Friday, Nov 9, 2007
CLEVELAND, OH – The James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, also known as “Lawnfield,” was established as a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1980. The 7.8 acre property, President Garfield’s restored home, and several outbuildings, are owned and maintained by the NPS. For over fifteen years, The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) and the National Park Service have jointly operated the day-to-day activities of the site. WRHS owns the Garfield Family collections exhibited in the house and visitor center, and has staffed the site for school and public programming. Effective January 1, 2008, the National Park Service will assume full responsibility for the site’s daily operation and activities. The Western Reserve Historical Society will maintain ownership of the Garfield Family collections. This irreplaceable collection of items originally owned by President Garfield and his family will remain at the site in its current display, on loan to the NPS. “We are excited to continue our relationship with the National Park Service at Lawnfield in a way that insures that our collections will remain available to the public,” said Dr. Gainor Davis, President of The Western Reserve Historical Society.
In 2008 the National Park Service intends to continue the current schedule of visitor use of the historical site during weekends only, January through April, noon through 5:00 p.m.; May though October the site will be open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon through 5:00 p.m.. Information about hours of visitor use after October will be made available in the future. “The National Park Service is indebted to the Western Reserve Historical Society for its many years of stewardship of the collections, and provision of visitor services, at the site,” says Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent, John P. Debo, Jr. “We look forward to the opportunities that this change in responsibilities brings, and to the increased role of the NPS in working with visitors, and the communities of Lake County.”
For information about the National Park Service operations at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, contact Carol J. Spears, Site Manager, at 440-974-2993. For general information about visiting the park through December, 2007, please call: 440-255-8722.
The Western Reserve Historical Society was founded in 1867, making it the oldest cultural institution in Northeast Ohio. With headquarters in University Circle, the renowned arts and culture district of Cleveland, the Society operates nine separate but related collections at four historic properties throughout the region. WRHS’s mission is to collect, preserve and present the history of all the people of Northeast Ohio. For further information on The Western Reserve Historical Society and its programs visit the website, www.wrhs.org, or call 216-721-5722.
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. To learn more about the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, visit the park’s website, at www.nps/gov/jaga.
|
