Dover, TN - Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and public health authorities, Fort Donelson National Battlefield is providing access to museum exhibits and Ranger operations in its newly placed Visitor Center, and to the exhibit room of the historic Dover Hotel. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning today, Friday, November 6, Fort Donelson National Battlefield opened access to museum exhibits, orientation offerings, and its Eastern National bookstore in its new on-site Visitor Center. The facility will be accessible Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Central Time.
According to Superintendent Brian McCutchen, “We at Fort Donelson are delighted to provide access to the Visitor Center, exhibits, and the Ranger orientation that the national park provides. The historical items on display offer a tangible link in learning about and relating to the Forts Henry and Donelson Campaign and its battles." Items on display include elements of uniform, daily items, weapons, and more, with its partnered Eastern National sales outlet making relevant and educational books and items available for purchase.
“One surprise was provided by our Student Conservation Association intern, Rebecca Mello, who spent many days creating three wonderful water color paintings depicting key landscapes of the battlefield - doing so while interacting and sharing with visitors from across the nation. The paintings have been framed and are part of the exhibit," McCutchen added.
Fort Donelson has also reopened access to the historic Dover Hotel, where Confederate Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner surrendered the14,000-plus garrison of Fort Donelson to Union Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant. The exhibit room will be open, daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Central Time.
In addition, the following park spaces continue to be available:
* All publicly accessible park lands and trails of the Fort Donelson and Fort Heiman Units
* Fort Donelson National Cemetery and historic Carriage House
* Public comfort stations located at the park picnic area, National Cemetery, and the Fort Heiman Unit.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort Donelson National Battlefield, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and are regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean.
A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/fodo and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
www.nps.gov
Tags: visitor center dover hotel
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
