I have always loved history from when I was a child. I moved to the DC metro area almost 40 years ago. Soon thereafter, I discovered the large number of Civil War battlefields within 50-75 miles of my home. I soon began visiting them and dragging my son with me. I find them very moving and educational. About 20 years ago, I began noticing and reading about encroaching development on these battlefields including of all things a NASCAR racetrack (thankfully never built). I also visited places like Quebec where I could barely find a plaque to Richard Montgomery and seeing the Plains of Abraham overrun with stuff related to a rock concert.

About 10-15 years ago (and I am not sure how) I got involved with the (then) Civil War Preservation Trust. I have donated thousands of dollars since and taken their battlefield tours on occasion. The (now) Civil War Trust has succeeded in blocking many potential developments near Civil War battlefields over the past years. They invest money wisely. Now they are also helping teachers learn how to better teach the Civil War. This is something that is badly needed as our schools are failing to teach history.

The Civil War Trust is my favorite non-profit organization!!!