e.g. Civil War Trust-Worthwhile?

[rhettbutler1865]

I have given my share to the Civil War Trust. When I told my guide in Gettysburg that I "...helped save Lee's Headquarters," he chuckled and said, "It isn't in any danger...maybe they'll take down the junk around it..." and the subject was dropped. Just now I got yet another plea in the mail--"...preserve these crucial 19 acres of...Stones River, Perryville and Mill Springs." Before I write a check this time, have you here given to this organization? Or is there a better one?

 

[LittleGuy1864]

I've given plenty to the CWT trust myself. I've been a color-bearer for the past two years now and have given to countless other "campaigns" for battlefield preservation. I'm also a member of the Shenandoah Battlefields Foundation, which is based in New Market, VA and have given countless times to them as well for various preservation opportunities throughout the Valley.

Rebecca

 

[rhettbutler1865]

Thanks, Rebecca. I wasn't aware of that one...and I'm thinking of becoming a color-bearer when I revise my will...

 

[LittleGuy1864]

You're welcome! I'm only a Regimental color-bearer at this time, since $1,000 every year is quite a chunk of my earnings, but in the end, it's worth it. I was out at Cedar Creek last March doing a tour sponsored by the CWT and part of the tour included what's known as "Rienzi's Knoll." It's not public land, as there's still a working farm on the property preserved by CWT (our group was on a special tour), but back in 2012, they had a campaign to save 77 acres in two separate tracts of land around Cedar Creek. I probably forked over several hundred dollars to help save that land. Lo and behold, a year later, I was able to visit a tract of land that I helped "save" much like you at Gettysburg.

Rebecca

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

I not only support the organization financially, I work closely with it on the preservation of cavalry battlefields. In addition to money donations, I have given countless hours to its preservation efforts over the years, all with no expectation of anything but the occasional thank you. Why? Because I believe in its mission and support it wholeheartedly.

I have nothing but vast respect for what the Trust does and how it does it. I spent part of today with Jim Lighthizer--the president--and two boards members. They put their money where their mouth is. Nobody else even remotely comes close to doing the work the Trust does, or anywhere near as efficiently as it does.

 

[matthew mckeon]

They do a great workshop for teachers. I attended one in Boston a couple of years ago.

 

[frontrank2]

I've given to them for 20 years. No complaints, I feel they do a good job.

 

[rhettbutler1865]

You're welcome! I'm only a Regimental color-bearer at this time, since $1,000 every year is quite a chunk of my earnings, but in the end, it's worth it. I was out at Cedar Creek last March doing a tour sponsored by the CWT and part of the tour included what's known as "Rienzi's Knoll." It's not public land, as there's still a working farm on the property preserved by CWT (our group was on a special tour), but back in 2012, they had a campaign to save 77 acres in two separate tracts of land around Cedar Creek. I probably forked over several hundred dollars to help save that land. Lo and behold, a year later, I was able to visit a tract of land that I helped "save" much like you at Gettysburg.

Rebecca

I Love it! Thanks for the story and yes, it's well worth it! I'll write that check!

 

[rhettbutler1865]

I not only support the organization financially, I work closely with it on the preservation of cavalry battlefields. In addition to money donations, I have given countless hours to its preservation efforts over the years, all with no expectation of anything but the occasional thank you. Why? Because I believe in its mission and support it wholeheartedly.

I have nothing but vast respect for what the Trust does and how it does it. I spent part of today with Jim Lighthizer--the president--and two boards members. They put their money where their mouth is. Nobody else even remotely comes close to doing the work the Trust does, or anywhere near as efficiently as it does.

Thank you, Eric. If you believe that strongly in it--I'll increase my donations!

 

[rhettbutler1865]

Thank you, Eric. If you believe that strongly in it--I'll increase my donations!

In fact, I'll write the check tonight! Besides ASPCA, PETA, and Humane Society, I can't think of a better way to spend my money! Thanks again--I certainly got the endorsement I needed...you.

 

[E_just_E]

First class organization. Don't think twice. The only issue I have with them is that recently with their efforts of Revolutionary War and 1812 War battlefield preservation, the $ that goes to preserve Civil War Battlefields has been diluted.

 

[huskerblitz]

I generally don't trust a lot of organizations with my money. Civil War Trust is one that I do trust and have given too.
If not for the battlefields, for the great resources they provide teachers. I hope to go to one of their workshops one of these days.

 

[Nathanb1]

My first donation was to preserve what little is left of the land at Fort Wagner. I've given regularly since then, attended their teacher workshop, had my kids enter (and win big bucks) in their essay and postcard contest, and use their teaching materials, animated maps and videos heavily in 7th and 8th grade when I teach the Civil War. As a matter of fact, I handed out entry information yesterday on this year's contests. If I had my act together, I'd enter the lesson plan contest. Maybe next year when I don't have so much on my hands!

Just the work they've done at Franklin would have impressed me. I can't wait to go back and see what's been changed since my first visit! They receive the highest rating possible as a charitable organization--which is partially based on the percentage of funds that go to the purpose of the organization rather than salaries and other foo-foo.

Seeing land you helped preserve from ugly suburban housing tracts and pizza restaurants is an amazing and wonderful feeling.....but the reason you get constant requests is because opportunities come up one time and they have to jump on them. If they don't get the land the first time, it may be years--or never--and changes may be made that are irreversible. Mr. Lighthizer is a man on a mission, and many of us are honored to be on the same mission.

If you want to make a difference in the world, support CWT.

 

[nitrofd]

I've been disabled since 1986 so parting with funds to charities we arecareful, but each time they have a new preservation drive I send a check.if it's for a spot of the war in the west I send a little extra.even my wife who is not into history believes in them because once the land is lost is is lost forever, except lately we did recover some property in franklin that was a Pizza Hut and a Domino's with a small strip center.

 

[mt155]

Ditto what has already been said here. Great folks and very friendly. I attended the last two annual conferences and the people within the organization and the other members I have met have been wonderful.

 

[Nathanb1]

I've been disabled since 1986 so parting with funds to charities we arecareful, but each time they have a new preservation drive I send a check.if it's for a spot of the war in the west I send a little extra.even my wife who is not into history believes in them because once the land is lost is is lost forever, except lately we did recover some property in franklin that was a Pizza Hut and a Domino's with a small strip center.

Agreed. Teacher salaries are not generous....but the great thing about CWT is that they are so good at bundling grants, donations, etc., so that your $5 or $40 is multiplied numerous times....that was one of the selling points for me. They squeeze pennies very, very efficiently!

 

[Lost Cause]

Near the cotton gin at Franklin:

 

[Lost Cause]

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I have given my share to the Civil War Trust. When I told my guide in Gettysburg that I "...helped save Lee's Headquarters," he chuckled and said, "It isn't in any danger...maybe they'll take down the junk around it..." and the subject was dropped. Just now I got yet another plea in the mail--"...preserve these crucial 19 acres of...Stones River, Perryville and Mill Springs." Before I write a check this time, have you here given to this organization? Or is there a better one?

So, WHY did the guide at Gettysburg make that comment??

 

[rhettbutler1865]

My first donation was to preserve what little is left of the land at Fort Wagner. I've given regularly since then, attended their teacher workshop, had my kids enter (and win big bucks) in their essay and postcard contest, and use their teaching materials, animated maps and videos heavily in 7th and 8th grade when I teach the Civil War. As a matter of fact, I handed out entry information yesterday on this year's contests. If I had my act together, I'd enter the lesson plan contest. Maybe next year when I don't have so much on my hands!

Just the work they've done at Franklin would have impressed me. I can't wait to go back and see what's been changed since my first visit! They receive the highest rating possible as a charitable organization--which is partially based on the percentage of funds that go to the purpose of the organization rather than salaries and other foo-foo.

Seeing land you helped preserve from ugly suburban housing tracts and pizza restaurants is an amazing and wonderful feeling.....but the reason you get constant requests is because opportunities come up one time and they have to jump on them. If they don't get the land the first time, it may be years--or never--and changes may be made that are irreversible. Mr. Lighthizer is a man on a mission, and many of us are honored to be on the same mission.

If you want to make a difference in the world, support CWT.

I agree-Thanks. I've written the check...and it's not small.