Tourism Pros to Volunteer in Gettysburg, PA
Tourism Cares for America Coordinating Project at Spangler Farm
Nov 11, 2008
Hundreds of participants from across the United States representing travel agencies, group tour operators, hotels, destinations marketing organizations, and other members of the tourism industry will work to preserve George Spangler Farm within Gettysburg National Military Park April 16 – 18, 2009. Tasks volunteers will perform range from lightweight labor such as assisting with logistics to heavy duty work like demolishing modern buildings. A medium workload includes clearing brush or painting.
What to Expect When Volunteering with Tourism Cares for America
Work is sometimes hard but there’s a sense of accomplishment upon finishing a project, especially when done as a team effort. Office hierarchy doesn’t exist when volunteering on a Tourism Cares for America Project. Corporate CEOs work side-by-side with frontline hotel staff, each with a common goal. Tourism professionals looking to meet their counterparts from across the country or network with potential clients in a unique setting or even just do good by volunteering their time for a worthwhile project will appreciate the time spent on a Tourism Cares for America Project.
Sponsors are good to the volunteers, too. A kick-off dinner, breakfast, lunch, and a closing dinner are usually included during the Tourism Cares for America weekend. The supplies needed to accomplish the work tasks are provided, too.
About Tourism Cares for America
Tourism Cares for America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve the travel experience for future generations.” This is accomplished through giving back to the tourism community by protecting and preserving cultural and historical sites. Tourism Cares for America has also conducted volunteer projects in Virginia City, Nev.; Ellis Island; Mount Vernon, Va.; Mississippi’s Gulf Coast; and New Orleans.
Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans, La., welcomed close to 350 tourism professionals in April 2008 during the Sixth Annual Tourism Cares for America Project. The park preserves historic Congo Square, a significant site in Louisiana’s African-American Heritage Trail because it’s believed jazz evolved from the weekly gatherings of African-Americans during the 1800s. During the Tourism Cares for America Project, volunteers helped enhance the park which had been neglected since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Projects included landscaping, painting the park’s fence, and light maintenance. The April 2009 project in Gettysburg is anticipated to attract just as many tourism volunteers as the 2008 project .
In addition to giving back to cultural and historical tourism sites with hands-on work, Tourism Cares for America awards scholarships to students pursuing education in travel and tourism. The organization also distributes grants to restore, preserve and conserve cultural, historical and natural
Historical Significance of George Spangler Farm
Considered the turning point of the American Civil War, thousands of soldiers were wounded during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 – 3, 1863). Confederate and Union soldiers were treated at Spangler Farm which was utilized as a field hospital. Confederate General Lewis Armistead who led Pickett’s Charge, died at Spangler Farm.
The property was purchased the spring of 2008 by the Gettysburg Foundation for $1.9 million. A nonprofit, private educational organization, the foundation works with the National Park Service to preserve and enrich Gettysburg’s heritage. Through purchasing the 80-acre Spangler Farm the foundation has saved the historical site from private development. The farm is one of the few examples of an authentic Civil War field hospital. The Tourism Cares for America Project will help restore the historical site so visitors will continue to appreciate its significance in caring for thousands of soldiers.
How to Join Tourism Cares for America in Gettysburg
Tourism professionals are welcomed to participate in the volunteer project. The registration fee is $99 plus lodging and transportation to and from Gettysburg. Visit the Tourism Cares for America Web site to register.
Gettysburg Trivia
According to the National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park has more than 1,300 markers, memorials and monuments.
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