American Battlefield Trust

We were charter members of the CWT's parent organization, the Association for Preservation of Civil War Sites. The two merged in 1990. Over the years we've made 50+ contributions and have been able to visit and see the preserved lands that the CWT program has made possible. Whether one is a student of history, or just enjoys nature and the out-of-doors, this preservation program is essential to divert industrial, commercial and residential development from overgrowing important historical and natural sites. These preserved lands can be enjoyed by everyone, and once they're lost, they are gone forever. We plan to remain strong supporters...Dr. John B & Sara Carter, Lexington, SC.

This is an outstanding organization. I work as a professional in the field of history and historic preservation, and frequently partner with the CWT. The staff is terrific. I'm also on the board and am impressed by how carefully their dollars are managed. They have a strategic vision for the future and really well-organized, clear-sighted leadership. I am pleased that the commitment to education has been strengthened. Donations to the CWT preserve Civil War battlefields, green space, and American history. Libby O'Connell

I have been a member of the Civil War Trust since 2003 and have the greatest respect for this organization. They are an extremely dedicated group of people dedicated to preserving American Civil War battlegrounds and sites before they are lost forever to various kinds of development(housing, malls, Bigbox stores, etc.) The preservation protects and honors the ground that soldiers fought over, adds park land to be enjoyed by all Americans, and adds educational opportunities for all. I have attended some of their conferences that they offer each year, and these are wonderful educational experiences. I look forward to being a strong supporter of this group for many years into the future, look forward to attending many more of their meetings/conferences, and consider it an honor to belong to an orginization that strives to save a part of our American heritage.

My wife and I have been contributors to the Civil War Trust (CWT) since 2004. CWT is our principle charity and we have made over 100 individual donations over that time period. CWT has a stellar track record for saving critical Civil War battlefields by leveraging private donations from individuals like ourselves with donations from Federal, State and other private sources. The Staff is highly professional, knowledgeable, and personable. As professional biologists we appreciate the added benefit of protecting wildlife habitats from development while preserving our Civil War heritage.

I was first introduced to the Civil War Trust at a meeting of the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table back in May of 2002. I had recently retired from the military and corporate world and was feeliung my way around retirement activities. The Civil War Trust provided me with a way to contribute to the preservation of Hallowed Ground that would otherwise "be developed" and lost to future generations thus I made my first contribution. I was advised recently that I have made some 176 contributions. I am amazed. I feel that in some small way, I have made a difference.

My wife and I have been members since 2005 and interacted with this group on many levels and on various projects and trips. We have made almost 50 donations and will continue to do so. Their wise stewardship of the funds and the brilliance of their acquisition strategies is exemplary. The staff is always helpful and courteous and frankly just a pleasure to work with. They have our trust and friendship and have changed how future generations will experience the Civil War immensely.

I got interested in the Civil War because of art. I saw the Ken Burns series in 1990 and loved it but it didn't inspire me to go out and search out Civil War sites although, being in Washington DC, I was near quite a few of them. It wasn't until 1997 when, while driving on the interstate in Maryland, I saw the sign for Sharpsburg for the umpteenth time and decided to visit a Civil War battlefield site. Once there, what struck me were the statues. I loved the stories they portrayed. That instantly hooked me and I found I was touring the park looking for other statues, then getting curious about the battlefield itself.

Pretty quickly, I decided to visit other Civil War sites. I kept running into sites that were crediting a group called the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (APCWS) for buying the land and preventing it from being developed.

I believe we have a responsibility to pay our share for things that we consume so, in 1998, I joined the APCWS. Park rangers were also praising another preservation group -- the Civil War Trust -- so I joined that one also. I thought it was the best of all possible worlds when both of "my" preservation groups joined to become what would ultimately end up being called the Civil War Trust again.

I knew the Trust was protecting battlefields but it's also a membership organization. They have regularly-scheduled conferences for members. I went to my first conference in 1999 with some trepidation. Would I be surrounded by "the South will rise again" fanatics? But I found the members to be open, intelligent, fascinating people who shared my passion for the battlefields.

The Trust itself was this to the nth power, plus being dedicated, inspired, professional, and practical. This was a great organization doing great things. The more I checked, the more impressed I was with the organization. Park rangers spoke almost in awe of it. Famous authors were donating their time to lead Trust members on tours. And Charity Navigator's continually high ratings independently reassured me that my money was being well spent.

Seventy-some donations later, I'm proud of what the Civil War Trust has accomplished and that I'm a part of it.

I have donated to the Civil War Trust (CWT) frequently over the past decade and have visited and met with the staff on several occasions in their main Washington, DC office. This is an organization whose efforts I enthusiastically support. They have been enormously successful in saving many threatened portions of major historical battle sites from development and ultimately turning them over to local and national park services for permanent protection. As part of their efforts, CWT has also contributed by placement of maps and other historical information for visitors on these sites. Often these areas add considerable value to existing parks in terms of preserving the entire geographic scope of the battle and its aftermath as well as helping to tighten up and simplify the boundaries of the parks. Aside from the historical,cultural and educational value of the land saved by CWT (many of which I have visited), they are places of natural beauty with important environmental benefits to be gained by putting them out of the hands of developers.

My wife and I have been supporters of CWT since 2004. We have attended several CWT events, which focus on a particular site related to the Civil War. CWT events feature excellent tours, informative speakers, good accomodations and food, and friendly atmosphere. The mission of CWT is to acquire and preserve land related to Civil War events; we've seen evidence of their work from Kansas to Maryland. We are proud to be supporters of this group which is doing so much to preserve our Civil War heritage for future generations.

I have been a contributor to the Trust or its predecessors since 1995 and have been very pleased with its results in saving threatened Civil War battlefields, both by purchasing and preserving land and, importantly, taking on tough political battles for preservation, like protecting the iconic Wilderness Battlefield from a Super Wal-Mart. While I have not studied its financial operations in any detail, all I am aware of suggests it has a strong ethical culture, an able, motivated and efficient staff, and that it is a good steward of donated funds.

The Brandywine Valley Civil War Round Table of West Chester, Pa has been a supporter of the Civil War Trust since November 14, 2003. Since that time, we have contributed to the Trust on 27 different occasions in their efforts on behalf of Civil War Preservation primarily through land acquisition which will protect "Hallowed Ground" from future development and destruction. We can think of no better organization to protect the nations future and our heritage than the Civil War Trust. The BVCWRT has contributed $29,000.00 in the last 11 years to Civil War Preservation. In each and every case, we have counted on the Trust for guidance and direction to which Civil War battlefield our donation would be most useful. Bob Sprague, Preservation Chair, BVCWRT, Wesat Chester, PA

Dear Friends, For over 20 years I have been a member of the Civil War Trust, and its earlier antecedents, the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, and the Civil War Preservation Trust. In all this time, the Civil War Trust has been steadfast in its fundamental goal to preserve, interpret, and teach about the most traumatic event in our nation's history. Our group has preserved over 33,000 acres of historic ground. This leaves a legacy to our children, grandchildren and generations beyond to be able to share the story of our nation. The staff of the Civil War Trust has always been dedicated, professional and a wise steward of the funds given for the cause of historic preservation. I am honored to be part of this group, and give the Civil War Trust my highest recommendation for anyone interested in preserving the past to help shape the future. Thank you. Rev. John J. Baver

I have been a member of the Civil War Trust (CWT) since 1999. Since that time my wife and I have given over 130 separate donations. The CWT treats its donors very well. The staff is professional and keeps their "eye on the ball". Special events are well organized and well worth the time and effort to attend. The most impressive thing about CWT is its results. Over 30,000 acres of Civil War Battlefield land has been saved for our sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters to enjoy and to learn about one of the most important events in American history.

I have been a member of the Trust for over 10 years and believe it is one of the most important uses of my charitable donations I make. The Trust is engaged in a truly vital mission - saving our nation's history and legacy for future generations. They do this in cost-effective and innovative way that maximizes the Trust's (and my!) "bang for their bucks" and has resulted in the preservation of a hallowed ground across our nation. Moreover, they do this in a way that is open and acknowledges the essential role of its membership in the mission and successes of the Trust. I am honored to be part of Civil War Trust and its efforts

I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and have long been deeply troubled by the destruction of our Civil War Battlefields. Many years ago I became acquainted with the Civil War Preservation Trust (now called the Civil War Trust). Their mission was and is today the acquisition and preservation of hallowed grounds over which Union and Confederate forces fought during the Civil War. Having been a member for over 15 years, I have donated to many of its projects (by the records of the Trust -- 75). This fact alone indicates the confidence I have with the wise investment of funds raised by the Trust. Under the exceptional leadership of its president, James Lighthizer, and the organization's dedicated and competent staff, the Civil War Trust has been a true savior of our national heritage. I consider it a privilege and honor to support such an outstanding charitable organization. My most recent donation was made on July 3, 2012 to help save a portion of the Shiloh Battlefield. Enos Richardson, Jr.

My wife and I have supported this organization for well over a decade. They are - hands down - the best group of people, doing the best work in the nation when it comes to saving our civil war heritage. We will continue to support their cause in the future, and encourage others to join in as well.

My wife and I have been supporters of Civil War Trust since early 2003 and have made 32 separate gifts since then to save Civil War battlefield property, which was and is being rapidly lost to development. Civil War Trust has given us an opportunity to preserve important pieces of American history for future generations to explore and learn about the events whcih occured on these battlefields and the larger issues that caused the Civil War. We first became interested in the Trust and battlefield preservation after visiting Maryre's Heights at Fredericksburg where so much of the batllefield has been lost. How wonderful it was that a few years later, the Trust invited us to help preserve another key piece of land from the same batlle at the Slaughter Pen just a sort distance away. We think it is viital to preserve these fields and the Civil War Trust leads the way forward.

Like about 50,000 other folks, I have long been a member of this organization. I am also a former Board member. So I know this organization well, and feel that it does more good, more efficiently, than any other non-profit I know of. And an interesting thing is that they seem to have so much fun doing it.

I have been a donor since March of 1999 with 272 donations. The Civil War Trust is an organization that still knows what the word "Honor" means. That seems to be a rarity nowadays. They always leverage your donation with other funds so the dollar you give is always multiplied. It could be doubled, tripled or even better. Please check out the excellent website at Civilwar.org.

GREAT GROUP. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. they help protect the Civil War Battlefields and our heritage.

I have been a member of Civil War Trust or its predecessor organization for over 20 years. I am also a member of a statewide organization (Georgia Battlefields Association) that shares the same preservation goals. I have always felt that my donations to the Trust are used for the principal stated purposes of saving battlefield land or providing educational materials about historic sites. I have been a regular donor each year since 1991, sometimes for purchase of specific sites and sometimes for general operations. The staff has always been responsive to my requests for information, and the organization has always been open about its activities and expenditures.

As longtime members (since 1995) we have been stalwart donors (209) gifts of Civil War Trust. It has been an honor and privilege to contribute to an organization that protects and preserves our American heritage for generations to come. What we love about CWT is that we get to see tangible results of our contributions by walking and the studying the battlefields that we have preserved-we get to enjoy the historians who accompany us and provide the "walking history" of the site. We are always pleased to see the annual reports that let us know how our money was spent knowing this organization is following its mission statement to preserve our country's historical past. As a retired teacher I am always excited about the intense educational component that is available to all schools. This group is the best- continue the great work. Carol & Ralph De Rosa

If you care about our country and can afford to give to only one organization, Civil War Trust should be the one you choose - Civil War Trust makes a difference.
Having been a member of the Civil War Trust for about seven years now, I can tell you that they are truly a top-notch organization and an excellent steward of our donation dollars. When possible, which is almost all of the time, they work hard to match our contributions with federal, state or local grants, or like-minded organizations or donors, increasing the impact of our individual contributions. They are an efficient organization – you will never get deluged with endless requests for donations, you will never be bombarded with unwanted “gifts” that you don’t need and don’t want. You will hear from them approximately once per month – that’s it – as a battlefield saving opportunity presents itself, and you can choose to hear from them electronically avoiding the paper mountains most non-profits like to send us non-stop. A top-notch organization usually has top-notch individuals working for it and Civil War Trust is no exception. Every single individual I have had contact with at the Civil War Trust has been extremely nice and helpful. At the Civil War Trust, we members are treated as friends, regardless of how much or how little we contribute – can’t say that about other non-profits, that’s for sure.
Most importantly, however, the results of their work and our contributions are tangible – land on which Civil War battles took place is actually saved for us and future generations to visit as outdoor classrooms where we can walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there and of many who died there. I am proud to be a member of the Civil War Trust as it is essential that this chapter of the American story be preserved for our time and for all those who come after us.

When it comes to battlefield preservation the Civil War Trust stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is a dedicated, efficient and frugal organization converts the greatest amount of your donation to preservation of battlefield land. It keeps the members informed of their preservation projects. Not every charity can claim that nearly all of your contribution is converted to hallowed ground that EVERYONE can see and touch and KNOW that it will be preserved for future generations. In our case since we have no children we feel that in a way it is our gift to all other children and grandchildren to be able to appreciate and learn from the land that brave Americans struggled and died. We have been members since 1998 and have given donations 104 times. I feel honored and proud to be part of an organization that shares the same passion for civil war land preservation as we do. John and Lucy Pollic

My full time hobby is the American Civil War. The efforts of CWT to preserve land and educate the public is outstanding; their website is an excellent resource. I have been an active donor since I discovered CWT in 2006. I am a very active traveler to Civil War battlefields and am impressed with the work of preservation the CWT has done. I have been to a CWT annual convention; excellent guides and trips to, as yet, unpreserved battlefield lands. I do not hesitate to donate to every request the CWT makes. I know the money is well spent, and they are fighting the good fight to preserve battlefields and Civil War historic sites for the future generations.

What can I say, the Civil War Trust helps makes my dreams come true. Since I was a teenager during the Civil War Centennial, I have been inspired by Civil War battlefields. To watch them disappear has been heartbreaking. Finding a like minded set of people and an organization capable of protecting this hallowed ground (as Lincoln described it) has been a near miracle. I can't save American history by myself, but we can together. Norm Sondheimer

My wife Judy and I have been supporters of the Civil War Trust since 11/7/1995. We have given 35 gifts at a significant level to support the Trust's mission to preserve battlefield sites and to educate teachers and other interested parties about the war. The Trust provides outstanding opportunities to tour battlefields and to learn the associated history. The leadership and staff are a dedicated and talented group. Sharing time with them is an annual highlight. The Board of Trustees is made up of outstanding leaders in business and the professions who are extremely generous in their financial support. There is no other organization with this mission that has the capabilities of the Trust.

My husband and I have been regular supporters of this organization since 1999. We have been consistently impressed with the frugal operations and impressive results of the Civil War Trust's activities in fundraising and using donations to save America's Civil War battlefields from being lost forever to inappropriate development. The Trust uses our contributions wisely, often in collaboration with local and state governments, other preservation organizations, and matching funds whenever possible, to purchase and preserve these endangered lands, such as battlefields near Fredricksburg and Richmond, VA. My husband and I belong to several other preservation organizations, but our largest support by far is for the Trust, because we have seen the results so clearly.

I would like to take this opporutunity to say that having been a member and donor to CWT since 1994, I can say without reservation that the donations I have made have been put to good use. The purpose of the Trust is to preserve Civil War battlefield land and to educate others of the need to preserve the only tangible assesst remaining from the personal sacrifices many made so many years ago. I not only dontate to specific battlefields when land is being aquired, I also donate on a monthly basis to ensure the Trust has the resources to preserve battlefield land and prevent its destruction. Not every charity can say that you can actually see and visit the places where the funds donated are utilized.

I have been a Civil War enthusiast for more than fifty years since a trip to Gettysburg when I was 12 years old. I have been a contributor to the Civil War Trust since September 2001 and have supported the Trust's campaigns to the limit of my financial abilty since then. I have been deeply impressed with the Trust's work to perserve our Civil War heritage. The Trust cooperates with the Federal, State, and local governments to protect battlefield areas and fend off the pressures of modern development. I respect the Trust's efforts to get the most "bang for the buck." I would hope that other people who care about preserving the Nation's history would contribute to the Trust.

I have proudly supported the Civil War Trust since 1995 and regularly contribute money to their campaigns to preserve Civil War battlefields. The Civil War Trust does a superb job maximizing their contributions to purchase land at Civil War sites throughout the country. They also very effectively leverage their contributions with matching funds from federal and state governments, as well as other preservation groups. I am very proud of all their accomplishments in preserving such an important part of our past.

As a native Virginian, I grew up surrounded by Civil War battlefields, some protected but many unprotected. As a professional Civil War historian, I have had occasion to write about Civil War battles and to have led both civilians and US Army officers on tours and Staff Rides on those battlefields. One of the key truths of battlefield study is that one cannot really understand fully what happened without visiting and surveying the actual blood-soaked and hallowed ground. If that ground is developed into residential/commercial property or materially changed in large, inappropriate ways, a large part of the student's understanding is forever lost, not to speak of the lost history in a more general sense. Therefore, organizations which endeavor to preserve historically significant battlefield land will always have my personal and financial support. The best such organization I know of is the Civil War Trust. I have been a supporter of the Civil War Trust (and its predecessor organizations) since 1988, and have donated funds to its use approximately 144 times. At no time do I believe that my money was wasted or misused in any way. The leadership and staff are both highly professional and individually personable. I am proud to be a member, a donor, and a supporter of the Civil War Trust, and I invite all Americans who care about their history to join me in assisting the Civil War Trust as it continues its efforts to preserve our Civil War battlefields. William Glenn Robertson

I have been an active supporter of the Civil War Trust for over 20 years. This is a highly dedicated and very efficient organization, in my view. CWT has saved, and continues to save, vital historic acreage that is part of our national heritiage. I only wish it had been in existence 50 years earlier! I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in our nation's history or saving our rapidly disappearing rural landscapes to join and support this excellent organization.

I have been a proud member of the Civil War Trust since 1995. During that time, I have contributed to every fund raising campaign run by the CWT. I have done so in good and bad economic times because I truly believe in the CWT mission statement. I believe it is critically important to not only remember what those brave men and women did 150 years ago but to also preserve the places where their heroic deeds took place. I feel it is the responsibility of each generation to preserve the past for future generations so sacrifices made in the past are not forgotten. It is unfortunate when current generations refuse to acknowledge or remember our nations history. The CWT strives to make sure that the sacrifices of 150 years ago are not lost. I know my hard earned money is being used for the right reasons. For these reasons, I am a proud supporter of the CWT.

I'm quite proud to be CWT member and contributor for over twenty years. The efficiency of the Trust's efforts to maximize the funds available for land purchases has always impressed me. I'm also impressed with the availability of and easy access to Jim Lighthizer.

I have been a member of CWT since 2004 and have made 123 donations to preserve Civil War battlefields. CWT does outstanding work in preservation of hallowed ground and our heritage. Additionally, CWT has an outstanding education program which ensures that the Civil War will be studied for years to come. Without the work of CWT, these battlefields would be lost forever and with them, so would our appreciation of the hardships and sacrifices made by Soldiers and civilians alike. There is no substitute for being able to walk the ground and seeing for yourself.

I am a middle school history teacher and have found the Civil War Trust to be invaluable in helping me present the war and surrounding events to the students. Our school joined the Trust in 1999 and have contributed a total of $110,000 so far through 70+ fundraisers for various battlefields. This helps the students to learn to take responsibility for their history and gives them a sense that they are actually making a difference. The Trust has so many things to help teachers. For instance, they have a Teachers Institute that teachers can attend to learn first hand about battlefields, meet other teachers and exchange information. They have lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school. They have a Traveling Trunk that you can order to come to your school that have reproduction period items that can be used to teach the 1860's. They have vocabulary lists on line that one can easily use in the classroom. They have battlefield specific photos that a teacher can use to show students just what they are saving should they decide to have a fundraiser. They have contests where a student can either write or draw, whichever works for them, on a period theme. I use it for extra credit and the students really like it. They have timely updates on current events relating to Civil War themes so teachers and students can see what is happening regarding current events relating to preservation. I find their website quite easy to use. They have a Teacher Feature where various teachers explain how they teach the Civil War, so this is a great way to get ideas. They also feature schools and allow them to explain how they involve students in preservation. One more thing is that if I ever need information that I can't find on their website, I can always call them and get an expert answer. We expecially like the fact that the vast majority of donations go directly to purchasing land, a great use of our money. Teaching about the Civil War is just so much easier with their help.

I have been a member of this fine organization since early 1998 and donated 188 times. During these tough economic times and due to recent health problems I have had to cut back on my charitible giving. However I feel the Civil War Trust is the most honest charity organization out there. I probably receive 4 to 6 charity mailings a day, some of which are scams. The Civil War Trust uses the money they receive the most efficiently of any organization I know of. They know what the mission is, how their members feel about it, and they accomplish the goal. I am as proud of being a member of this organization as anything I have accomplished in my life.

We began our support of the Civil War Trust in August 2001 because of the organization's commitment to not only preserving the battlefields of the Civil War but because of Civil War Trust's dedication to teaching all of us about this major event in America's past that corrected a great contradiction in the country's foundational roots and nearly destroyed the great experiment less than a century after it was created. We continue our support of the Civil War Trust, however, because of the organization's demonstrated success in carrying out it's mission and stellar stewardship of the funds entrusted to the organization.

I have been a member of the Civil War Trust since the mid-1990's and continue to make multiple donations every year. I have seen first-hand the great work that the Trust has done as our Civil War study group goes on yearly field trips to the various sites. Now, the various sites are well-preserved, before it may have been a strip mall or home sites. I definitely think that I get my money's worth from my donations.

I have been donating money to the Civil War Trust for battlefield preservation for over 10 years. I give multiple times a year for different campaigns. They are the best in the business at getting the most mileage out of donations with matching funds from government/state/local and private sources. They are often able to multiply donations by factors of two or more. As they like to say they get a lot of 'bang for the buck' on donations. They also are developing interpretive services at some sites, and have blossoming educational and high tech branches with multiple battle app's to help with the battlefield touring experience. This will hopefully lead to the next generation of donors to preserve the precious Hallowed Ground where Americans fought and died to preserve the Union. I have been to multiple Spring Conferences with this group and know many of them personally. They are dedicated, hard working, genuine, generous people whom I have no reservation giving money to because I know it will be used to maximum benefit.

I have been a member of the Civil War Trust since November 2011 and have contributed nearly 50 times to the mission of this organization. I have been most impressed with their commitment and dedication to preserving Civil War battlefields across the United States. My great-great-grandfather was at Perryville, KY so I am particularly interested in that battlefield; however, with millions of our ancestors involved on both the Union and Confederate sides I can only imagine how many current United States citizens have relatives with Civil War ancestors. I cannot think of another organization that I belong to that turns more of my money into the core mission of the organization. I look forward to future battlefield preservation efforts and plan to upgrade my Color Bearer status this year. Their website contains an amazing amount of information and I particularly enjoy the battle maps. I have seen the current status of what is left of the Battle of Chantilly and that option does a great disservice to the brave men that fought in the Civil War on both sides. Please keep up the terrific work that is done to preserve as much battlefield land as possible.

I have been interested in battlefield preservation since the late 1950s when I contributed to efforts that I believed would help preserve Gettysburg. Not until I began seeing the work of Civil War Trust, and its predecessor, Civil War Preservation Trust, did I believe that actual preservation would take place. I joined Civil War Trust in 1999 and have contributed steadily since. Civil War Trust has got it right. The maximum amount of donations go to actual preservation and the Trust has been able to maximize its funds by keeping expenses low and seeking out local, state and federal partnerships for matching contributions that substantially enhance my personal contributions. You can go to the preserved spaces and see tangible results that make battlefield interpertation easier. You can understand the sacrifices, courage and will of the men who fought on the same ground that you walk. You see where your money is going. You know you are making a diffeence for the Trust, for preservation, for the understanding of our history, today and for the future.

We have been members of the Civil War Trust since October , 1998 and have donated over 95 different gifts. CWT is the type of charity we prefer because the money goes toward purchasing something tangible - land. Whenever we visit a battlefield, (which is fairly often) we always marvel at the hardships that the soldiers of both sides had to endure in fighting for what they believed in. We're proud and honored to be a part of an organization which accomplishes so much in such an efficient manner.

I have been a proud member of the Civil War Trust since 1997. I have given 50 gifts to show my level of support of this Preservation mission. I have left a legacy gift of$25,000 to allow this great organization to Preserve Battlefield properties. It is important that we maintain and preserve the principal Civil War Battlefields so that our children and grandchildren can walk the fields and experience an emotional empathy with the men and women who fought and died to make this a great nation

I have been a donor to the Civil War Trust since 1998, making 62 gifts, supporting the overall work of the organization as well as individual battlefield projects. I have been impressed by the efficiency of the matching gifts packages, the high quality and evenhandedness of the educational materials, and the deep respect and passion that the staff and members bring to their goal of battlefield preservation. I have confidence that my gifts are used in the most effective manner, and that they have lasting value and consequences. They are a tribute to our nation's past, and an investment in its future.

The mission of the CWT is clear: to save America's Civil War battlefields before they disappear to development. This is a key part of our history, maybe the most important part, and nothing can make that history live like walking the same ground, seeing the same ridges and rivers, experiencing the places where these epochal events occurred. I've been a member since 1999 and made more than 100 contributions -- each to a particular project. This is the best part of the CWT approach to me. They are constantly looking for properties and working on deals and, when a project is put together, usually involving a mix of government and private funds from other sources, they present it to the members as a concrete proposal. You get the feeling that you are directly contributing to a specific purchase, often with good leverage. You can see where the land is on a map and see photos of the site, with historical insight and commentary as to the signficance of the parcel. Sometimes it's adding to land already saved; sometimes it's a battlefield that has been neglected. The purchases add up and over time entire battlefields are put together and saved. Sometimes the land is held until the NPS can take it over. When I've visited the sites, the NPS rangers are always deeply appreciative of the role the CWT has played, which makes an enormous difference -- we can't stop the sprawl completely, but there have been some huge accomplishments and some major successes in increasing public aswareness. I've met some of the leadership and they are sincere, devoted and professional. It's a very well run organization, with excellent outreach and information. It's become a focal point for preserving our nation's unique legacy and I'm proud to be a part of it.

I joined this organization as a donor as soon as I was earning my own income and could donate anywhere. I am very interested in saving battlefields for posterity, and I've found that the CWT is highly efficient. They are always able to multiply each dollar I donate by finding matching funds from state and federal funds, or even local organizations, so that each dollar I donate is matched by $4 or even $11 in matching funds. That, combined with a very low administrative cost, means that they have been able to save over 50,000 acres! I think if every historical preservation organization could copy their business model, more historical places, structures, and objects would be saved. It's not fancy or complicated, only sound money management. I have been a member since 2001, and that is my impression of the organization in the last decade. Unlike some other organizations, I feel the CWT is focused on preservation rather than countless mailings and lobbying for legislation, both of which may be good ideas, but I prefer my dollar to go to buying the actual land. Action, rather than talk. And the CWT delivers that. Because of them, battlefields that I care about such as Chancellorsville and the Wilderness have been protected, and I am confident that their current campaign to save ground at another of my favorites, Cedar Creek, will be successful, saving a historically valuable piece of land for future generations to visit, learn about our country's history and heroes, and be inspired.

I have been involved with The Civil War Trust since 1998. I attend functions regularly, have gotten to know staff and Board members, and donate some money each year. I am very much impressed with this group's organization, transparency, and results. When I donate a dollar I know from experience that most of my dollar will be used for land acquisition. My experiences with CVT have been very rewarding, and I look forward to a continued close association with this charity. J. H. Price, lll

I have been a proud member of the Civil War (Preservation) Trust since 2003 and I highly recommend others consider joining this organization. One aspect of this organization that should inspire confidence is that the leadership team has largely been stable since I have been a member. They group has a great mission and is very transparent. There is frequent communication in form of letters, a magazine, emails, videos posted on-line, tweets, and a great website.

This is the best . Organized, focused on the task, efficently managed and shows results the battle sites we have saved. Since 1994 we have made 124 indiviuals gifts. Our gifts total over $10,000.00 dollars. In our advancing golden years the gifts are smaller but our belief in the task and the Trusts' determination to save all we can. Our overhead is low yet our staff continues to work at the highest lvel of commitment. This is a well run operation decidatwed to the task. Bruce and Barbara McNaughton

I have been a contributing member of the Civil War Trust since 2001. Since joining the Trust, I have made in excess of 95 contributions to their causes to save hallowed ground. As a result of the Trust's work, I have be able to visit battlefields at Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Cedar Creek, the Wilderness and Franklin with the next generation (my 7 and 11 year old grand daughters) to witness first hand what the Trust has accomplished.

I totally believe in this charity, its efficiency and mission. Just last month my American Express statement shows I gave three gifts to them totalling $325. (I gave a total of $75 to two other civil war battlefield presrvation groups.) If I had millinios to give, they would get it. If not us, who? If not now, when?

I joined the Civil War Trust in March of 1993, because it offered the opportunity to do something positive for saving the heritage of the American Civil War. It is not just as matter of preserving battlefields of that War, it is a concrete means of ensuring that future generations are afforded the opportunity to learn, in depth, the meaning of that great struggle that has defined our culture. One cannot truly understand our country and its culture without an in-depth understanding of the greatest upheaval of American society in our history to date. By preserving the fields where Americans shed so much blood and endured so much suffering, one gains the feelings of that era and of those gallant men who were willing to die for the cause for which they fought and in which they believed. I have given donations to the Civil War Trust 131 times to date, and I will continue to give so long as I possibly can.

History matters. Our heritage matters. Our opportunty to preserve hallowed ground, the sites of so many of our Civil War battlefields, won't last forever. That is why I was curious when I first heard about the work of the Civil War Preservation Trust. After research, I soon discovered that this is an extremely well run non-profit organization. I'm impressed with how they leverage my financial gifts, their focus on keeping overhead costs low, and the effectiveness with which they get their important message to the broader community. The way in which they are evolving their model to applied history, including curriculum development, has been an added bonus for me. I'm honored to have been a donor since 2009.

Anytime a charitable organization can make sure that at least 80%-85% of every donated dollar goes straight to the main purpose of it - battlefield land purchase and preservation in this case - then I think the organization is running exactly as it should, and it's one in which I'll do business time and time again. I've had nothing but good experiences with the Civil War Trust and fully believe they will help continue to keep our history alive.

I first donated to this charity when it was the Civil War Preservation Trust, many years ago. They provide excellent information about the Civil War's historical importance, but also the war's continued relevance to the present. I know where my money is going to preserve history, and appreciate the hard work of the staff. The Trust keeps donors informed of its activities, and sponsors some excellent special events. I give every year.

I have been a donor to the Civil War Trust since 2004, making major annual contributions as well as responding to individual campaigns to save land at important battlefields. It is one of the two major charities that I contribute to consistently. Given the enormous amount of battlefield land preserved, I think it is an outstanding investment for my charitable contributions. The Trust has annual meetings that are highly professional, performing educational services for its members, and keeping us up to date on the progress made in fulfilling its mission. Furthermore, it educates the general public through its outstanding website, history articles, maps, and educational outreach programs. A five-star performance all the way.