Student Transportation Interpreter to Spend Summer at Eisenhower National Historic Site

National Park Foundation and Ford Motor Company Sends Eighteen Students to Work in Fifteen National Parks Across the Country

Eliza Jarvinen speaks to visitors
on the shuttle bus to the Eisenhower
National Historic Site. (Photo courtesy of
Eisenhower National Historic Site)

Site manager Jim Johnson announced today that Eisenhower National Historic Site received a student transportation interpreter, thanks to the National Park Foundation and through the generous support of Ford Motor Company, Proud Partner of America's National Parks. Eliza Jarvinen from Fairfield, Pennsylvania, will spend the summer in the park working to promote the value of the shuttle bus which brings visitors from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center to the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Eliza gives a presentation on the shuttle bus which tells the story of the Eisenhowers' lives as members of the Gettysburg community and their enduring interest in the battlefield.

When the Eisenhowers bought their farm, they desired to leave the land better than they found it. By being accessible only by shuttle bus, the Eisenhower National Historic Site acknowledges their legacy by reducing congestion and noise pollution which distract from the experience of both the battlefield and the Eisenhower site. The shuttle bus eliminates the need for a parking lot full of cars and creates a more historically authentic experience for the visitor.

"We're pleased to have the transportation interpreter assigned to the park," Site Manager Jim Johnson stated. "It allows us to offer personal service on the shuttle bus system, which is something we are not normally able to do. Our visitors receive a little bonus program that connects the Eisenhowers with the Gettysburg community while allowing us to preserve the peaceful atmosphere of their farm. We commend the Ford Motor Company and the National Park Foundation for their efforts to promote alternative transportation resources, such as our shuttle bus."

Eliza is one of the eighteen students who will work in fifteen national parks across the country this summer providing visitors with invaluable information about the many alternative modes of transportation available to them within national parks. The Ford Transportation Interpreter Program is made possible through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service, and Ford Motor Company.

As a Proud Partner of America's National Parks, Ford is working closely with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to help develop innovative transportation and environmental solutions that enable visitors to enjoy the nearly 400 national parks without compromising their beauty. The Ford Transportation Interpreter Program was developed to encourage national park visitors to use alternative modes of transportation, such as trolleys, trams, or ferries, with the ultimate goal of reducing vehicle congestion as well as noise and air pollution. "The National Park Foundation is thrilled to have Ford's support as a Proud Partner of America's National Parks," said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Our national parks are protected and cherished today because of the generosity and support of individual Americans who wanted to make a difference-these young Ford Transportation Interpreters are carrying on that find tradition and, with their support, we will ensure that national parks will continue to be cherished by future generations."

Eliza will be working at Eisenhower National Historic Site through August 28, 2008. The site is only accessible by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus departs from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center every half-hour from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 for adults (ages 13 and over), $4 for children (ages 6-12), under 6 free. For more information, call 717-338-9114, or visit the Web site www.nps.gov/eise.

About that National Park Foundation - The National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org) is a 501(c) (3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.

Ford Motor Company believes it is important to be a good corporate citizen. Ford continues to support nonprofit organizations that enhance opportunities for the people who live and work in communities where the company does business. A Proud Partner since 2000, Ford works closely with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to bring alternative transportation solutions to America's 391 National Parks in order to enhance the visitor experience and preserve park resources. For more information, visit www.nationalparks.org/who-helps-us/corporate/?fa=ford.

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