1) Tours commemorate anniversary of the opening assaults on the City of Petersburg
2) Explore historic cemeteries by caravan tour
3) Celebrate freedom and family during Petersburg’s Juneteenth event

1) Tours commemorate anniversary of the opening assaults on the City of Petersburg

Join a ranger and meet living historians representing Union General Winfield Hancock and his staff this weekend, June 14 & 15, on the anniversary of the opening assaults on Petersburg in the summer of 1864. The 1 hour, 15 minute auto-caravan tours begin at the Eastern Front Visitor Center on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Between June 15-18, 1864, Union troops tried storming their way into the city while the Confederates, forced to fall back twice, were able to hold on until General Lee’s arrival by the fourth day. Explore the stories of the desperate defense and deadly charges that would leave nearly 14,000 casualties combined, and eventually lead to the Siege of Petersburg.

The only fee associated with these tours is the $5 weekly entrance fee to the park. For more information, please call park ranger Emmanuel Dabney at (804) 732-3531 ext. 222.

2) Explore historic cemeteries by caravan tour

On June 14, 2008 get into your own car and follow a guide to some of the Petersburg area’s most historic cemeteries. The caravan tour begins at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lot of Petersburg National Battlefield’s Eastern Front Unit which is located off Route 36 next to Fort Lee.

Sites included along the tour are Blandford Cemetery, Poplar Grove and City Point National Cemeteries. At each location, participants will walk along the grounds of each cemetery while the tour leader reveals the history of the hallowed ground, and burial practices used throughout the years.

Participants are encouraged to bring drinks and a snack as there will be a short refreshment period during the program. There is no charge for this tour. This event is the result of a partnership between the City of Petersburg and Petersburg National Battlefield. There are three more partnership programs scheduled this summer. For more information, please call Petersburg National Battlefield at (804) 732-3531 ext. 200.

3) Celebrate freedom and family during Petersburg’s Juneteenth event

The third annual Juneteenth in Petersburg, the first of two Juneteenth events sponsored by the Washington Cultural Foundation and Petersburg National Battlefield will be held on Sunday June 15, 2008 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Throughout the United States Juneteenth events serve to both commemorate the ending of slavery in America and celebrate the importance of family, community, and achievement for all Americans.

Starting with a traditional African libation ceremony, speakers will include United States Congressman J. Randy Forbes (Virginia 4th District), Juneteenth Event Coordinator Mrs. Treska Wilson-Smith, and Petersburg National Battlefield Superintendent Bob Kirby. The Reverend Andrew White of Zion Baptist Church will provide the Opening Prayer, and a song reflecting the meaning of the celebration will be performed by Mr. Larry ‘Akin Smith.

Following the opening ceremony is a presentation by Colonel Howard Baugh, one of the original World War II Tuskegee Airmen and a native of Petersburg, Virginia. The rest of the events include a living history presentation on African-Americans in Petersburg after the siege; ranger-led programs on life in the trenches and on the battlefield for African-American troops at Petersburg; and musical performances in the picnic area, where the public in invited to bring their own food, spread out a blanket and enjoy. (No alcohol permitted).

The only fee is the $5 weekly park vehicle entrance fee. For more information, please call park ranger Grant Gates at (804) 732-3531 ext. 202.

Schedule - Draft

Eastern Front Visitor Center Auditorium @ 2:00 pm
Introduction, Opening Prayer and Speakers

Eastern Front Visitor Center Auditorium @ 2:30 pm
Presentation by Colonel Howard Baugh, one of the original World War II Tuskegee Airmen and Petersburg native

Eastern Front Visitor Center Auditorium @ 3:00pm
Living history presentation on African-American life in Petersburg after the siege

Eastern Front Tour Stop #3 from 3:00pm - 6:00 pm United States Colored Troops (USCTs) in the trenches of Petersburg - Ranger presentations about life under fire

Eastern Front Picnic Area from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm (just past tour stop #3)
Musical performances. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and blanket. No alcohol is permitted.

Eastern Front Tour Stop #8 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Ranger presentations on the role of the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) at the Battle of the Crater. Ranger will be at the site of the Crater.

Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historical, cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors.