Vicksburg National Military Park has lost 7 full-time staff members out of a staff of 22. 32% of the staff has been laid off at the large Civil War park in Mississippi. So far, 1,000 National Park Service staff have been fired nationally. Another 400 have taken early retirement.
After Vicksburg lost its permanent staff members, it put out an urgent call for seasonal employees. The appeal was placed on Vicksburg National Military Park’s facebook page: “URGENT- PLEASE SHARE! Due to the loss of many of our newest maintenance staff at VNMP last week, these seasonal positions are vital and critical for the upkeep of our hallowed grounds, historic structures, and national cemetery,” the post reads. “Please encourage qualified candidates to apply ASAP! Thank you for helping us get the word out and get these positions filled quickly as our mowing season is just a few weeks away.” This plea was taken down a few weeks ago.
The City of Vicksburg will celebrate its Bicentennial this year and the reduction in staff at the park is particularly concerning because Civil War tourists were to be incorporated into the celebration. With most analysts predicting a down year for National Parks in 2025 in response to the uncertainty of staffing, there may be fewer visitors this year for the Bicentennial.
A Federal judge has ordered the National Park Service to rehire the dismissed staffers.
Follow Reconstruction Blog on Social Media:
