to ourselves with possible guided tours?

LOL...regardless, I do hope they are able to keep it open and I hope the NPS can take it on if they can't. I certainly want to visit and maybe some of us could do a little mini-muster at some point? If we can get ten people or so together for even a day just to visit the park? I don't know how many of our members live in that area, but if ten of us can get together, that would be fun. I have never visited the NPS site at Petersburg either, and I have heard it is very nice. It is quite a long way for me; however, it is something I would certainly consider.

Actually that is a great idea.!

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

That is why it is called Pamplin park. His foundation formed the park. The business school at virginia tech is named after him too.

I looked him up because someone commented on the park Instagram page that he had died and his kids did not want to pay for the park. Clearly his isn't dead.

 

[Gandycreek]

I've been to Pamplin Park twice. I thought it was a great Civil War history attraction. I hope they find a way to turn it around soon.

 

[SJU]

I was there about 12 years ago. A lot to see and an impressive museum. I think they've had financial problems for a very long time. I recall reading about it years ago. Definitely a very suitable place for a Muster destination.

 

[KianGaf]

It looks a fantastic park. The battlefield trust did a tour on YouTube and it looks a great site.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I saw this on Facebook.

 

[Jamieva]

$60?!

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

$60?!

The ones around here are that much. I also see they are bringing back the round table and the car show.

 

[rob63]

I was there just last year. I remember walking around thinking to myself "I don't see how this can remain open if I am the only one here on such a nice day." Didn't really expect it to be this soon though.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I was there just last year. I remember walking around thinking to myself "I don't see how this can remain open if I am the only one here on such a nice day." Didn't really expect it to be this soon though.

Like I said before it was like that when I was there 3 years ago. Most historical destinations these days are much smaller unless they are National Parks.

 

[AA484]

I can't imagine the ground will be lost. I think if anything goes, it's the museum, as they require much more upkeep than land (for the most part). It's a shame, too, as the museum is maybe the best Civil War museum. At least the best I've ever visited. I'd rather have the land, if given a choice, though.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I can't imagine the ground will be lost. I think if anything goes, it's the museum, as they require much more upkeep than land (for the most part). It's a shame, too, as the museum is maybe the best Civil War museum. At least the best I've ever visited. I'd rather have the land, if given a choice, though.

sounds like they are trying to keep it going.

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

It came up in another thread that in Virginia a 501(c)3 is not automatically exempt from property taxes. To be exempt from those the organization must specifically recognized by name in a Virginia state codes as tax-exempt. The section of code lists many museums and certain groups like 4H, but not Pamplin.

Are Pamplin's financial problems caused by property taxes?

 

[archieclement]

I think the visitation issue might be a marketing problem. Pamplin Park, which is how the park is usually referred to, doesn't sound like a Civil War site. If I didn't know better that name would suggest picnic tables and a playground, not a battlefield.

Even the official name, Pamplin Historical Park, doesn't convey any connection to the war. Pamplin was simply the founder of the organization.

When I visited Richmond and Petersburg in 2012, I skipped Pamplin because I didn't know it existed. I only interviewed for an internship in 2013 because my professor was a personal friend of A. Wilson Greene and he recommended it to me. If not for that and for being an active CWT member I probably still wouldn't know it exists.

Apparently the museum is officially called the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, and that should probably be at the forefront of their marketing. "National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at Pamplin Historical Park" is a mouthful, but it doesn't bury the lede. Or at least call it something evocative like the Petersburg Breakthrough Battlefield & Museum.

The historical society I work for struggled to attract visitors for a long time because we were named after the local river. Which if you're a tourist you've never heard of. As soon as we started using a DBA with "lighthouse" in the name visitation started going up substantially because that's something everyone immediately recognizes. Sink a big hook. Then when you get them there: surprise, history!

Not sure as anything ACW seems increasingly viewed toxic/divisive by public, would think plays a role in decreased popularity/attendence.

Certainly seems private museums on topic are on decrease. Wouldn't rule out not promoting ACW more isn't a conscious decision.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

It came up in another thread that in Virginia a 501(c)3 is not automatically exempt from property taxes. To be exempt from those the organization must specifically recognized by name in a Virginia state codes as tax-exempt. The section of code lists many museums and certain groups like 4H, but not Pamplin.

Are Pamplin's financial problems caused by property taxes?

I'm sure that's part of it. There is alot of assessed value there. (I have not looked it up)
I think the other part of it is lack of use and the cost of upkeep and salaries.
I don't think ghost tours are going to be enough to solve the problem.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

159th Breakthrough Battle Anniversary - Pamplin Historical Park

Join us for the 159th Anniversary of the Breakthrough Battle which includes living history, demonstrations, speakers and more.

pamplinpark.org

link to a breakthrough event at Pamplin Park.

 

[Jamieva]

159th Breakthrough Battle Anniversary - Pamplin Historical Park

Join us for the 159th Anniversary of the Breakthrough Battle which includes living history, demonstrations, speakers and more.

pamplinpark.org

link to a breakthrough event at Pamplin Park.

Supposed to rain all day Saturday.