The Appomattox 1865 Foundation — Friends Group of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (NHP) were recently recognized as a recipient of the National Park Service Director’s Partnership Award for its outstanding support during the Sesquicentennial and their sustained, committed service to the park.

According to a press release, Park Superintendent Robin Snyder honored the group at a recent gathering at the Appomattox Inn and Suites where members gathered to recognize the group’s efforts during the Centennial year of the National Park Service.

“The Appomattox 1865 Foundation was established in May 2012 as a non-profit to help support Appomattox Court House NHP. Within a few months, the organization raised $30.000 for a preservation project to restore the historic ice house at the McLean family site, where the surrender meeting took place,” officials said in the release. “They have steadily expanded their membership and their ability to fundraise for the park since that time. During calendar year 2015, they provided $91,500 of project and program support to the park, including a special exhibit case on the first floor of the park’s visitor center, located in the courthouse.”

Notable accomplishments of the foundation include providing education programs, historical lectures, bus transportation for fourth graders to visit the park, support of the park’s living history presentations and public education events totaling more than $25,000, according to the release.

“They funded research of United States Colored Troops’ presence at Appomattox at more than $11,000. They sponsored ground-penetrating radar of an area in the park thought to be a slave cemetery, with the results yielding a discovery of at least 61 graves at this site. Finally, they hosted the annual Lantern Tours, the Sweeney Concert Series and numerous special events in the park to celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service.”

“The park is very fortunate to have the support of the Appomattox 1865 Foundation. They provide immeasurable support to programs and projects through this partnership, that we would not be able to accomplish without them,” Snyder said.

According to the release, most recently, the foundation is supporting the restoration of the Charles Sweeney Cabin, located just outside the historic village. To date, the foundation has raised over $290,000 to support education and public programs, exhibit displays and restoration in the park.

To learn more about the Appomattox 1865 Foundation, visit its website at www.appomattox1865foundation.org or check out their Facebook page.