Andersonville National Historic Site

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

November 7-8
10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
STEP INTO HISTORY:
WORLD WAR I AND WORLD WAR II

Join us for the fourth and final book of our Step Into History Series, an interactive living history experience exploring the experiences of American service members and prisoners of war during World War I and World War II.
From the uncertainty of capture to the hardships of captivity and eventual liberation, each choice offers an opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by American POWs.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore:
• Living History Demonstrations
• Interactive Exhibits and Activities
• Special Programs and Presentations
Discover how American prisoners of war endured difficult conditions, supported one another, and maintained hope during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Their stories deserve to be remembered.

Image: Cover for Step Into History: Book 4 – World War I and II, the newest installment in Andersonville National Historic Site's interactive history series (ANDE).

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/29/2026

The US Army Quartermaster Corps were tasked with recovering and reburying the mass of Union dead after the Civil War. Due to Captain James Moore’s successful organization of Union burial efforts at Fort Stevens in 1864 and the Wilderness and Spotsylvania in June 1865, the Quartermaster Department chose him to lead the expedition to Andersonville in July 1865.

Captain Moore and his crew arrived at Andersonville, Georgia, on July 25, 1865, after a ten-day delay due to the condition of the rail lines and war-scarred roads. The following are excerpts from Captain Moore’s official report of the expedition to Andersonville, GA.

Moore wrote, “On the morning of the 26th of July, the work of identifying the graves, painting and lettering of headboards, laying out walks and enclosing the cemetery was commenced, and on the evening of August 16th, was completed…the morning of the 17th of August, at sunrise, the stars and stripes were hoisted in the centre of the cemetery, when a national salute was fired, and several national songs sung by those present.”

“Appropriate inscriptions are placed through the ground, and I have endeavored, as far as my facilities would permit, to transfer this wild, unmarked, and unhonored graveyard into a fit place of interment for the nation's gallant dead.”

James Miles Moore retired as a Brigadier General after 40 years of service. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. One hundred sixty-one years later, Moore’s careful work at Andersonville, restoring and properly marking the graves, continues to influence how Americans remember the Civil War and honor its fallen soldiers.

IMAGE DISCRIPTION: Photograph of Andersonville National Cemetery, circa 1865, showing rows of white wooden grave markers stretching across the cemetery grounds. (ANDE)

10/19/2026

Join us November 7–8 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at for a special weekend of Living History as we explore World War I and World War II.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore historic aircraft, interact with Living Historians, and attend presentations covering military weapons and technology, the US Marines during World War II, and the experiences of American prisoners of war.

A full schedule of programs and presentations is below. We hope you'll join us for this special weekend!

10:00 AM – The World at War: 1914–1945
10:30 AM – Weapons at War: Technology, Soldiers, and the World Wars
11:00 AM – US Marines in WWII
11:30 AM – Culture and Captivity in the Pacific Theater
12:00 PM – The President’s Uncle: Tom Gordy’s Story of War and Captivity
1:00 PM – US Marines in WWII
1:30 PM – A Symbol of Hope: The Cross at Camp O’Donnell
2:00 PM – WWI and WWII Weapons
2:30 PM – The President’s Uncle: Tom Gordy’s Story of War and Captivity

Image: American prisoners of war are marched along the road on the Western Front. Captured by German film. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), NAID 221951270.

10/16/2026

On October 16, 1970, Andersonville National Historic Site was established by law “in order to provide an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps, and to preserve the monuments located therein” (Public Law 91-465). This mission continues to guide the site’s efforts to educate visitors about the experiences of prisoners of war, the history of Civil War prison camps, and the lasting human cost of conflict.

Today, we celebrate Andersonville’s 56th year as part of the National Park Service. This anniversary recognizes the importance of preserving the site and sharing its history with future generations.

Camp Sumter Military Prison, located in Andersonville, Georgia, was the deadliest Civil War prison camp. In a short 14-month period, almost 13,000 Union prisoners of war died within its stockade walls. The immense loss of life makes Andersonville an especially significant location for understanding the hardships endured by prisoners, the conditions within wartime prison camps, and the sacrifices made by those who never returned home. By preserving this historic place, Andersonville National Historic Site honors the memory of those prisoners and ensures that their experiences remain part of our nation’s history.

Image description: The National Prisoner of war museum (NPS/Andersonville National Historic Site).
Image description: Andersonville National Cemetery on a clear day. (NPS/Andersonville National Historic Site).
Image description: Looking from the museum at the north side of the Prison Site (NPS/Andersonville National Historic Site).

10/13/2026

Andersonville National Historic Site has a brand new pavilion in the picnic area! This space is free and open to all visitors and groups on a first come, first served basis — no reservations required. Electrical outlets will be ready in a few weeks.

This pavilion was made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Andersonville. Andersonville NHS extends a heartfelt thank you for helping us enhance the visitor experience.

Image Description: A brand new pavilion in Andersonville NHS’s picnic area is finished and ready for public use (ANDE).

Image Description: Our interpretive team is excited to show you that while the pavilion is not yet hooked up to the electrical grid, in the near future several outlets will be available for your convenience (ANDE).

Image Description: Come join us at our brand new pavilion in the picnic area of Andersonville National Historic Site (ANDE).

10/11/2026

Join us November 7–8 for a special weekend of Living History as we honor the men and women who served our country during World War I and World War II.

Explore historic aircraft, experience history through Living History demonstrations, and the newest addition to our Step Into History book series.

10/10/2026

Power has been restored to Andersonville National Historic Site! The park and museum will be open normal hours tomorrow.

We look forward to seeing you!

10/10/2026

The National POW Museum will remain closed for the rest of today due to a continued power outage. The grounds are open today until 5pm.

We will update again in the morning.

10/10/2026

Park grounds will be open today. However, due to lack of electricity as a result of Hurricane Isaias, the National POW Museum will remain closed until further notice.

09/20/2026

Join us today, September 20, as we explore the Korean and Vietnam War POW experience through book three of our “Step Into History” series. Hands-on activities and stories will allow visitors of all ages to discover how prisoners endured captivity, maintained hope and morale, communicated with one another, and ultimately returned home.

Program Schedule:
10:00 AM Overview of the Korean and Vietnam War
10:30 AM Capture and Journey
11:00 PM Living Conditions
11:30 PM Communication
12:00PM Rolling Thunder Ceremony
1:00 PM Privation
1:30 PM Morale
2:00 PM Families and Homecoming
2:30 PM MIA Table/POW Flag

Image: A family explores maps of Asia as they complete their activity book (NPS/ANDE).