By Bob Reece

Webmaster's Note: This update was originally published in the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield Newsletter, April 2009.

There is a lot of exciting news to share with our membership. First and foremost, the National Park Service announced a new superintendent for Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (LIBI); Kate Hammond began managing the battlefield in mid January 2009. Supt. Hammond reached out to Friends even before she began her official duties as manager of the monument by calling me in December 2008. She wanted to introduce herself, get to know me, and learn about Friends. Supt. Hammond is the ninth monument manager that I’ve had the privilege to work with, so this initial contact was reassuring especially because we did not know each other.
Since Supt. Hammond began her duties, we’ve had many opportunities to work together. She has been unselfish in helping us prepare for the Friends events in June 2009 and in preparation for our first board meeting with her in March. Please read newsletter editor and Friends board member Lola Mauer’s interview with Supt. Hammond to learn more about her.

Because none of the Friends board members knew Supt. Hammond, we believed it was imperative that we conduct our first board meeting with her onsite at the battlefield. The primary purposes of the meeting were to fully educate her on the history and successes of Friends, meet with all of her division managers, review possible future projects at the battlefield, and firm-up plans for the 133st anniversary in June.

Friends Donates $3,500.00 Towards Three Projects

The board meeting was held March 5 on the second floor of the administration building. Before our arrival, Supt. Hammond asked her division managers for project ideas which we discussed during most of the meeting. The board agreed to donate $3,500.00 to support three projects so far for 2009:

• Chief Curator Sharon Small requested $300.00 for materials to construct platforms to place some of the archived collections storage cabinets off the floor in case of an accidental water leak. The same donation also provides for materials to construct shelves to properly store the paintings that are currently leaning against each other.
• $2,400.00 to fund one teacher as part of the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program started last year in the NPS. The teacher selected will spend two months at LIBI working in all the divisions. The following April, the teacher will wear the NPS uniform at school and share with his class some of the experiences he had while working at LIBI. It is a great way to instill an appreciation of the NPS and its programs with students. Supt. Hammond will require the teacher to write a report about his experience for the Friends newsletter.
• Chief Historian John Doerner requested $800.00 to replace the batteries that power his electric cart. He uses this small vehicle to transport himself around the Monument. The final cost for the batteries totaled $600.00. The surplus will remain in the LIBI general fund which we’ll apply towards a future project.

During our board meeting, Supt. Hammond shared many of the significant issues she’ll address over the next five years at LIBI. She is tackling numerous longstanding problems with inspiring and innovative ideas for resolution. There is no doubt that she is the perfect choice at the right time to manage the battlefield we all hold so dear.

The board also met with all of the division managers of the Monument: John Doerner (History); Lonnie Hergenrider (Maintenance); Cathy Not Afraid (Administrative Officer); Sharon Small (Curation); Michael Stops (Chief Ranger); and Ken Woody (Interpretation). And the staff: Ranger Marvin Dawes; Melana Stichman (biological technician); Prudence Pretty-On-Top (IT Specialist); and Sandy Harris (Administration Clerk).

We left Montana with a deep sense of achievement from an amazing positive experience due to spending a working day with Supt. Hammond and her exceptional staff. We accomplished much more than anticipated from our first meeting with the new superintendent, and that was made possible by meeting onsite.

Little Bighorn Battlefield Audio Tour

While at the battlefield, we walked up to Last Stand Hill to check out a great new addition to the interpretation program. Its design is seen in other parks, such as Valley Forge where I tried it when visiting there in September 2007. Over time, this system will be found throughout the Little Bighorn Battlefield and it works with your cell phone. If you see a small blue sign that includes a phone number and a “stop number” call it, follow the instructions and listen to a special recording about that segment of the battlefield.  Chief of Interpretation Ken Woody and Friends board member Jerry Jasmer provide the great voices along your tour.  Please be aware that any calls you make using your cell phone for this tour will accumulate airtime minutes.

Friends Events June 26-27, 2009

Jump here to read our report on our summer events.

The Last Bugle Call

We appreciate every member of Friends, especially because there are several great organizations that revolve around this battlefield and/or George Custer that our members could join. Not everyone can enroll in every organization especially in these difficult economic times; hard choices have to be made as to which organization to support.

Two exclusive characteristics of Friends separate us from all of the other organizations though: 1) We are a cooperating association of the National Park Service at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument which means we work directly with its management and support projects that meet various needs throughout the monument. 2) The superintendent and members of her staff are active participants in all of our board meetings, which allows Friends an unique position in the exchange of ideas. We humbly ask that you consider these when you mull over joining or renewing your membership and/or talking with friends about Friends.

I’ll see you on Last Stand Hill.

April 2009

(Back to Top)

Read Superintendent's Message

News & Information Home