Luminary Volunteer 2026

Event Description:

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield will be hosting the Memorial Luminary on the evening of Saturday, November 7. This event commemorates all soldiers wounded, captured, missing, or killed in combat at the Battle of Wilson's Creek.

In October and early November, the park team will host prep sessions. Volunteers will assist with assembling luminary parts, such as triple-A batteries, flashlights, wooden boards and lunch bags. Other prep activities may include cleaning and staging equipment and seating for the event. That prep opportunity is listed separately.

On Saturday, November 7 from 10am to 3pm, volunteers will also help us place over 2,000 luminaries across the battlefield to represent casualties from the battle. We will also remove them from the battlefield the next day on Sunday, November 8 from 10am to 3 pm.

We are also looking for volunteers to assist us with traffic control, welcoming visitors, and other tasks during the Luminary itself. Contact us directly for more information.

This event is a great opportunity for families, youth groups, school clubs/organizations, and high school and college students looking for volunteer hours.

How to Get Involved:

Please apply if you would like to volunteer for placing and/or removing luminaries. If you are only interested in assisting with prep sessions, please see that opportunity or email the primary point of contact and we can offer dates that can best fit with an individual or a group's schedule.