Frederick, Maryland

Monocacy Public Engagement

On July 9th, 1864, a Civil War battle was fought at the Monocacy River in what has since been labeled “the battle that saved Washington.” In 1973, much of the battlefield was designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) District, but the National Park Service (NPS) recently proposed expanding the boundaries. Thus, the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation hired The Walker Collaborative to lead a public outreach program to build support from affected property owners, local governments, and the general public.

In 1973, much of the battlefield was designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) District, but the National Park Service (NPS) recently proposed expanding the boundaries.

Thus, the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation hired The Walker Collaborative to lead a public outreach program to build support from affected property owners, local governments, and the general public.The scope included meetings with stakeholder, development of relevant products (press releases, a brochure, a PowerPoint presentation, and a MindMixer website), and a promotional campaign featuring meetings, press conferences, and similar events led by Phil Walker. He also helped start a battlefield “friends” group, including drafting their bylaws. The NHL boundary expansions were ultimately made with strong stakeholder support.