Civil War Preservation Trust

The mission of the Civil War Preservation Trust is the preservation of America's significant Civil War battlefields by protecting the land and educating the public about their role in our nation's history. 1-888-606-1400.

How do you help people in my community?

Communities located near preserved battlefields reap enormous benefits from having these hallowed grounds in their midst. Not only are they unparalleled outdoor classrooms, but they also promote economic development through tourism. Heritage tourists, as visitors to historic destinations are called, have been found to stay longer and spend more in the communities they frequent than average travelers.  This, in turn, creates more jobs in the community, as well as enormous tax revenue. In fact, a multiyear study commissioned by the Civil War Preservation Trust has found that visitors to battlefields spend an average of nearly $50 per person, per day in the local community! The full results of the study are available online at www.civilwar.org.

Perhaps more importantly, preserving Civil War battlefields enriches the experience of all Americans. We at the Civil War Preservation Trust believe passionately that battlefields are indispensable outdoor classrooms. No matter how many books you read, there is no substitute for getting to actually walk the fields where history happened. And only through preservation can we ensure that future generations are able to have this same experience.

Why do you need my support?

One of the greatest strengths of the Civil War Preservation Trust is our ability to make even the smallest donation count.  We actively seek out a variety of grant programs that will help us leverage our members’ donations against federal, state and private funding sources. On one recent project in Kentucky, we were able to promise donors that we could turn every dollar they gave into $12.30 by using these programs. On a previous quest to save land at the Monocacy Battlefield in Maryland, we were able to create an astounding 56-to-1 match! While those may be exceptional circumstances, since 2000 our overall leverage factor has been an impressive 4.9887-to-1.

With development pressures threatening to destroy so many important battlefield sites, we are keenly aware that we only have a limited time period in which to work – no more than a decade in most areas.  Under such constraints, we recognize that we must concentrate on protecting the most important historic land available. Every piece of land we pursue has been examined by the most prominent and knowledgeable scholars and deemed to be of the utmost historic significance.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The Civil War Preservation Trust prides itself on being a lean organization where every dollar donated has the maximum impact. In 2005, a full 87.7 percent of all expenditures went directly to the Civil War Preservation Trust’s central mission – buying historic ground and educating the public about its importance.  We also believe unequivocally in the Donor’s Bill of Rights, which ensures openness on the part of the organization and its finances, promotes professionalism in its management and administration, and requires responsible stewardship and adherence to donor's intentions. In the interest of such openness, current and previous annual reports – each audited by independent accountants – are available online for review.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The work that we do at the Civil War Preservation Trust would not be possible without a wide network of volunteers spread all across the country. One of the simplest ways to assist us in our mission is to monitor activities in your own community and alert us to situations as they develop.  From our headquarters in Washington, D.C., it is sometimes difficult to know when properties come up for sale or other issues arise in the far flung communities where we seek to protect battlefield land. We depend upon our members to be our “eyes and ears” on such matters.  Additionally, if you live in an area where CWPT owns land, we may have opportunities for you to help us maintain that property and keep it ready for visitors.

Each spring, the Civil War Preservation Trust sponsors Park Day, a nationwide clean-up effort at a variety of Civil War sites.  The program is growing every year, with approximately 100 locations currently participating. Park Day is traditionally held in early April, but full details, including site contacts and expected projects, are listed on our website as they are determined.

Finally, if you live in the Washington, D.C. or Hagerstown, Md. areas, internships and volunteer positions are available in both of our offices. Please call our offices for more information on any of these opportunities.