Preserving history is important to keeping it alive through the generations and this Saturday, in honor of National Park Day, volunteers from across the country will help preserve the nation’s historical landmarks.

Local volunteers equipped with paintbrushes, weed whackers and trash bags, will have the opportunity to clean and restore the historical cemeteries, shrines and battlefields of Old Cahawba April 2 beginning at 9 a.m. Free T-shirts and patches will be given to the first 25 volunteers.

Linda Derry, site director for Old Cahawba Archeological Park, said because of state budget cuts targeting the Alabama Historical Commission, the event is helpful.

“We need all the help we can get,” Derry said. “We’re looking for an eventful day and a great turnout.”

Sponsored by The History Channel and the Civil War Trust, “Take Pride in America,” a part of the U.S. Department of Interior, the event’s goal is to bring awareness in preserving the nation’s endangered Civil War sites and promote an appreciation of history through education and tourism.

Former University of Alabama professor and novelist, David Rothstein, will also be on hand to promote his book, “Casualties,” a novel detailing the devastating effects of the Civil War in Cahawba.

“For those who don’t want to come out to volunteer but want to hear Rothstein, he will be available that morning to discuss his book with the audience,” Derry said. “This will be a unique opportunity to bring Cahawba to life as it was in the Civil War and to have open discussion.”

Rothstein mentions his love for the ghost town in his book.

“If you go to Cahawba today and sit quietly under the cedars and live oak trees you will feel the spirits of the people who lived, suffered and died there,” Rothstein writes.

Derry said she hopes the event will draw literary lovers.

“The Civil War devastated everyone,” Derry said. “So often we hear about the glory days of war and seldom about the devastation that comes with it.”

For more information about the event call 875-2529.