Preservation Organizations

[infomanpa]

While visiting Gettysburg, I discovered at least 3 organizations that claim to be involved in preserving the battlefield:

1. Gettysburg Foundation
2. Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association
3. American Battlefield Trust

I don't know who to join and donate. Which of these do you believe are the most effective in preserving the Gettysburg battlefield? Also, wouldn't it be more effective for these organizations to either merge or consolidate their efforts?

 

[Wallyfish]

I am a member of the American Battlefield Trust and have made donations to the Gettysburg Foundation. I don't know if there is a wrong answer on which organization to join or donate money too. The American Battlefield Trust encompasses many diversified battlefields, so it is not Gettysburg specific. While my passion is Gettysburg, I have visited other American battlefields, some of which has received a benefit from the ABT.

I guess the best answer is to join or donate to them all.

 

[eBrowne]

I belong to all three.
The American Battlefield Trust has been an active participant in more properties than the other two. You can go on their website to view the properties. The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association bought the Daniel Lady Farm but that was quite a while ago. Hopefully they will be successful in acquiring some property at the Camp Letterman site. The Gettysburg Foundation helped preserve the George Spangler Farm and hospital site. Their Strategic Plan seems to be somewhat broader than the other two in relation to Gettysburg.
"In that vein, we endeavor to acquire additional land, structures and documentable artifacts related to the Civil War and the Gettysburg battle; to ensure the preservation of an extensive collection of Civil War-era archival materials, objects and artifacts; and to conserve and interpret the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Our deep commitment to authenticity encompasses our nation's intellectual and cultural history, the battle and its aftermath."

 

[redbob]

You have to be somewhat careful when dealing with the American Battlefield Trust these days as they have now brought the Revolutionary and War of 1812 under their umbrella, so if you only want your contributions to go to Civil War Battlefields you have to be specific about it. That said, I still gladly contribute to their Civil War efforts.

 

[Wallyfish]

You have to be somewhat careful when dealing with the American Battlefield Trust these days as they have now brought the Revolutionary and War of 1812 under their umbrella, so if you only want your contributions to go to Civil War Battlefields you have to be specific about it. That said, I still gladly contribute to their Civil War efforts.

This is where am was conflicted as well. But being from Pennsylvania where there are Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefields, I thought it is a worthwhile cause because I have visited sites from all these wars.

 

[Nathanb1]

I always do American Battlefield Trust. I've donated to all sorts of battlefields, just because I can usually find an ancestor who was there...no matter which war. In fact, this fall I discovered one of my umpteenth GGrandpa's descendants owned Peebles' Farm (I'm slow but I eventually get there).

Battlefield Trust also does so much with educational materials--plus seminars and workshops for educators and students. The student part is, to me, vital. Without interesting kids in the subject, we really are a dying breed of enthusiasts...

 

[infomanpa]

I belong to all three.
The American Battlefield Trust has been an active participant in more properties than the other two. You can go on their website to view the properties. The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association bought the Daniel Lady Farm but that was quite a while ago. Hopefully they will be successful in acquiring some property at the Camp Letterman site. The Gettysburg Foundation helped preserve the George Spangler Farm and hospital site. Their Strategic Plan seems to be somewhat broader than the other two in relation to Gettysburg.
"In that vein, we endeavor to acquire additional land, structures and documentable artifacts related to the Civil War and the Gettysburg battle; to ensure the preservation of an extensive collection of Civil War-era archival materials, objects and artifacts; and to conserve and interpret the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Our deep commitment to authenticity encompasses our nation's intellectual and cultural history, the battle and its aftermath."

That's a great summary. Thanks!

 

[infomanpa]

You have to be somewhat careful when dealing with the American Battlefield Trust these days as they have now brought the Revolutionary and War of 1812 under their umbrella, so if you only want your contributions to go to Civil War Battlefields you have to be specific about it. That said, I still gladly contribute to their Civil War efforts.

This is where am was conflicted as well. But being from Pennsylvania where there are Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefields, I thought it is a worthwhile cause because I have visited sites from all these wars.

I am fine with my contributions going to Rev. War battlefields. I discovered that many of them are gone and what's left needs to be preserved. I live very close to where the Brandywine battle took place and most of it is private land. Fortunately, a trust is keeping it.

 

[ronzzo]

While visiting Gettysburg, I discovered at least 3 organizations that claim to be involved in preserving the battlefield:

1. Gettysburg Foundation
2. Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association
3. American Battlefield Trust

I don't know who to join and donate. Which of these do you believe are the most effective in preserving the Gettysburg battlefield? Also, wouldn't it be more effective for these organizations to either merge or consolidate their efforts?

I am a member of all three and as mentioned, they each have the same purpose, but with a different focus. In addition, I'm a member of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation that is specific in preserving land in that region. Same thing with the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust.