Managing Fort Ward as a Historic Park March 10, 2009

March 10, 2009
4008 Fort Worth Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22304

Re: Managing Fort Ward as a Historic Park

To: City Elected Officials and City Manager; cc; Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, as the lead department, conducted community meetings with the aim of soliciting public input on the current facilities and operations at Fort Ward. What has transpired is shocking and steps must be taken to improve operations, maintenance and stewardship of the historical park.

Gradually over the last several years, the City has made changes that are inconsistent with the historic park and transformed part of it into a regional maintenance yard and transfer point for trash.  These changes have been unsightly, increased maintenance traffic and encroached into sensitive African American historic sites.  The changes have been made with complete disregard of the residents and families who live nearby and enjoy visiting the park.

Attendees at the meeting were asked to identify changes they would like to see to the park and place numbered stickers on the suggestions to help prioritize them.  Ostensibly this would allow the City to move ahead on changes they believe reflect the consensus of the participants.  Unfortunately, because of actions previously taken by Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, there was considerable distrust and suspicion regarding their plans.

Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities have expanded the maintenance yard without a Special Use Permit, removed trees that once screened the yard from Picnic Area 1, increased the amount of composting in the Yard, paved over African-American graves, placed a large, screened dumpster in a prominent location on the circular lane, placed a a metal fabricated ticket/security booth at the entrance and installed car parking stops as speed bumps that impede walkers and discourage use by disabled patrons.  In the past they have proposed plans to increase parking areas off Braddock Road and expand picnic areas to increase use and potential revenues.

As important, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has made changes and continues to propose changes that alters the experience of users of the park and destroy additional African-American historic and cultural resources related to the building of the Fort and the post civil war period.

There is also an issue of not adequately managing a permit process for large crowds using the park.  There have been numerous weekends between Memorial and Labor Day when the park is overcrowded, noisy, and the use of alcohol and amplified music have been major problems.  Poor management has impacted the historic areas, grass, trees, plants, terrain, and drainage increasing City costs, at the expense of the historic character and the African-American resources.

We can have a park that allows multiple compatible uses to co-exist in an historical park.  The size, terrain, and historic character of the park limit the size of groups using the picnic facilities.  Failure to manage use of the park results in damage to the park and its historic resources disrupts quiet enjoyment of property by adjacent owners, and increases short and long term costs.

To improve management, relieve suspicion, and provide a more diverse interpretation of events at Fort Ward, I suggest the following actions be taken.

Short Term

Do nothing to increase or intensify use of the historic park. Maintain and encourage passive use of the park for tourist, history buffs, walkers, small groups of picnickers, and those who want to enjoy the natural outdoors.
Create an advisory committee with authority to help identify improvements, park management including maintenance and operation.
The City should adopt a target of removing the maintenance yard within 2-3 years.
Increase and celebrate the use of civic organizations, students and volunteers in beautifying and maintaining the park.
Involve City staff and volunteers in developing a unique interpretive history of the contribution of African Americans during the Civil War; building and maintaining the Fort, working at the nearby Fairfax Seminary Hospital, and living at the Fort after the War.
Improve the permitting process and the management of visitors during peak periods to ensure users know the park rules and pay an appropriate fee to cover administration, operation and maintenance costs associated with their use.

Long Term

Replace current car parking stops used speed bumps with ones that are more compatible for walkers and persons in wheel chairs.
Remove, the existing trash dumpster on the circular road and develop a less obtrusive container and fencing for collection of park generated trash. Offsite collection of trash for storage at the park should end.
Repaint the car parking stops to a color more compatible with a historic park, a shade of brown.
Remove the ticket/security booth and if it is necessary, install a booth that is compatible with a historic civil war park and in a location that is more effective.
Develop and implement training to ensure that operations and maintenance staff understand their responsibilities in caring for a historic park.


Alexandria is fortunate to have a Fort Ward. It is an important community asset entrusted to the City of Alexandria. It helps define Alexandria as a diverse community. I hope you will take steps to protect the park, its historic character and improve park management and stewardship.

Sincerely,

Dave Cavanaugh

Federal Funds for Fort Ward Park November 4, 2009

a. Federal Funds for Fort Ward Park: Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that funds for Fort Ward Park were included in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill (H.R. 2996). The legislation passed on June 26, 2009. The bill provides $75,000 to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history. The bill requires non-federal matching funds.


----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Tim Aiken"
To: "glenn eugster"
Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 5:38:39 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: RE: Status of Save America's Treasures Money


Signed into law 10/30. T

93
State Project Amount
AL ........................ Historic Montevallo Main Hall Renovation ............................................................................ 150,000
AL ........................ Swayne Hall, Talladega ......................................................................................................... 490,000
CA ........................ Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara ................................................................................ 650,000
CO ....................... Shenandoah-Dives Mill National Historic Landmark ............................................................ 150,000
CT ........................ Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Preservation .......................................................................... 150,000
CT ........................ Sterling Opera House Renovation .......................................................................................... 150,000
FL ........................ Freedom Tower, Miami, FL ..................................................................................................... 500,000
GA ........................ Morehouse College (King papers) .......................................................................................... 200,000
IA ......................... Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines ...................................................................................... 200,000
ID ......................... Historic Old Pen Site Stabilization Project ............................................................................ 150,000
IL ......................... Repairs to Historic Chicago Landmark ................................................................................. 50,000
KS ........................ Colonial Fox Theater, Pittsburg ............................................................................................. 500,000
KY ........................ Judge Joseph Holt House Historic Restoration ...................................................................... 150,000
MA ....................... Hancock Shaker Village Restoration ..................................................................................... 150,000
MA ....................... Stockbridge Mission House Renovation ................................................................................. 117,000
MD ....................... Harmony Hall Restoration ...................................................................................................... 100,000
MI ........................ Big Sable Lighthouse, Ludington .......................................................................................... 100,000
MN ....................... CSPS Sokol Hall ..................................................................................................................... 150,000
MN ....................... Restoration of Historic Coe Mansion ..................................................................................... 150,000
MS ....................... Madison County Courthouse .................................................................................................. 500,000
MS ....................... Medgar Evers site, Jackson ................................................................................................... 250,000
MT ....................... City of Bozeman Main Street Historic District Restoration .................................................. 150,000
NC ....................... Bellamy Mansion Slave Quarters ........................................................................................... 100,000
NJ ........................ Georgian Court Mansion Restoration .................................................................................... 200,000
NJ ........................ South Orange Village Hall Restoration ................................................................................. 150,000
NV ........................ Lincoln County Courthouse, Pioche ....................................................................................... 200,000
NY ........................ Historic Owego Municipal Building Rehabilitation ............................................................... 150,000
NY ........................ Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Restoration ......................................................................... 150,000
NY ........................ Richardson Olmsted Complex, Buffalo .................................................................................. 200,000
NY ........................ Strand Theater, Plattsburgh .................................................................................................. 200,000
NY ........................ Tarrytown Music Hall Restoration ......................................................................................... 150,000
NY ........................ Village Park Historic Preservation ......................................................................................... 150,000
OR ....................... Wallowa County Courthouse, Enterprise ................................................................................ 200,000
PA ........................ Hatborough Union Library Restoration .................................................................................. 38,000
PA ........................ Saylor Cement Kilns Historic Preservation ............................................................................ 200,000
PR ........................ San Juan North Portal Restoration ........................................................................................ 150,000
RI ......................... Warwick City Hall, Warwick ................................................................................................... 350,000
SC ........................ Chesterfield Courthouse Restoration ..................................................................................... 150,000
SC ........................ Cypress Historic Meeting Compound ..................................................................................... 200,000
SC ........................ Modjeska Simkins Home Restoration .................................................................................... 150,000
SD ........................ State Theater, Sioux Falls ...................................................................................................... 200,000
TN ........................ Blount Mansion, Knoxville ...................................................................................................... 250,000
UT ........................ Historic Fisher Mansion Restoration Project ......................................................................... 150,000
VA ........................ Belgian Building Preservation ............................................................................................... 150,000
VA ........................ Chesterfield County Historic Preservation ............................................................................. 150,000
VA ........................ Fort Ward Park Preservation .................................................................................................. 75,000
WA ....................... Schooner Adventuress Restoration ........................................................................................ 180,000
WI ........................ Bayfield Historic Courthouse Restoration .............................................................................. 150,000
WV ....................... Capitol Theater, Wheeling ...................................................................................................... 200,000
WV ....................... Claymont Court Historic Site Restoration ............................................................................. 150,000
WV ....................... Cottrill’s Opera House Restoration ........................................................................................ 150,000
Total, Line Item Projects .............................................................................................. 10,200,000
Bill Language.—The conference agreement includes language
which designates the amount for Save America’s Treasures and incorporates
the projects into law by reference.

Timothy B. Aiken
Legislative Director
Office of Rep. James P. Moran
2239 Rayburn Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Direct Phone Number 202 226-0015

Remarks about Fort Ward and Seminary by Frances Colbert Terrell. June 9, 2010

Remarks By
Frances Colbert Terrell
Before the
Friends of Local History Collections
Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Good Evening. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the African American descendants of Ft Ward and the Seminary Community. First of all, let me say up front. I am not an orator. Since my retirement from the Federal Government 10 years ago, any remarks I’ve given have been infrequent, short and generally before the members of the Oakland Baptist Church. I’m really nervous so, please, bear with me.

I must say though that this is a really proud moment for us. For roughly two centuries the prevalent information, -- stories, photos, movies, TV shows-- exhibited and talked about have shown African Americans in the most negative and heinous of circumstances, as slaves, house negroes, raped, beaten, chased by dogs, hanged, picking cotton, and eating watermelon. And now thanks to a commemoration of the Civil War and the Union Military Base of Ft Ward, an opportunity has arisen to show them in a more positive light, with dignity and accomplishment. Who would have thought it!! We salute our ancestors, for had it not been for them and the Lord on our side, we would not be where we are today. Our research has shown that our descendants possibly lived in and around Ft Ward even before the Civil War.

Certainly that they served in the War as United States Colored Troops in the Defenses of Washington, worked at the Episcopal High school which had been converted to a Hospital, were teamsters, ambulance drivers, loaded ships, trains, wagons, and played a major role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. In fact, it has been documented that there was an extensive presence of African American refugees in the area of the Fort and that African American men, women and children worked in support of the Union.

Then in 1865, the war ended. The Union Soldiers left. African Americans had gained their freedom. Now what? Coming out of a war; after enduring and suffering through centuries of slavery, through no fault of their own. We certainly did not ask to come to America. We certainly did not sneak across any borders to get here.

A people who had never known independence in America, who did not get the promised 40acres and a mule, were left to their own devices. What to do? Where to go? Where to live? Fort Ward had been abandoned, and to them, this was a refuge.

Through sheer strength of will, determination, fortitude, guts, and against all odds, they fashioned a life here at Ft Ward, an abandoned union fort; then out of necessity, developed an entire viable self sustaining community that’s still very much in existence today. It’s undergone many changes, but we’re still here.

Our ancestors, most of them coming from Fauquier County, first appeared in the U.S. Census as living at Fort Ward in 1870. They were Burr and his wife Harriett Shorts. Harriett was a widow and had several children. However, in June 1865, they had a daughter Clara Shorts (Adams) who lived at Ft Ward until 1952. Next door was Menokin, the home of Cassius F. Lee and his wife Ann Eliza Lee. Burney McKnight, Harriett’s daughter, is shown as living as a servant in the Cassius Lee household. Burr Shorts paid for a survey in 1879 for 10 acres of land at the Fort in 1879, obtaining a deed in 1884. The property was subsequently divided up between family members. Families residing at the Fort, which is what we called it, consisted of the Shorts, McKnights, Wanzers, Adams, Cravens, Thomas, Caseys, and Terrells.

Families at the Fort established a school that later was converted to a church. This first school for African Americans in the area of the Seminary was in all likelihood established by the founders of the Oakland Baptist Mission. That church was later closed and became the home of the Young Family. From this core group at Fort Ward, and a few others in the area, the entire African American community of Seminary was developed. That Community extended from the 1000 block of N. Quaker and Johnson’s Lane, which was about 7 feet north of Bishop Lane, across from the locked gate of the Theological Seminary, back to roughly the Chinquapin area, crossing over to King Street where the Chinquapin Rec Center sits now; then cross over King to West Braddock Road where the Everly Wheatley Funeral Home is located, back to the King, Braddock and Quaker intersection. You’ll love this one. My grandfather, Douglas Johnson, originally from Fauquier County, purchased his one-acre of land at 1001 N. Quaker in 1923 from William Ashby (Ft Ward) for the outlandish price of Twelve Hundred – Fifty Dollars ($1250.00) and he had a 7 year mortgage. Try that now!!! In fact, some of my family still live on part of that property today. My cousin Carol Daniels lives at 1001, my grandfather’s house; I live at 1005, my uncle’s house; and my brother Fred Colbert lives in my parents house at 1009 N. Quaker.

The historic Oakland Baptist Church, was founded in 1888 as the Oak Hill Baptist Mission in Fairfax. After acquiring land in 1891, it moved to its current location at 3408 King St, City of Alexandria, in 1895. Its founders were Clara Adams, William Terrell, J.W. Casey, William Carpenter, Brook Johnson, Maggie Hall, Harriett Shorts, Nancy Shepherd, Daniel Simms and Smith Wanzer. These latter two gentlemen being my great grandfather and great uncle. And of course, the church’s cemetery was and is located at Ft Ward on property originally owned by Burr and Harriett Shorts and conveyed to the Church by Clara Adams in 1944.

The first AA school in the City of Alexandria, located where TC Williams sits now, includes 2 acres of land conveyed by a former slave, Douglas Wood, Sr. in 1927, for the purpose of building a “colored” school called simply the Seminary School. Douglas Wood was one of the AA families that settled in Seminary in the 1870s and 1880s. The families worked primarily at the Theological Seminary and Episcopal High School as gardeners, carpenters, cooks, laundresses, and maids.

In the late 1950’s - early 60’s, the City moved the residents out of Ft Ward to establish the Park & Museum, which disrupted the tranquility of those residents at Ft Ward and again in 1962, the City displaced our community once again to build TC Williams High School. But, we’re still here.

Enough history, this is what we would like to see at the Fort – inclusion of our history at the Park, signage perhaps indicating where the residents of Ft Ward lived and where the school/church was located. We’ve discussed a model of the community that resided there strategically located, photos in the museum of an African American presence during the war, USCTs, or even as laborers, the Oakland Baptist Cemetery properly respected, and AA actors participating in the Civil War re-enactment each year.

We appreciate the efforts and support provided us by the City’s archeology staff, Office of Historic Alexandria, Parks and Recreation and Museum staff. Additionally, we appreciate the support of citizens from the local area, Dave Cavanaugh, Glenn Eugster and others for their dedication, support and faithfulness.
Thank you.

Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery Description

Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery


The Oakland Baptist Cemetery is located off of Braddock Road within Fort Ward Park.
The cemetery is on land originally owned by Burr & Harriet Shorts. After the Civil War and up until the early 1950s the Fort Ward area was primarily rural. It was not uncommon for African American family members and friends to be buried in family owned plots.


Members of the African American community residing at Fort Ward and near the Oakland Baptist Church were buried in various areas of the former Fort. It was not until the late 1960s that the burial plots on the Burr and Harriet Shorts property were designated formally as the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Another known area for burial sites is on the former James Jackson property on the western part of the Fort Ward Park. A Deed of Bargain and Sale from Amanda Clarke to Wallace Smith references an “Old Grave Yard” east of the general outlet road (FFX DB V-10, Page 142)


The Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery is the only known African-American Cemetery outside of downtown Alexandria.
December 16, 1879 Burr Shorts retained Thos N. Carter to survey 10 acres. He paid $4.50.

March 20, 1884-Burr Shorts acquires 10 acres. FFX DB E-5, 578.

Burr Shorts died in 1898.. 

June 28, 1898--In his Will (FFX Will Book Libra H-2, page 38) he left his real, personal and mixed property including the 10 acres to “my beloved wife.

December 29, 1898, Harriet Shorts conveys 2 acres to Clara Adams, her daughter.
 
October 25, 1916 Harriet prepared her will (FFX Will Book 6, P 391).  In her will she requests her Executors to “give unto my daughter, Kate Stuart, the house I am living in, with one acre of land, and to give to my daughter, Mandy Clarke, three acres of land; this three acres to be taken from that part of my real estate nearest to Jack Ball’s place. The balance of my property, both real and personal, which includes one horse and one cow and one wagon, with harness, is to be sold, and the proceeds to be divided equally among my other children, whom I hereby name; Surrell McKnight, Cassius Mcknight, Burnie Terral, Florence Javins, Maria Blackburn, Minnie Robertson, Luvina Millier. Clara Adams is to be given ten dollars out of the sale of these properties mentioned.”

July 18, 1917 --Harriet dies at the age of ±86 (Char—Certificate of Death estimates age of 95, buried near Theological Seminary).

July 1919—the list of heirs and last known addresses indicate none of the heirs lived at the Fort.

July 15, 1919—Deed of Partition (DB FFX N-8, 404-407

“Whereas, the real estate having been preserved intact to the devisees and they desiring to have set off to each other respective portions, that is to say Kate Stewart to have the dwelling house and one acre of land, and Amanda Clarke to have three acres of the land as directed by the testatrix, and the remainder to be divided equally among the other children of testatrix, as named in the will…”

A survey was completed on January 18, 1919 subdividing the land for conveyance to family members.  The Will was probated in July 1919.

Her children (see Will and FFX Deed of Partition N8, p 404) include 1)Searles McKnight, 2) Lavina Miller (widow) 3) Bernice Terrell, 4) Florence Javins, 5) Maria Blackburn (widow), 6) Minnie Robertson (widow), 7) Cassius McKnight,

8) Amanda (Nannie) Clarke (widow), daughter, received 3 acres.
9) Kate Stuart, daughter, obtained the house Harriet was living in and one acre (Lot 3).

The devisees decided to partition remaining lands, lands not previously conveyed to Kate Stuart and Mandy Clarke, .with 47 acres each to :
1) Searles McKnight (Lot 1)
2) Lavinia Miller (Lot 2)
3) Minnie Robinson (Lot 4)
4) Cassius McKnight (Lot 5)
5) Maria Blacburn (Lot 6)
6) Bernie Terrell (Lot 7)
7) Florence Javins (Lot 8)

Clara Adams did not receive any land from the Will.
Amanda McKnight Clark received 3 acres from the estate of her mother Harriet Shorts.
April 11, 1933---Amanda Clark dies. In her Will (FFX Will Book 14, page 458), dated January 20, 1923, she requested that she be buried in the corner next to Clara Adam’s line in the little grove on my property, located on Seminary Hill. It was her wish that her property, except her home, be sold shortly after her death. In the event there was any money left after paying all debts, she bequeathed $5.00 to her daughter Harriet Hyman. In addition, she bequeathed all of her property, not otherwise disposed of in her will to her son Clarence R. Gray. Clarence R. Gray, at the time of the disposition of her will, May 20, 1933, he was 58 years old and Hattie Hyman was 60 years old. Hattie lived at 1451 Conover St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
February 25, 1939--Sale of Lot 8 to Oakland Baptist Church
Florence McKnight Javins predeceased her husband Samuel Javins. He had remarried I(new wife Mollie). On February 25, 1939 Samuel conveyed .47 acres, Lot 8, to the Oakland Baptist Church. (FFX DB I-13, 515).
Lot 8 is 50.5 feet wide and 409.9 feet (239.9 +169 feet) long on the south property line.
Oakland Baptist Church Trustees: William Henry, Richard Nelson, Frank Nelson, Douglas Johnson, and James Lewis.
On June 9, 1969, the Oakland Baptist Church and the City of Alexandria agreed to an exchange. The western part of Lot 8 (Parcel 3963-0-2), along with a 10’ access road was conveyed by the Oakland Baptist Church to the City of Alexandria.
The City of Alexandria conveyed “so much of Lot 7” (Parcel 3963-0-1) for use by the Oakland Baptist Church and congregation as a burial ground.
The description of the park boundary included in the National Register of Historic Place nomination form excludes the present day Oakland Baptist Cemetery.





Names of those interred at the Cemetery (USGENWEB)
http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/cityofalexandria/cemeteries/oakland.txt


Area: Virginia, Alexandria, zip 22304
Name: Oakland Baptist Church
As of: 1999 June
Listing: complete
Location: Accessed via the Fort Ward civil war park
Not annotated in the Alexandria Drafting Company (ADC) street map (red cross).

Comments: There were 4 headstones with no markings at all, and 1 with 8 names but no dates. Also, I found three outside the cemetery on the park grounds.

======== 51 entries ===================
Ashby, Blackburn, Bullock, Campbell, Chambers, Fitzhugh,
Grant, Hall(2), Harris, Henry(3), James, Javins, Jones,
Lee, Lewis(2), Mackey, Mallory(2), Moore, Morgan, Nickens,
Penn, Randall/Randell(4), Rollins, Roy(4), Rust(5), Scales,
Spence, Taylor, Terrell(2), Wanzer(6), Whiting,
=========================================
Wanzer, Clarence Sr. 1897 Feb 1 - 1980 July 17
Wanzer, Charlotte B. 1900 Nov 30 - 1976 May 21
Jones, W. Strother d. 1937 Jan 31
Mackey, Gladys Wanzer 1908 Feb 4 - 1982 May 18
Chambers, Ethel 1889 May 30 - 1977 Mar 9
James, Ethel E. 1926 Apr 20 - 1990 Aug 21
Roy, Clarence 1906 Mar 6 - 1979 Mar 17
Wanzer, Roland R. Sr. 1909 Apr 18 - 1978 Apr 9 \ shared
Wanzer, Virginia Roy 1909 Aug 18 - 1987 Dec 8 /headstone
Roy, Nina 1904 May 8 - 1987 Dec 28
Campbell, Annabelle 1927 Nov 28 - 1986 July 29
Hall, Mary M. 1892 Feb 23 - 1961 Aug 28 \ shared
Hall, Evelyn N. 1930 June 5 - 1981 Nov 17 /headstone
Lee, Mary Nelson 1881-1976 \ shared
Ashby, Eva Lee 1902-1992 /headstone
Rust, James 1888-1951
Henry, Clarence d. 1936 Sep 16
Henry, Rev. Frank 1904 Apr 12 - 1963 July 26
Grant, Anne Bell 1908 Dec 7 - 1980 Nov 16
Mallory, Sarah 1901 Dec 29 - 1969 Oct 4 wife of W.B.
Mallory, William Buck d. 1974 July 28
Whiting, Lloyd 1935 Sep 3 - 1971 Apr 20
Penn, James Finley 1911 July 1 - 1970 Dec 24 Virginia Pvt US Army WWII
Harris, Gladys 1920 Apr 26 - 1969 Oct 31
Rust, Isabelle (dates buried, but headstone type suggests 1930-1950)
Scales, Everett Jr. 1970 Apr 17 - 1970 Aug 22
Blackburn, Maria d. 1925 Oct 10 age 84
Terrell, J.W. d. 1(923?) May 23 age 72 \ shared
Terrell, Burney d. 1930 July 4 age 82 wife of J.W. /headstone
Roy, Elnora 1890-1936
Morgan, Lucille T.R. (dates buried)
Rollins, Estelle Roy 1914-1937
Roy, Ernest E. 1911 Jan 12 - 1973 Sep 23
Taylor, Harriet Roy 1864-1940 grandmother \ shared
Nickens, Floretta Roy 1892-1941 mother /headstone
Rust, John 1900-1951 \ shared
Rust, Bertha 1904-1946 /headstone
Rust, Herman A. 1930 July 12 - 1979 Dec 21 US Army Korea
Henry, Jean 1928-1985
Randell (sp?), Irene O. 1926 May 27 - 1980 May 20
Randall, Lawrence J. 1926 May 1 - 1973 Mar 13 Virginia Cpl US Army WWII
Randall, William J. Sr. 1888 Apr 9 - 1946 Aug 17 \ shared
Randall, Mamie W. 1887 July 30 - 1950 Feb 7/headstone
Wanzer, M. Goldie 1881 Apr - 1975 Apr
Wanzer, William 1883 Mar 4 - 1950 Sep 1
Lewis, Minnie 1886 Nov - 1952 Aug \ shared
Lewis, Russell 1929 Jan - 1929 July son of Minnie /headstone
Moore, Rev. Samuel Thomas 1868-1956
Bullock, Frank W. 1926 June 16 - 1994 Mar 7 Tec5 US Army

Outside the fence, apparently unrelated:
Spence, Cornelia 1842 - 1897 Oct 13 born in Jefferson, Texas
Javins, W. b. (June?) 15, 1873 (rest buried)
Fitzhugh, Virginia d. 1918 Jan 18 age 65

Sesquicentennial Celebration Public Meeting June 6, 2009

Sesquicentennial Celebration Public Meeting
June 6, 2009

I attended the first public meeting of the Alexandria Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday June 6, 2009. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 people and it was held at the GW Masonic Temple. The location for the meeting was outstanding. However, the room was without air conditioning and it was quite warm and muggy as the program began.

Ellen Stanton, the Chair of HARC, was identified by Lance Mallamo as the liaison for the umbrella committee that will lead this effort in Alexandria. Stephanie Brown of the City’s Visitor Bureau was also introduced.

Ms. Stanton made brief remarks indicating that she was excited to be leading this effort which has national interest. She said that this is a topical area where Alexandria excels and looks forward to working with the community. She added that she wants to welcome more visitors to the City.

Lance Mallamo gave a brief overview on the history of Alexandria and the Civil War. Mr. Mallamo noted that Alexandria was a “Pro-Union” City until the attack on Fort Sumter when it then supported the southern cause. He added that after secession was ratified in 1861 the City became a “warehouse” for the Union. Throughout the war the Union occupied the City and used it for storage of munitions, creation of ship warves, and storage warehouses which linked to the Alexandria and Orange RR.

He indicated that the City became home to freed and contraband slaves as well as the 107 Regiment of US Colored Troops. He also noted the “Ride to Freedom Painting”.

Susan Cumbey then spoke and described the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission effort. Ms. Cumbey said that the celebration effort was formed in 2006 and starts in 2011. June 25, 2009 is the national kick-off of the Commission’s effort in WV and VA. She noted that John Brown’s Raid is key to the effort which is called “Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future”.

Ms. Cumbey indicated that the goals of the effort include a diversity of themes including the human experience and education with a variety of formats. She noted that the Commonwealth effort had a number of endeavors planned including a
website ( www.vacivilwar.org)

Evidently there will be signature conferences on different themes through 2015 including, America on the Eve of the Civil War, and a conference on African Americans and the Civil War in 2010. She also noted that there will be a traveling exhibition on the VA Celebration; a library of VA project; and a film of VA Civil War History. There may also be a history mobile and a commemorative license plate.
Most importantly Ms. Cumbey noted that communities have established local committees to work on this effort. Alexandria’s Committee is still being worked on and finalized.

Ms. Cumbey briefly discussed plans at the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. She said that there were many themes about people and places being considered in Alexandria such as the waterfront, through Old Town, to the West End, Fort Ward and the Episcopal Seminary. She noted that Fort Ward is the best preserved Civil War site and it is a good starting point to learn about the defenses of Washington, DC. She noted the restored NW Bastion and the effort which began in the City in the 1960’s to restore the area. She added that it was one of six US cities to be recognized for the Civil War Centennial Celebration.

Ms. Cumbey noted that the City wants to designate Freedman’s Cemetery for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. She noted that many in the City are learning more about local African American history and how the slaves worked, were freed, and settled at Fort Ward. She believes that this will be a strong basis for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Ms. Cumbey noted that the City was using partnerships to work together on the Sesquicentennial. One partnership was a subcommittee formed by the West End Business Association and this group has been brainstorming programs and projects for the celebration.

She added that Alexandria was also collaborating with NPS, Arlington County and Fairfax County to develop hiking and bicycle trails tied to the Civil War sites. She noted that this effort would be a web-based project and the group is aiming for completion of this promotion opportunity by the Sesquicentennial. She also noted that the Friends of Fort Ward have pledged $1,000 to help fund the cost of a historic marker for Fort Williams.

The ideas that have been developed so far for Alexandria’s Sesquicentennial Celebration include:

* A kick-off in May 2011, probably on May 24, 2011. This kick-off could include an Old Town Event; a Living History Event; and a market Square Event.

* In June 2011 some type of event will be held in Ben Brenneman Park.

* In the fall of 2011 there will be an event at the freedman’s Cemetery and a Civil War Boat Cruise.

* There is also likely to be a lecture series on Civil War Alexandria and a Friends of Ft. Ward bus tour or symposium.

* In July 2014 there will be a Civil War Re-enactment tied to the Battle of Fort Stevens.

* There is likely to be a street guide to Civil War Alexandria

Within Fort Ward Historic Park Ms. Cumbey said that the Commemorative Gate is being restored and the City will spruce-up comemoriative structures. She encouraged the audience to call her, or send her, ideas.

Lance Mallamo continued the City’s presentation by talking about the Alexandria Archeological Museum’s efforts. He noted the Freedman’s Cemetery Project and told the group that it was an 1864 burial ground for Contraband slaves and freed blacks. He explained that at that time there was a level of diseases and deaths at that time and the federal government purchased land on the SW corner of Washington and ___ Street for a cemetery. The names of the dead were recorded but not the location of each person who was buried.

Mr. Mallamo explained that overtime a gas filling station, an office building and a brickyard were built on top of the graves. This situation continued until Michael Miller, the former City Historian, discovered the graves and used mitigation money from the construction of the Wilson Bridge to begin restoration.

He added that an international design competition was held to select a design for the Contrabands & Freedmans Cemtery. It is expected to be completed in 2011 and will include a sign and statue.

He also noted that there will be a cellphone tour of Alexandria’s African-American Civil War history. There will be a Civil War trail on the City’s website and it will include a driving tour and a bike trail. He hopes the effort will be diverse, inclusive and feature history up to, during, and after the Civil War.

Jim Mackay of the Lyceum continued the City’s presentation to the group. He said that there would be big events at the wrong time and noted that there had been planning meeting for the City’s celebration for more than a year with Susan Cumbey and Wally Owen. He noted that Alexandria was a slave trading center and the City was one of the most significant centers in the southeastern US.

Mr. Mackay hoped that the Lyceum would have a lecture series and symposia. He said this always gets down to cost--what we can get funded.

Mr. Mallamo continued the City’s presentation and described the interests of the Freedom House Museum. He said that the building at 1315 Duke Street was an old slave jail that has been restored using Save America’s Treasures grants plus a grant from HUD.

He noted that this area was the largest slave trade operation in the US and that in 1808 the transport of slaves was determined by law to be illegal. He added that slavery continued after 1836 and in 1861 slaves were freed.

Mr. Louis Hicks talked about the Alexandria Black History Museum’s efforts. He noted that the African American Heritage Park is tied to a specific site and the story at the museum is different. He added that the African American story gets lost in the City since part of the area was a part of DC and many of the sites are linked to DC historic organizations.

Fort Ward Observer September 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 1
September 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Introduction

Fort Ward Park was created in 1964 through a collaborative effort between local homeowners, citizens, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. Since its creation support for the park has been shaped by the publics strong interest in the Civil War, Native and African American history, outdoor recreation and the protection of nature and open space. The traditions of civic engagement have brought together neighborhood associations, adjacent landowners, national organizations, churches, schools, and other local groups to work with the City of Alexandria, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the National Park Service to protect and enjoy this 42 acre park.

Over the last three years there have been numerous discussions at all levels of the government and private sector about the City’s past, present and future management and use of the park. Some of the City’s actions and plans have been taken and were developed without basic information on Fort Ward Park, public input, or City and, or, Commonwealth permits. In response to public comments made this year at four City sponsored meetings Alexandria officials are planning a series of actions to examine and shape the future of the park.

The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and undertaken in Fort Ward Park. It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.

Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

In response to public interest in, and comments about, Fort Ward Park the City of Alexandria is taking a variety of actions to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of the park. Specifically the City has taken the following actions:

a. Management of Visitors: This year City staff have been assigned to provide assistance to park visitors to ensure user satisfaction and adherence to City regulations and park permits. City staff, in coordination with the Permits Office and Police Department, have worked to manage past problems related to large crowds, noise, alcohol, and prohibited uses. On weekends and holidays these employees have been especially important in issuing and checking permits, greeting visitors and clarifying appropriate activities and uses of the park. Not only have these City employees put a friendly face on Fort Ward Park but they have managed the use of the park to ensure user satisfaction and safety, park protection, and respect for adjacent landowners. After the major problems of the last two years this improvement in park management by the City is noteworthy and responsive to ongoing public concerns.

b. Recognition of African American Graves Inside the Park: City managers and staff have removed many of the maintenance vehicles, equipment, materials and debris from on top of and nearby known African American graves inside the maintenance yard and nursery area. Temporary fencing and signs have also been posted around known grave sites and headstones within the park to discourage park users and maintenance workers from further damaging these graves.

c. City Funds for Archaeology: As Alexandria officials wrestled with serious budget cuts this year City Council members included $50,000 for this fiscal year to begin archaeology research at Fort Ward Park. The Office of Historic Alexandria is developing a work plan for how the money will be used.

d. Park Improvements: A series of park improvements have been made recently including: relocating the park visitor contact station, refurbishment of the visitor restrooms in the park maintenance building, removal of a deteriorated picnic shelter, upgrading drainage around the Museum, posting park use guidelines and permit information, restoration to the historic gate of the Fort, expansion of the maintenance storage area near the Amphitheater, tree and shrub pruning and removal, and tree and flower plantings.

Unresolved Issues and Concerns

City and community leaders continue to discuss the following park issues and concerns.

a. Continued Impact of Maintenance Yard Activities on Fort Ward Park Graves: Maintenance and nursery vehicles continue to park on and near African American graves. Piles of mulch, equipment, materials and debris continue to be stored in the area that is known to be the site of a African American school, church, residence, and additional graves.

b. Water Runoff and Tree Damage: The expansion of the maintenance yard and nursery area, which was done without City permits and approvals, has caused increased water to runoff into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. In addition, lands inside and outside the park and cemetery are contributing runoff to the cemetery. The runoff has eroded grave stones and grave sites are subsiding due to these land use changes.

Repairs to a cemetery fence, damaged by fallen park trees blown down in 2008, still need to be completed by the City‘s Recreation Department.

In addition, adjacent homeowners continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine down slope from the cemetery. Construction and landscape debris dumped by the City, along with park trees that have fallen in front of the storm sewer, cause runoff to pond adjacent to nearby homes.

c. Fort Ward Park Action Plan: Earlier this year the City agreed to hold public meetings and accept written comments to help develop an action plan for the management, protection, use and interpretation of Fort Ward Park. Comments made by the public during the City’s meetings in April and March 2009, and written comments that were submitted, have not been used by the City to complete the proposed Action Plan for Fort Ward Park. A draft action plan presented to the public in March 2009 was completed before the end of the comment period and did not include or address written comments from the public, various organizations, and City advisory commissions before it was submitted to City Council.

d. Fort Ward Facility Study & Recommendations: The October 16, 2008 facility study and recommendations for Fort Ward Park was prepared and approved by the City Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission without public input or basic information about the natural, historic and cultural resources which the park was created to protect. Despite ongoing public concern about the study, and the process that was used to develop its recommendations, the document continues to be displayed on the City’s website.

e. Fort Ward Park Site Plans and Permits: Discussions continue about the development of Fort Ward Park outside of the City‘s normal site planning and special use permit approval process. In 1965 the City approved a site plan for the park’s 300 square foot greenhouse located in the maintenance yard. Following that decision the Recreation Department has expanded the use of that area to include a district maintenance yard, a solid waste transfer station, and a storage area for mulch, materials and debris. Each of these expansions was done without public notice, site plan review, special use, solid waste and storm water management permits.

Future Efforts of Note

a. Federal Funds for Fort Ward Park: Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that funds for Fort Ward Park were included in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill (H.R. 2996). The legislation passed on June 26, 2009. If approved by the Senate, Congress and the President, the bill could provide $75,000 to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history. The bill will require non-federal matching funds.

b. African American Historical Research: Local historians and community leaders are researching the history of African American occupation of the area that is now Fort Ward Park. A paper is being developed and a series of presentations on this research will be scheduled this fall.

c. Urban Forestry Plan: On Saturday September 12, 2009, at the City Council Public Hearing, there will be a Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Master Plan Amendment No. 2009-0001 of the Urban Forestry Master Plan as a Chapter of the City’s Master Plan.

The City-wide Urban Forestry Master Plan includes a recommendation to rededicate Fort Ward Park as the City’s Arboretum. It also suggests that a master plan be developed and adopted for the park. This recommendation reaffirms the City’s earlier commitment in 1983 to create a collection of trees and other woody plants that will serve as an educational resource for City residents and visitors. $25,000 is proposed to go to implement this recommendation. It is unclear how this proposal relates to the City’s other commitments and proposals for the park, and Archeological regulations.

d. Fort Ward Observation Committee: The Friends of Fort Ward, a private non-profit organization that assists the City protect and interpret Fort Ward Park, has created a Park Observation Committee to periodically report to the groups Executive Committee on issues, concerns and activities related to Fort Ward.

e. National Trust for Historic Preservation African American Research Grants: Earlier this year the National Trust for Historic Preservation notified government and civic leaders that they are launching Partnership-in-Scholarship Grants to support collaborative projects between African American Historic Places and college/university scholars.

This year, four grants of $15,000 each (no match required) will be awarded in Fall 2009 to projects that help sustain current or attract new audiences at historic sites or enhance the interpretation of challenging topics at historic sites. Eligible projects include:
Improving public access to African American historical and cultural resources at historic places.
Strengthening teaching and education at colleges and universities through historic places.
Promoting research and original scholarship of a significant theme related to African American history and culture to support joint public programs.
Providing opportunities for lifelong learning through a collaborative program.
Strengthening each institution’s humanities programming in order to preserve, enhance, or enjoy significant African American historic places.
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2009.

f. National Park Service and Alexandria, Virginia, Fort Circle Parks Project: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is working with the National Park Service, National Capital Region, and other local partners, to raise public awareness and appreciation of the entire Civil War Defenses of Washington. The project is to identify a bike route, using existing trails, that would connect Civil War forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac that have notable remains. The current thinking is that this bike route would
connect Fort Ward (Alexandria), Ft. C.F. Smith (Arlington County), Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington County), and Fort Marcy (George Washington Memorial Parkway/Fairfax County).

The purpose of this project, which once was proposed by the Civil War Roundtable in 1954, is to:
Raise public awareness of the remaining Civil War forts,
the fact that the greater Civil War Defenses of Washington formed a ring around the capital city, and the role that the forts played during the Civil War; and
Increase bicycling opportunities with a safe, identified bike route.


Inside Alexandria

City news releases, as well as conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, Advisory Commission members and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Ad Hoc Advisory Group Established for Fort Ward: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. The group will consist of ten members, recommended by various existing City advisory commissions, who will work toward a goal of finding an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/ environmental and historic/ archeological interests. The group will be appointed by the City Manager and will serve for a “limited duration of about a one-year period”.

b. Civil War Celebration: The City is developing it’s effort for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Sesquicentennial Celebration activities are being planned by the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Center, and the Office of Historic Alexandria. One meeting of the leadership group was held in June and another meeting planned for later this fall. The City’s plans for the celebration at Fort Ward Park are unclear at this time and it is not certain if the effort will include the proposals for Fort Ward Park and the West End that the West End Business Association and the Friends of Fort Ward developed over the last twelve months.

c. Fort Ward Park History Work Group: In March 2009 the City proposed the creation of a “Fort Ward Park History Work Group”. This is a new work group to document the historic and cultural resources of the park, including its association with American Indians, Civil War fortifications, and the post-war African American community. The work group will assist staff with research and documentation of the historic site, with a specific focus on the heritage of the African American community, known as the Fort, that existed following the Civil War until the mid-20th century when the City of Alexandria acquired the property to preserve the Union fort.

The information gathered by the work group and staff will be used to help the Recreation Department and the Office of Historic Alexandria interpret and protect the Fort’s cultural and historic resources. Participation in the work group is open to all, and participation by descendants of former residents is especially welcome.

After considering various dates over the summer, the City’s plans for the first meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup continue to be in flux. A meeting date is being discussed by City officials and is likely to be announced in September.


Upcoming September Events

September 7, 2009 [Various Labor Day group events at Fort Ward Park]

September 8, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]

September 10, 2009 [Seminary Hill Association, Inc. Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Fort Ward Park Museum, Alexandria, VA]

September 12, 2009 [City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 am, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]

September 22, 2009 [Friends of Fort Ward Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fort Ward Museum, Alexandria, VA--rain date is September 29, 2009]

September 22, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm]

September 23, 2009 [Lecture on the Virginia Federal Writer’s Project Guide, 7:30 pm, Lyceum, Alexandria, VA]

September 26, 2009 [Fort Ward Park Civil War Shelter program, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Fort Ward Park]

TBD [Alexandria, Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Meeting, date, time and location to be announced]


Who is Who at Fort Ward?

Many of us have tried to contact someone at Fort Ward Park about a concern, issue, or opportunity. Often we find it difficult to know who to talk with and what their responsibilities are given the management approach to the park. In March 2009 at the T.C. Williams High School Public Meeting on Fort Ward, the Director of Historic Alexandria and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Department told the audience that they were the points of contact for Fort Ward Park. Although Lance Mallamo, of Historic Alexandria, and James Spengler of Parks & Recreation, are the City officials responsible for Fort Ward many other city and group leaders are involved in current and future use, planning and management of the park and museum. Some of the key contacts include:

Fort Ward Park, Jim Spengler, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Fort Ward Park Maintenance & Visitor Services, Walter Powell, Park District Superintendent

Fort Ward Nursery and Arboretum, John Noelle, City Arborist

Alexandria Recreation & Parks Commission, Judy Noritake, Chair
Office of Historic Alexandria, Lance Mallamo, Director

Alexandria Black History Museum, Louis Hicks, Director

Alexandria Archaeology, Pam Cressey, City Archaeologist

Fort Ward Park Museum and Historic Site, Susan Cumbey, Director; Wally Owen, Chief Historian

Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Group, Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria; James Spengler, Director, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Activities Department

Alexandria Archaeology Commission, Kathleen Pepper, Chair

Alexandria Police Department, Hassan Aden, Captain; Officer Troy Boyle

Alexandria Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Ellen Stanton, Chair, Historic Alexandria Historic Resources Commission

Friends of Fort Ward, Bill Schreiner, President

Oakland Baptist Church, Arnold Ambers, Board of Trustees & Community Liaison

Seminary Civil Association, Frances Terrell, President

Seminary Hill Association, Joanne Lepanto, President

West End Business Association, John Porter, President


For Further Information

Contact J. Glenn Eugster to:

receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list; or,
make contributions to this report in the future.

Please write or call:

By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Alexandria Archaeological Commission Comments March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009



Laura Durham
Dept. of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
1108 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Dear Ms. Durham,

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission recommends that any renovation and improvement plans for Fort Ward Park include protecting, preserving, and interpreting the post-Civil War era African-American settlement and cemeteries throughout the park. Information and priorities associated with cultural resources and the memories of former residents should be developed and integrated into any Fort Ward plans. We further recommend that any plans be deferred until historical and archaeological research is completed and stewardship and interpretive plans are adopted that recognize the importance of the post-Civil War African Americans associated with this place.

“The Fort,” as this African-American community was known is one of the most significant places in Alexandria history and much of its cultural resources are still unexplored. On this site is buried Clara Adams, one of the founders of the Oakland Baptist Church who also provided the land for the creation of a one-room school for black children, which existed between approximately 1893 and 1926. Her gravestone is still visible in the City nursery. “The Fort” was home for Alexandria African-Americans, many of whom worked for the Virginia Theological Seminary. Those families were relocated when Fort Ward became an historical park, but some still remain in Alexandria. Their history is a part of Alexandria’s past that should be remembered and celebrated through interpretation of the area and stewardship of the cemetery where their families are buried.

At present, the known grave locations are not maintained in proper settings, and many more graves may be in the City maintenance yard, south of the Oakland Baptist Cemetery, and in other places throughout the park. These possible graves, as well as the other cultural resources associated with “The Fort’s” school/church, homes, gardens and landscapes should be identified through archaeological survey and studied through archival and oral history. We are concerned that the plant nursery, surrounding maintenance yard for trucks and equipment, concrete speed bumps, dumpsters, snow fences, and a pre-fabricated metal booth are not respectful and diminish the historical importance and character of the area.
As a community, we should ensure that all the graves will not be neglected, forgotten, and mistreated as did the Freedmen’s Cemetery. As a community, we should support the preservation, protection, and interpretation not only of the Civil War fort but also of the post-Civil War African-American settlement. These resources—properly identified and protected--present an opportunity to learn and reflect on the effect of the Civil War on Alexandria and its African-American citizens. For these reasons, the Alexandria Archaeological Commission believes that the Fort Ward renovation and improvement plan must include a stewardship plan for the graves and “The Fort” settlement.

Sincerely,




S. Kathleen Pepper, Chair
Alexandria Archaeological Commission

jeb
cc Lance Mallamo, Director, OHA
Pamela Cressey, City Archaeologist/Director, Alexandria Archaeology
Alexandria Archaeological Commission Members
Francine Bromberg, City Archaeologist

Council Work Session on Fort Ward Park April 14, 2009

To: Mayor, City Council, and City Manager,

Subject: Council Work Session on Fort Ward Park

On Tuesday April 14, 2009 I attended the City Council Meeting and listened to the discussions related to the Work Session on Fort Ward Park. I also had the opportunity to review the April 14, 2009 correspondence from Kirk Kincannon and Lance Mallamo to Councilman Wilson; and the April 14, 2009 correspondence from Judy Guse Noritake, on behalf of the Park and Recreation Commission, to the City Council.

Although I appreciate your willingness to discussions on Fort Ward Park I found the oral and written presentations to Council inaccurate and misleading. For the record the following information should be noted and considered by Council as you continue to work to address park and community issues.

First, the statements and reports made at the work session indicated that the discovery of African-American graves in the park was a recent development. In fact, Clara Adams has been buried, with a gravestone, in the area that is now used for the maintenance yard since February 1, 1952. City workers removed gravestones from existing graves when the City decided to expand the maintenance and nursery area. In 1995 City workers interviewed Mr. Young who indicated the approximate location of the graves in the maintenance yard. In April 2008 I contacted the managers of Black History Museum, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Department, Fort Ward Park Operations and Maintenance, and the Office of Historic Alexandria about unprotected graves and no action was taken until March of 2009.

Moreover, at the time that the City began the expansion of the maintenance yard there was no consideration given to the impact of this change on the marked graves within the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Alterations to the maintenance yard continue to create water runoff problems that are causing grave stones to erode and grave sites to subside.

Second, the statements and reports outlined a list of seven possible immediate actions to be taken to address identified issues and concerns. It was said and written that “the community members and stakeholders attending the March 18, 2009 meeting endorsed the action list”. It was also written that “there was general agreement in the community that these were appropriate steps to take at this time”. In fact, the list of immediate actions does not accurately reflect the input of the public meetings or the written comments the City received. For example, none of the Findings that were presented at the March 18, 2009 public meeting were shared with the Council. Most importantly the list of actions that was presented on March 18, 2009 were not endorsed by the community leaders or stakeholders. City officials asked the audience to comment on the outline that was presented to the public and said that the action plan would be revised based on the comments received.

In addition, the City presenters at the March 18, 2009 public meeting said that they “were supportive of an agreement with the community” to determine “the mission and vision of Fort Ward Park“.

Finally, the oral statements and written reports presented at the Council work session regarding the use of alcohol in the park contradict recent actions the City Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department has taken to post regulations in Fort Ward Park. Earlier this month the City posted Park Regulations & Rules” on information kiosks and metal signs throughout the park indicating that, “The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited”. These notices and signs contradict the stated desire of the Mayor Eullie to be able to have selected groups who use the park use alcohol. In response to the Mayor’s interest Mr. Kincannon said that his department is “looking at applications for the use of alcohol in the park on a permit-by-permit basis”.

Although Mr. Kinacannon concluded his remarks to the City Council by indicating that “We are prepared for problems this year”, it does not appear that community concerns and problems at Fort Ward Park have been addressed. The input that community leaders and stakeholders have provided to the City can help solve the ongoing problems that have been brought to your attention over the last eighteen months. It will however take City action and commitment to follow through rather than the broad general statements communicated to the Council on April 14, 2009.

Please let me know if we can assist in developing the action plan that the City promised when the public involvement process began.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

J. Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street
Alexandria, VA. 22304

Fort Ward Park History Work Group December 4, 2009

Fort Ward Park History Work Group
Goals & Objectives Subgroup
Final Draft for Discussion 12-4-09
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster, Ellen Stanton, and Kathy Sander

I. Intent of the Fort Ward Park History Work Group

On June 19, 2009 the Mayor and City Council passed the following resolution which includes the intent of the Fort Ward Park History Work Group.

CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC
FORT WARD PARK AND MUSEUM AREA STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY
GROUP

“In addition to this Ad Hoc Advisory Group, the Office of Historic Alexandria has created a Fort Ward Park History Work Group. The purpose of this Work Group is to:

assist the Office of Historic Alexandria and Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities with the documentation, research and interpretation of cultural and historic resources of Fort Ward Park, including its association with:

Native Americans,
the Defenses of Washington Civil War fortifications, and
the post Civil War African American community that existed on the site until it was acquired by the City of Alexandria for park and preservation purposes.

Anyone with an interest in this subject has been invited to attend and can become a member of this Work Group.

This Work Group's focus is history (including researching the issue of gravesites) and is not charged with the overall Fort Ward Museum Area park usage issues that the Advisory Group would be responsible for reviewing. The Work Group's findings however will inform the Advisory Group in their work“.

II. Work Group Assignment

Work Group Task #1. Consolidate/organize the working group's priority tasks as developed at the first meeting into goals and objectives for the group.






Goal:

To assist the Office of Historic Alexandria and Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities with the documentation, research and interpretation of cultural and historic resources of Fort Ward Park, including its association with:
Native Americans,
the Defenses of Washington Civil War fortifications, and
the post Civil War African American community that existed on the site until it was acquired by the City of Alexandria for park and preservation purposes.

The Native American, Civil War, and African American history of Fort Ward should be given primary consideration in developing the plan for Fort Ward Park.

Objectives:

Help the city research the history and culture of the park site and its surrounding area, as well as its relationship to Native Americans, African Americans, and the Civil War.
Engage the citizens of Alexandria in historical and cultural research.
Orient, and regularly update, the Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group about the history of the area, its past use, and relationship to the Civil War, the community and the City of Alexandria.

Priority Tasks:

1. Restore creditability with the community
Take down the fence around the maintenance/ nursery yard. (Note: The workgroup has different views on this task. One thought is that Lance said that the fence will not be taken down at this time due to the possibility of disturbing resources. It will be taken down when more work has been completed. Another thought is that Lance said that this decision shouldn’t be made until the Fort Ward Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group meets. More discussion is needed.)
Preserve the integrity of the family members.
Restore graves that have been paved over and buried
Remove the October 16, 2008 Fort Ward Park Facilities Plan & Recommendations from the City website

2. Research History and Culture
Talk with families related to the area and park graves that live in Prince William, Loudon, and Fauquier Counties and Gum Springs.
Research graves in the park.
Research graves in the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
Commemorate the people that lived in the area that is now a park by creating something permanent (i.e. monument, recreated church, or school, etc.) and honoring people sooner (i.e. Note: examples needed).
Recreate a school and name it after Clara Adams.
Research the original intent and purpose of Fort Ward Park.
Research and write a social history of the Fort Ward Community.

3. Actively seek the interpretation of the park from African American family descendants.

4. Improve Interpretation of the Parks History
Connect the park to Seminary, Woods Place, Meade Episcopal Church, Christ Church and Episcopal High School.
Take a holistic approach to Fort Ward Park that includes preserving and interpreting the history of the natural environment.
Utilize diverse methods to interpret the history of Ft. Ward Park. (i.e. technology, oral history, TV, photos, maps, signage, buildings, etc.)
Create a layered landscape of history and interpretation.
Develop some sort of signage in the museum as soon as possible to tell the story (as we know it now) about the African American presence at the park post-Civil War.
Revise an interpretation panel on African America and Native American history and culture at the Museum by 2001.

5. Engage the Community in the History of Fort Ward Park
Write and article on the history of the people and the park for a local newspaper.
Advertise in local newspapers for people to help with family histories.

Work Group Task # 2. Develop recommendations from the history working group to the Ad Hoc Advisory Group committee for discussion.
I suggest that members of the History Work Group have the opportunity to identify and discuss recommendations and reach consensus agreement on which ones should go to the Advisory Group.

Fort Ward Observer December 3, 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 3
December 3, 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Highlights

This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park activities plus much more.
City archaeological and historical research underway
Congress funds Fort Ward Park in 2010 budget.
Community research reveals park intent and purpose.
Community research confirms City knowledge of graves.
City meets with Seminary Civic Association.
Fort Ward Museum Historian co-author’s Mr. Lincoln’s Forts.
Homeowners express continuing concerns about storm water
Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointed and to meet on December 8, 2009.

Purpose

Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria in 1964 through a collaborative effort which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.

Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

A number of actions have been taken this past month to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of Fort Ward Park. Specifically city and community leaders have taken the following actions:

a. City Archaeology and Historical Research Underway:
The Office of Historic Alexandria is busy preparing for necessary historic research and archaeological surveys at Fort Ward Park. With the recent approval of 2010 funds by the City

Council managers and staff have been working on a “Scope
of Work” for a contract to do archaeological research. This investigation is the first part of what will be a multi-year project to locate, identify, evaluate, and interpret the full range of historical and cultural values and resources within Fort Ward Park. This information will be a foundation for good decision-making and can be used by the city to assist revisions to the existing master plans for the park. Once a contract is agreed to the actual research and survey work will take place in 2010.

b. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in October: On Saturday October 17, 2009 Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, convened the first meeting of the city’s Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo told the audience that their role was to assist the city with research about the history and culture of the park. He emphasized the importance of this group’s role indicating that this effort would help to jump-start research on the park. He added that the city isn’t going to be able to do the work themselves. “We want to work with you. We want the focus to be what you want it to be”.

He described the work underway, including the test-use of radar to look for graves inside the park, as well as funding that is being provided by the City Council for archaeological research.

Susan Cumbey, Director of the Fort Ward Museum gave the group some background on the creation of the park and noted that this was the best place in metropolitan Washington, D.C. to see a reconstructed Civil War fort. She noted that this park was created as part of the Alexandria’s commitment to the Civil War Centennial in 1964 and that it was the first public preservation project in Alexandria.

People in the audience were engaged in discussion about the research effort and stressed the need for the city to:
Repair the city’s creditability with the community by being honest and open about past mistakes. Work and communicate with the community.
Recognize that the entire park is historic, sacred and rare.
Take a holistic approach to park management.
Involve the people who are connected historically to the park and who have been undervalued and left out of discussions and
decisions.
Tell the untold story of Native and African American history including an indoor display exhibit on African American history and culture for the Museum.
Improve the city’s understanding about this resource and what the park is about.
Look at the park as part of Alexandria’s upcoming the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Link all efforts to finding funds.
Take down the city’s October 2008 Facilities Study & Recommendations displayed on the Alexandria website.
Take down the fence around the maintenance/ nursery yard and allow access to park graves.

Discussions included ideas for ways to interpret the history of the park, the gate that restricts access to Clara and Robert Adams graves, funding, and commemoration of the area where people lived and are buried. Tom Fulton of the city Archaeological Commission said that the park represents a “transformational change” worthy of historical significance. Pam Cressey told the group that “you can’t dream too much and that only the citizens of Alexandria can come up with the powerful ideas about this park“.

Ms. Cressey also noted that she wanted input on a Scope of Work the her office is preparing for the contract for archaeological research.

c. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in November: On Saturday November 7, 2009 Lance Mallamo and Pam Cressey of the Office of Historic Alexandria convened the second meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo opened the meeting with information on the city’s Fort Ward Park & Museum Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group. He noted that the City Manager was still confirming appointments to the group. Once the 10 members are confirmed and an announcement is expected.

Mr. Mallamo said that he did not think the Work Group’s earlier proposal to remove the maintenance/ nursery yard fence should be made until the Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group meets.

Ms. Cressey gave the group a report on the October 20 and 21, 2009 test of the radar detection equipment used to identify graves in the park. The tests included the maintenance/ nursery yard; the Jackson Family graves, graves at the entrance to the maintenance/ nursery yard, and other areas. With the permission of church officials the team also scanned the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Tom Fulton of the city’s Archaeological Commission assisted the team with scanning work.

Fran Terrell, Chairperson of the Seminary Civic Association, indicated that her organization created a Family Workgroup to help with research. She said that relatives of people that lived and are buried in the cemetery are helping to identify additional graves.

Ms. Cressey said that she expected to have a report on the test results in about two weeks. The results of the radar test will be used to help the city complete the scope of work for the archaeological research contract. The research which will start in 2010 is expected to take three-years to complete.

Mr. Mallamo added that he had submitted a $75,000 request for 2011 funding from the city to continue the archaeological research.

Ms. Cressey presented a Draft Report on an Inventory of the History of Fort Ward Park to the History Workgroup. The presentation gave the meeting participants an overview of the city’s report which is filled with interesting and important information about the historic and cultural values and resources of the park before, during and after the Civil War.

The purposes of this inventory are to:
1) Identify known resources;
2) Predict probable locations of additional resources predicted from a variety of sources;
3) Assess the significance and integrity of the resources;
4) Recognize the threats facing and opportunities presented by each resource;
5) Establish best practices for the care, investigation and enhancement of the resources; and
6) Delineate historical zones to assist in park planning.

The report will be provided to the company selected for the archaeology contract. It will give the consulting archaeologists an overview of the history of the site. Pam stressed that the history of the park needs to be researched before any digging can begin. She added that the city wants to start the contract work by early 2010.

Members of the workgroup, which is open to all, were encouraged to provide comments on the draft report to Ms. Cressey by no later than Friday December 11, 2009.

A number of smaller sub-groups were formed to further develop ideas and report at the next meeting on December 6, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Fort Ward Museum. The groups include:
Goals and Priorities Group
Research Group
Museum Group

The newly created Seminary Civic Association’s Family Group was offered the opportunity to report at the next meeting. There was also a brief discussion about the idea of workgroup members writing an article on the park and its history for publication. Several members of the workgroup indicated their interest.

d. Congress Funds Fort Ward Park: On October 30, 2009 Congress signed into law legislation that will provide $75,000 for Fort Ward Park Preservation. Federal funding for Fort Ward Park, which must be matched with non-federal monies, was requested at the urging of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Mayor and City Council, by Congressman Jim Moran and his staff. At a time when local, Commonwealth and federal budgets are tightening managers and elected officials gave Fort Ward Park their priority attention.

The federal funding comes from Save America’s Treasures which is one of the largest and most successful grant programs for the protection of our nation’s endangered and irreplaceable cultural heritage. Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and historic structures and sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts, collections, documents, sculpture, and works of art. Historic structures and sites include historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects.

The funds are to be used to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history.

e. Community Research Reveals Original Park Intent & Purpose: Although city officials have repeatedly denied that there is a master plan for Fort Ward Park community researchers have gathered city information that indicates that there are master plans for the park. In addition to the actual master plans information has been obtained that describe the city’s original intent and purpose for creating the park. City plans developed in 1962 and revised in 1979; Recreation Department, General Services Department, Department of Public Works, City Council and City Manager correspondence; federal land acquisition grant applications; and the city’s 1981-82 application for the Fort Ward Historical Park to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have been researched. These city documents describe the purpose of the park as:

“ a proposal to acquire not only valuable land in terms of historical character, but also preserve as much land as possible to be left in a natural state”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal for Fort Ward Historical Park. 1954.

“To preserve a historical site and further provide a recreational area which should remain as much as possible in its natural state..” “To provide for the recreational interest and pursuits of those persons desiring areas left in their natural state…”.
Lee Fones, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal. 1955.

“Although the park’s principal importance is historical, it also can be used in its natural state as a recreational and picnic area”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria General Services. Sunday Star, Washington, D.C.. 1962.

“ to retain said land for permanent open space purposes, and the open space use of said land shall be: Park and outdoor recreation activities and uses compatible with maintaining the open space character of the lands involved; implementation of historic site and preservation of lands of historic and scenic value”.
City Council approval of Contract for Grant to Acquire Open Space Land Under Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961. 1963.

“…Fort Ward is a 35-acre Historic Park owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia“. “Fort Ward today serves as a 35-acre historic park and museum”.
Alexandria City Council action for listing on the National Register of Historic Sites. 1981

f. Community Research Reveals Past City Knowledge of Park Graves: Although the Directors of the City Recreation Department, Office of Historic Alexandria, advisory commission members, and local elected officials expressed surprise earlier this year when community interests raised questions about the African American graves within Fort Ward Park, community research has revealed that numerous city officials were aware of grave sites in the park as early as 1962.

Community researchers, using city information, have documented a number of graves and family grave sites on master plans and in documents related to the City’s condemnation of private lands for the park. Interviews with current and past city employees, as well as adjacent neighbors, indicate that city managers were specifically aware of the grave sites in the area that is now a maintenance/ nursery yard. In fact it appears that some city employees were directed to remove gravestones so that the city could convert the area into a place for city vehicles, plants, supplies and debris.

The city’s conversion of certain parts of the park for maintenance and nursery yard areas, which were placed on top of African American graves, was done without normal city reviews and permits. Past actions reflect a complete disregard for people who are buried in the park and their families who live continue to live in the city.

g. City Official Meet with Seminary Civic Association: On October 23, 2009, at a regular Seminary Civic Association meeting, Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria met with association members to update them on public and private efforts to protect, restore and enjoy Fort Ward Park.

The highlight of the meeting was Mr. Mallamo’s remarks on current and future city efforts including the use of radar to identify graves; a cell phone tour of African American history which is 90% complete; the relationship of the park to the City’s Strategic Plan; and a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant the city hopes to receive to help with historical and cultural research.

The National Trust grant will enable the city, and its communities, to work with Dr. Edna Greene Medford of Howard University. Dr. Greene Medford is Associate Professor and former director of the Department of History’s graduate and undergraduate programs. Specializing in nineteenth century African-American history, she teaches courses in Civil War and Reconstruction, Colonial America, the Jacksonian Era, and African-American history.

Mr. Mallamo told the audience that his office is focused on understanding the resources of Fort Ward Park. The work will be holistic in nature and include: a re-evaluation of the Museum mission statement; a better understanding of what brought African American families to settle in the area; with an emphasis on early Native American history and African American history during the period between the Civil War to the end of the Civil Rights movement.

Mr. Mallamo encouraged the meeting attendees to help the city gather information on the history of the park.

Dave Cavanaugh of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission, and Glenn Eugster of the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. also made remarks to the group about community research and the importance of civic engagement in local decisions.

g. Fort Ward Museum Historian Co-Authors Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: The city held a book signing and authors’ reception on November 14, 2009 at Fort Ward Museum to celebrate the publication of the new and revised edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington (Scarecrow Press, 2009) by Dr. B. Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II.

The new edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is the long-awaited successor to the first edition published in 1988. According to the foreword by Edwin Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus for the National Park Service, “...Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is a classic, a publication against which future endeavors in the field will be measured.”

It features expanded and revised content, including illustrations not featured in the original edition. The book is the premier historical reference and tour guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the extensive network of forts constructed to protect the Federal capital. The author’s research indicates that Fort Ward is the best preserved of the forts in the defense system and one of the most significant sites discussed in the book.

The authors are specialists in Civil War history, and in the Washington area forts. Dr. Cooling is a professor at the National Defense University and a well-known Civil War historian and author. Alexandria’s own Wally Owen is Assistant Director and Curator at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site,

h. Seminary Hill Association Annual Meeting: On November 12, 2009 the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. held it’s annual meeting at the Virginia Theological Seminary. The program featured I-395 Transportation Issues: How They Affect You and All Seminary Hill Homeowners. Speakers included Councilman Rob Krupicka; Ronaldo Nicholson from the Virginia Department of Transportation; and Nancy Jennings from Marlboro Estates. Despite meetings and planning at all levels of the government it was apparent, as Nancy Jennings stated in her remarks, that, “Traffic is getting worse and will continue to get worse”.

Meeting participants, who included Councilman Smedberg and Councilwoman Pepper and Hughes, were encouraged by Joanne Lepanto, President of the Association, to get involved in local decisions because the world is run by people that show up.

The meeting included election of Officers and Area
Representatives. The following persons were elected to serve the Association.
Nancy Jennings, President
Jack Sullivan, Treasurer
Bruce McCarthy, Secretary
Lillian Stanton Patterson, Area 1
Carter Fleming, Area 2
Dick Hobson, Area 3
Beth Arnson, Area 4
Dick Hayes, Area 5
Glenn Eugster, Area 6
Pat Lidy, Area 7
Rick Ward, Area 8
Bruce McCarthy, Area 9

For more information about the Seminary Hill Association go to: www.seminaryhillassn.org


Unresolved Issues and Concerns

a. Possible Topics for the Fort Ward Advisory Group: For nearly three years homeowners, family-members, church officials, historians, park and recreational users, advisory commissioners, past and current city employees, civic association board members, Commonwealth managers, and leaders from national non-profit organizations, and others, have raised concerns about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Although elected officials and city managers have taken some action to respond to these concerns many of the problems and matters of concern need attention.

The Mayor and City Council has charged the Advisory Group with the task for making suggestions to city managers about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Hopefully the Advisory Group will arrange for walking tour of the park and take time to read city and community historic research, as well as the public record of community concerns and comments from the last three years. Some of the most pressing use and management issues which have been identified include:

Recognition of the original park purpose and intent
Management of crowds and inappropriate park uses
Regulation of noise levels from park users
Damage to African American graves within the park
Security for the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery
Stormwater damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves
Regulation of alcohol use by park users
Integration of multiple city jurisdictions within the park (I.e. Recreation, Horticulture, Arborist, Stormwater, Historic Preservation, Museum, Maintenance, etc.)
Clarifying the status of the October 16,2008 Fort Ward Facilities Study and Recommendations
Clarifying the extent of the District maintenance office/ yard location and operation
Abatement of stormwater “pond” and flooding of adjacent private property
City compliance with city laws, ordinances and permits (i.e. Special Use Permits, others….)
Recognition of the need for basic planning and management documents (i.e. statement for management, updated master plan, Special Use Permits, etc.) before the public expenditure of funds for park development
Maintenance/ nursery yard location, activity and condition
Public access to the graves of Clara and Robert Adams, and other, within the maintenance/ nursery yard
Management of invasive plants along park boundaries
Management of natural, wildlife and scenic values and resources
Sustainable levels of park maintenance (i.e. damaged tree removal, debris, pedestrian bridge, maintenance/ nursery yard, City Arborist Memorial, etc.)

Hopefully the Advisory Group will create an objective and open process for city managers and community interests to identify and discuss these and other issues in order to agree on balanced solutions which will protect the park, encourage people to enjoy the area, and respect adjacent private property owners.

c. Community Interests Contact City Manager About Water Runoff Concerns: Residents who live nearby and use Fort Ward Park continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine between the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Residents believe that the city’s lack of park maintenance and storm water management have created a de facto “beaver-dam”.

This “beaver-dam” has created a pond of stagnant water which is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread the West Nile Virus and for other noxious insect vectors. Additionally, children could potentially wander away from the nearby playground and drown in this pond.

Given the fact that the City of Alexandria, through its Recreation Department and Transportation & Environmental Services Department, has created and maintained this public health nuisance over the years residents and park users have asked the city to take action.

On November 19, 2009 area residents contacted James Hartmann, the City Manager, and requested the city to immediately take all necessary measures to abate this public health nuisance. This nuisance has been an ongoing concern of residents who have contacted Alexandria city officials regularly over the last three years with no palpable response. Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler, as well as Transportation & Environment Director Rich Baier has been assigned by the City Manager to look into this matter.


Future Efforts of Note

a. City Budget Process Underway: Alexandria is working on the budget for 2011 and they want your input. The City of Alexandria expects Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 to be another challenging year based on early economic forecasts. As the City begins the budget process, they would like your input regarding the FY 2011 Operating Budget and Capitol Improvement Program. Whether you are supporting a service or opposed to an expenditure this is one of the chances you have to make your opinion known. The City of Alexandria encourages public comments on the issues presented on their web-sites. To comment go to: http://Alexandria.gov


Inside Alexandria

Conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, advisory commission members, and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Fort Ward Park & Museum Area Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointments: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. City Recreation Department leaders indicated on November 24, 2009 that the following appointments have been approved.

As appointed by the City Manager, the Stakeholder Advisory Group shall consist of ten members, as follows:

Park and Recreation Commission (3 members)
Richard Brune
Ripley Forbes
Robert Moir
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (3 members)
William Schreiner
Charles Ziegler
Ralph Thomas Fulton
Environmental Policy Commission (1 member)
Philip Voorhees
Citizens at large (2 members)
Frances Terrell
Adrienne Washington
Citizen living within a one-mile radius of Fort Ward Park. (1 member)
Linda Ries

The purpose of the Group is to have City staff work with the Advisory Group primarily “to solicit recommendations on balancing park uses, implementing education and outreach opportunities and reviewing the success of recently implemented changes. This Advisory Group would advise staff with a goal of recommending an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/environmental and historic/archeological interests“.

b. Fort Ward & Vacant City Land: Recent discussions with city managers and elected officials about the idea of selling-off city lands has gotten the attention of Marlboro Estate homeowners. Deputy City Manager Mark Jenks and Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler were recently contacted by residents about neighborhood concerns about a parcel of land owned by the city between North Van Dorn Street, Fort Ward Park and the homes at the end of Fort Ward Place and Ellicott Street.

The land, which was originally dedicated as public parkland as part of the Marlboro Estates subdivision approval process, is currently zoned R-8. According to the city's website "the R-8 zone is established to provide and maintain land areas for low density residential neighborhoods of single-family homes on 8,000 square foot lots. Nonresidential uses of a noncommercial nature which are related to, supportive of and customarily found in a residential neighborhood are also permitted".

In response to concerns Mr. Jenks indicated that “….when we did the sort of City-owned parcels to consider selling that no City owned parcel near Ft Ward was on the list that went to Council. Parks staff helped sort the list so they protected the site in
question. There are no park or park-related parcels on the City land sale candidate list”.

Mr. Spengler indicates that “The parcel you mention is already documented by the City as both a part of Ft. Ward Park and as public open space. It is not listed as a parcel the City is trying to sell to raise funds. It should be more clearly identified within the park boundaries when a new master plan is done for the park“.

Upcoming December Events

Saturday: December 5, 2009

FORT WARD PARK HISTORY GROUP
10:00 a.m., Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Contact Susan Cumbey, 703.838.4848

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 8, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its only legislative meeting of the month at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

ALEXANDRIA AD HOC FORT WARD PARK AND MUSEUM AREA STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY GROUP will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. For more information contact Laura Durham, 703.746.5493.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 9, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 1 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There is Quality Development and Redevelopment, Support for Local Businesses, and a Strong, Diverse, and Growing Local Economy will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Council Workroom, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Brandi Collins, 703.746.3854.

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 4 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – Alexandria Is a Community with Public Schools Amongst Northern Virginia’s Best and Where Our Recreational Programs Provide Youth the Opportunity to Succeed will hold a meeting at 6:00 p.m., Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street. For more information contact Jack Browand 703.746.5500 or Jim Spengler, 703.746.5502.

ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION will hold a meeting at 8:00 a.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

THURSDAY; DECEMBER 10, 2009

SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION INC. will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the parish hall of Emmanuel Church-on-the-Hill on Seminary Road at Quaker Lane. For more information contact Nancy Jennings at: nrjennings@comcast.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS – TOURISM MARKETING FORUM will hold a meeting at 9:00 a.m., Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. For more information contact Stephanie Brown, 703.746.3302.

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 12, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its regular public hearing at 9:30 a.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

MONDAY: DECEMBER 14, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 3 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There Is an Integrated, Multimodal Transportation System that Efficiently and Effectively Gets People from Point “A” to Point “B” will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Minnie Howard Library Media Center, 3801 West Braddock Road. For more information contact Rich Baier or Yon Lambert, 703.746.4025

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 15, 2009

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA RESOURCES COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 16, 2009

ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m., Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, Suite 327. For more information contact Pamela Cressey, 703.838.4399.

ALEXANDRIA BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE (BRAC) ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Alexandria Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. For more information contact Pat Escher, 703.746.3812.


What can I do to help with Fort Ward?

a. Get Involved in Local Decisions! If you have an interest in the future of your community and want to get involved you can donate some of your time to this group of community and neighborhood organizations, and homeowners, and help save Fort Ward Park and our surrounding area. A group of community leaders has created an informal partnership to help save Fort Ward Park. The group needs volunteers with passion, skill and experience in marketing/ communication, historic research, law, finding grants, fundraising, and other areas. If you have time and are interested contact J. Glenn Eugster at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail at: glenn_eugster@comcast.net

b. For Further Information: If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call: Glenn Eugster
By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.