Beginning September 3, the interior of Chatham in Stafford County will be closed to visitors while the park installs a fire suppression system in the historic structure. For the duration of the project the Chatham gate will remain open 9 am to 5 pm and the grounds will remain open sunrise to sunset.
The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park says this project involves taking care to protect the existing structure and exhibits inside Chatham. The museum collection pieces currently on display in Chatham will be stored offsite for the duration of the work. Once complete, the updated system will support the safe display of artifacts and protect the building in case of fire.
While the building is closed, the grounds remain open for visitors. Park staff will be stationed at an orientation table on the grounds on Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm, until October 19. The 2 pm tour, Sparking Freedom, will occur as scheduled on these weekends. To watch the park video that plays inside the building and to learn more about Chatham visit go.nps.gov/chatham.
The restrooms near the parking lot will remain open and accessible. Due to the maintenance work onsite, there may be some parking impact while work is ongoing, but this impact should be minimal on weekends.
The installation of the fire suppression system is projected to be complete by early spring.
