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Diana and I just finished a TERRIFIC 3 month stint volunteering at the NPS Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, GA, about 10 miles north of Americus. It's in a rural area about 150 miles south of Atlanta. The site is steeped in history - not only is it the home of the infamous Civil War prison site and cemetery, but hosts the American National Prisoner of War Museum as well. My Dad was a POW in Korea for 33 months so we have kind of an emotional attachment to the place. One of the current displays is artifacts from the USS Pueblo, the US spy ship captured by the North Koreans in 1968 - the survivors meet at Andersonville regularly. The place is fascinating. We operated the Visitor Center and helped in the bookstore, working 10 to 5 Thursday through Sunday with Mon - Wed off. There are 2 RV sites with full hookups in the park itself. The staff is amazing to work with - super friendly and helpful. We've been to Andersonville before and will probably go again. We heartily recommend it. They list on Volunteer.gov or you can contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jake Koch, at 229-924-0343 Extension 201 or daniel_koch@nps.gov Highly recommended.
I am currently thinking of volunteering there. Thanks for the info. I have spoke to Mr. Koch on the phone and he sounds like a super person.
Sounds like a great place for those of us who love history! I have read the book "Andersonville" so am familiar with the story but didn't know about the POW museum. Now we have another place added to our list of "must see"locations.
It does seem that no mater how much we RV, our list gets longer and longer. Thank you for posting this!
We visited the prison site (camp Sumter) in 2015. I cannot return, I was emotionally-spent at the end of the day. They have pictures of the torture method that left John McCain with disabled shoulders. It was difficult to comprehend the number of soldiers who died there, both North and South.
They do have bus/RV parking at the prison/memorial, but you cannot overnight there. BTW it is not in Andersonville, the town is a mile or so away.
in 2011. ME An few members from my club went there. A true historical site. An yes, visiting the museum was a teary eye, moment.
We volunteered at Andersonville for two months several summers ago and also had a great time. It was a real learning experience. The staff were all different then, but I'm sure the new ones are of the same high caliber. I used to enjoy using my phone app to help people locate their loved ones graves in the cemetery; it was a thrill to find "great grandpa's" burial place.
We visited the prison site (camp Sumter) in 2015. I cannot return, I was emotionally-spent at the end of the day. They have pictures of the torture method that left John McCain with disabled shoulders. It was difficult to comprehend the number of soldiers who died there, both North and South.
They do have bus/RV parking at the prison/memorial, but you cannot overnight there. BTW it is not in Andersonville, the town is a mile or so away.
As several have mentioned this can be an extremely emotional experience. It's not at all unusual to see people in tears, some sobbing openly. On one occasion that I'll never forget I helped one lady locate her great great grandfather's grave in the database the park maintains. As soon as her ancestor's name popped up on the screen she burst into tears. Amazing experience. The official name is "Andersonville National Historic Site," although it was called Camp Sumter during the Civil War. The village of Andersonville is about 200 yards away from the park exit across Hwy 49. Make sure to visit Andersonville Station Restaurant in the village and have the pulled pork sandwich and fries!! 🙂 Its the only restaurant closer than 6 miles or so from the park. PS The catfish fry on Friday night is worth driving in from Americus for. Bring your appetite.
Edited December 18, 2016 by Pat(rick) Curry
Can't believe I stayed at Ft Benning for a week and didn't make it over to Andersonville. Will make a trip back there just to visit the place.
Great information and a must see for many of us RV History buffs, vets and all Americans. The price of FREEDOM has NEVER been free. Others, that have come before us paid a price for our FREEDOMS!
Safe Travels!
Great information and a must see for many of us RV History buffs, vets and all Americans.
One thing that I don't think has been mentioned in this thread is that Andersonville is also the site of the National POW Museum which memorializes the sacrifices of POWs in all wars, not just the Civil War. The site's visitor center houses the museum which is definitely worth a visit IMO.
One thing that I don't think has been mentioned in this thread is that Andersonville is also the site of the National POW Museum which memorializes the sacrifices of POWs in all wars, not just the Civil War.
- not only is it the home of the infamous Civil War prison site and cemetery, but hosts the American National Prisoner of War Museum as well.
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