Cathy Baldau describes the Harpers Ferry Park Association (HFPA) as the non-profit partner of the park, focused on supporting the interpretive and educational programs available to visitors. Baldo points out that HFPA is similar to “the more than 100 cooperating associations that work with national parks across the country to organize special events, provide programs for school children, and host living history programs. When you visit a national park and watch a movie, participate in a program, buy a guidebook — almost all of that is funded and coordinated by the cooperating association for that park.”
“As a non-profit, we raise money and we have a membership program, but most of our revenue comes from retail sales in our bookstore and on the web,” Baldau said. “The proceeds go back into the Park, for education, for conservation, for funding speakers, for the things that make the programs memorable.” For example, the HFPA purchases the Junior Ranger badges that kids earn by participating in the program. “We also have the ability to help with specific improvements. We’ve paid for new signs and even to fix one of the beehive ovens.”
Baldau remarked, “we had big plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment this year and the 50th anniversary of our association next year. We’re still planning for our anniversary, but I’m sure it will be different.” Baldau also noted that the bookstore in lower town has been closed since March. “We were fortunate to be able to set up a pop up store in the Women’s Club for the last few weeks in August. Starting in September the Park has agreed to let us set up under a tent on the green (across the street from our shop). We’ll have a one-way path set up and it will be outdoors, so we’re feeling comfortable about it.”
Visit the Harpers Ferry Park Association at 723 Shenandoah Street, Harpers Ferry West Virginia (temporary location is across the street under the tent, check the website and Facebook page for days and times of operation, pop-up store may be closed during inclement weather so check online or call first). Phone 304-535-6881.
By Staff Contributor