The Minute Man National Historical Park in on tap to receive more than $27 million in project funds to address deferred maintenance and repair needs for the park’s buildings, structures, landscape, trails, signage and monuments.
With all the improvements dedicated to improving the visitor experience, the funds are made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) as well as royalties from offshore oil and natural gas to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, with in the neighborhood of $900 million a year to invest in conservation and recreation opportunities across the country.
The first project phase focused on rehabilitating an assortment of historical dwellings, including the Jacob Whittemore House, the Elisha Jones House, Carty Barn and the Captain William Smith House.
Earlier this year, preservation and rehabilitation work commenced on 16 historic structures, with the work including interior repairs and upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing.
Classic Site Solutions Inc., a local, small business contractor from Wilbraham, Massachusetts is set to perform the work and until this phase is completed sometime next year park visitors can expect minor inconveniences stemming from the work being conducted at some of the park’s parking lots and trail areas adjacent to the buildings.
“These repairs ensure that Minute Man National Historical Park will have the ability to continue sharing important historical stories about the causes and consequences of the American Revolution,” Park Superintendent Simone Monteleone said in a news release. “The park will be ready to welcome visitors for the 250th Anniversary of the opening of the American Revolution in April 2025.”
In the next phase, the work will focus on the landscape, including sections of the Battle Road Trail that connects sites from Concord to Lexington and will seamlessly do the same for at least six miles of newly accessible pedestrian trails and boardwalks.
Just last year, nearly a million park visitors hiked the Battle Road Trail or came to understand the causes and consequences of the American Revolution.
Located in Concord, Mass, Minute Man National Historic Park is the site of the April 19, 1775, battlefields and structures where important events took place.
