The Richmond Chapter of TelecomPioneers, the world’s largest corporate volunteer organization, recently visited Petersburg National Battlefield to attend a dedication ceremony in their honor. In 2005, TelecomPioneer volunteers worked along side National Park Service maintenance personnel to rebuild a dilapidated soldiers’ hut located at Stop 3 of Petersburg National Battlefield’s tour road. National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Acting Regional Director Sandy Walter visited the park at the beginning of the project and thanked the volunteers for their efforts. On January 18th of this year, battlefield staff showed their gratitude by presenting the volunteers with a plaque. The plaque was placed on the cabin and gave credit to those who dedicated so much of their time and energy to improve the park.
The cabin replicates that type of structure built by soldiers to survive the Virginia winter of 1864-65. It will be used to educate visitors about the lives of civil war soldiers during the siege of Petersburg. The new hut was constructed using materials that are both environmentally friendly and durable.
TelecomPioneers plan to assist the park with other significant projects including the repair of a historic gazebo at Appomattox Plantation and the reconstruction an officer’s headquarters at Stop 3 on the park tour road.
“We appreciate all their hard work and dedication,” said acting superintendent Dave Ruth. “Their efforts enabled us to leverage our operating funds and create an exhibit to help visitors better understand and appreciate the lives of civil war soldiers.”
