Ceremony marks completion of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield site
Republic, MO. – National Park Service officials were joined by Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Billy Long and members of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the completion of the 18-month, $3.5 million renovation project and welcome visitors back to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum.
NPS staff and volunteers in period uniforms celebrated with a special artillery firing.
“It is my honor to bring this project to a successful conclusion and welcome visitors, near and far, to once again learn more about this significant historical event and experience the new exhibits,” said Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Superintendent Sarah Cunningham. “We could not have accomplished this substantial improvement to the visitor experience and protection of the collection without the strong partnership of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, the work of many dedicated employees and volunteers, and the support of the National Park Foundation.”
The renovation added approximately 1,800 square feet of new museum exhibit space, which enables visitors to view the park’s extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. It features the original “Lyon bed,” where the body of Union General Nathaniel Lyon was laid after his death during the battle of Wilson’s Creek. Visitors will also see new displays of the park’s impressive collection of edged weapons and firearms, including a rare Model 1860 Henry repeating rifle, recently donated to the park by the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. The museum provides for several interactive and accessible audio-visual displays and virtual displays, making it possible for people to view historic weapons demonstrations and digitally view fragile artifacts and other items in storage.
Improvements also include a redesign of the bookstore, information desk and bathrooms, added curatorial storage and employee workspaces, and a new HVAC system to ensure the long-term preservation of museum artifacts and visitor comfort. All the renovations, including expansion of the museum, were kept within the existing footprint of the Visitor Center complex. The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library also will also be reopened to the public starting Saturday, May 29.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation President Garin Ferguson commented, “Our Foundation is pleased to have played a significant role in the completion of the visitor center renovation project by providing a portion of the funding, purchasing important artifacts, and contributing to the funding of state-of-the-art video interpretations. The new museum exhibits will enhance the experience of more than 200,000 visitors who come to Wilson’s Creek each year. We are confident that this project exemplifies our mission of preserving and protecting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.”
“The renovated Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum will put historical interpretation at the fingertips of park visitors, connecting more people to the heritage we share,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “The National Park Foundation is grateful for the innovative, public-private partnership funding model that helped bring this project to life, matching $500,000 in philanthropic support from the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation with $500,000 in federal funding authorized and appropriated for NPF under the National Park Service Centennial Act.”
Beginning today, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fees will resume on Saturday, May 29. Details on park hours, fees and passes are available on the park’s website.