ST A T E M E N T

FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS AT GETTYSBURG

MEMBERSHIP

SUPPORTS NATIONAL PARK MUSEUM

PROJECT

The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg (Friends) announced today the overwhelming support of its membership for the National Park Service’s proposed Museum/Visitor Center complex.

Eighty-eight percent of those responding voted to support the Park Service proposal. Eleven percent were opposed. In addition, over 3,000 written comments expressing a wide range of views were returned by Friends members with their ballots. Examples of comments made by members include:

• "We need to seize the opportunity and work with all parties to bring potential into reality;" and
• "Significant improvements are needed now to provide adequate artifact preservation, museum display and parking facilities. Benefits of the proposal, to me, outweigh the downside and are far superior to doing nothing."

The survey was conducted in December, 1997 and January, 1998. Each current member of the Friends received a 1st class postage letter to their residence soliciting their opinion on the proposal. Included in the mailing were copies of the decision paper, map, and Superintendent’s Statement released by the National Park Service at the November 7, 1997 museum project announcement.

Ten thousand four hundred forty eight pieces were mailed. Three thousand and twenty-one responses were returned. This 29% response rate is the highest ever experienced by the Friends for a mailing to all of its members. Copies of all ballots will be submitted to the National Park Service to become part of the public record on the museum proposal once personal address information has been removed.

"The Friends will be active participants in the ongoing development process for a new museum and visitor center facilities, as well as the Park’s General Management Plan," stated Earl J. Coates, FNPG President.


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For additional information contact:
Vickey Monrean, Executive Director, FNPG