News Briefs

News Briefs — May 2016

Originally published May 2016 · p. 14

From left, Walter “Buzzy” Baker, award winner; Superintendent Ed Clark; Joshua Francisco, award winner; and incentive awards committee chair Greg Goodell.

– Briefs of Civil War News Interest – Gettysburg NMP GETTYSBURG, Pa.—Gettysburg National Military Park honors Walter “Buzzy” Baker and Josh Francisco. Gettysburg National Military Park recently recognized two employees with incentive awards. Walter “Buzzy” Baker and Joshua Francisco were recognized for outstanding performance of their jobs supporting the maintenance of Gettysburg National Military Park and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Ed Clark, Gettysburg National Military Park superintendent, presented the awards.

New Bern Names Mikey Miller As Executor Director NEW BERN, N.C.—Mickey Miller Named Executive Director New Bern Historical Society. New Bern Historical Society President, Nelson McDaniel announced that after an extensive search, the Society has a New Executive Director in Mickey McAninch Miller. “I am pleased to announce the Board’s decision. Mickey brings a passion and an experience that will serve the mission of the Society and the community very well. She follows Executive Director Lynne Harakal, who resigned the position to become the executive director at Swiss Bear.” Mickey says she believes “in investing in the community through civic engagement.” She will continue to do so with the Historical Society whose mission is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. For more information about the New Bern Historical Society, call 252-638-8558 or go to www.NewBernHistorical.org.

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National Civil War Museum, Dauphin County Win Award

HARRISBURG, Pa.—The Dauphin County and the National Civil War Museum were honored by the Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau with an “Excellence in Programming Award” for their role in producing the Lost Story Lecture Series: African Americans in the Civil War. “Everyone involved in the project is very proud to have received this award,” Snyder said during his acceptance speech. “We thank Commissioner Haste and Dauphin County staff for their support and contributions that made this program possible. And we want to thank museum staff and the visiting public for their continued commitment to the museum and our historic programming.” Snyder said the museum will continue to play a major role in regional tourism and diverse event programming. Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste and the National Civil War Museum Board Chairman Burt Snyder received the award at the bureau’s recent 4th Annual Partner In Tourism Awards event. For information about the National Civil War Museum can be found at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Bennett Place State Historic Site Events DURHAM, N.C.—On Tuesday May 10th Bennett Place State Historic Site will commemorate Confederate Memorial Day with living historians on site between 10 am to 4 pm. Learn how this traditional observance of sacrifice and honor began in 1866 by the ladies of Columbus, Georgia and how it evolved in to the national recognition of all American soldiers known as Memorial Day. Location: 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd. Durham, NC 27705. Free to the public. For information please call 919-383-4345 or email us at [email protected]. On May 28th and 29th Bennett Place Historic Site will be hosting our 10th annual Memorial Day Military Timeline Event. Join military living historians representing the American soldier of all time periods throughout our nation’s history and learn about the uniforms and weapons and how they evolved over the years. There will be weapons demonstrations periodically each day and a military salute to all those who served will take place each afternoon at the Unity Monument. Free to the public. Hours for this event are Sat. 10-4 and Sun. 10-3. Location is: 4409 Bennett Memorial Road Durham, NC 27705 For more information 919-383-4345 or [email protected]

Mickey Miller, new Executive Director at New Bern Historical Society at the historic Attmore Oliver House, home of the Society’s offices.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park Possible Acquisition

MARIETTA, Ga.—The Wallis House near Kennesaw Mountain is nearer to its inclusion in the National Park system On February 24, the House of Representatives passed a resolution authorizing the Department of the Interior to accept an 8 acre property through donation or exchange. The property, owned by Cobb County, includes the Wallis House, used as a hospital and headquarters. The resolution is necessary because the property is not contiguous to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. During a tour with Ed Bearss, Park Superintendent Nancy Walther was optimistic that the property will be added to the park, though the house will require work that is not yet funded.

Confederate Collector Steve Mullinax Passing VILLA RICA, Ga.—Steve Eugene Mullinax, age 69, passed away March 16, 2016, at his residence. Born February 15, 1947, in Villa Rica, he was the son of the late Eugene Mullinax and Ann Marchman Mullinax. He grew up in his families grocery store Mullinax Grocery in downtown Villa Rica. He graduated from Villa Rica High School in 1965 and worked for Ford Motor Company for 20 years. Steve had a lifelong love for Civil War Memorabilia and Artifacts. He authored several books was well respected and admired for his wealth of knowledge. He was best known for the book, Confederate Buckles & Plates; that stands today as the reference work for Confederate belt buckles and other associated belt plates. He was often called upon to authenticate artifacts and was considered an expert in this field. Steve also loved horses and breed World Champion Morgan Horses. He was a Christian and a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Patricia Lamar Mullinax; step-son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Carol Parrish, brother-inlaw and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Nancy Lamar, niece and nephew, Jaime and Jason McLain, nephew, Josh Lamar, and great niece, Faith McLain.

Deadlines for submissions or advertising is April 25 for June issue.

Civil War Trust Awarded 4-Star Rating WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Civil War Trust, the nation’s largest non-profit organization, devoted to the preservation of America’s Battlegrounds, has earned a prestigious 4-star ranking for the seventh consecutive year from America’s leading evaluator of charity, the Charity Navigator. They were given an overall rating of 94.62 on a scale of 100. The Civil War Trust continues to meet all of the 20 standards required to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and last November; they were named a Top-Rated 2015 Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits whose awards are based on testimonials from donors, volunteers and clients. These awards are a testament that the Civil War Trust is making a real difference in the preservation of not only Civil War battlegrounds, but also those connected to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. For more information visit www.civilwar.org

Myth Of The Lost Cause The Smithsonian Institution videotaped our very own Civil War News Book Editor, Ed Bonekemper’s recent sold-out (265 people) presentation on “The Myth of the Lost Cause.” His talk was based on his recent book, The Myth Of The Lost Cause: Why The South Fought The Civil War And Why The North Won (Regnery History). The following link is to the video of that program: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/85049153 A C-Span 3 American History telecast is expected to follow. Ed has had the pleasure of discussing this topic with many of your CWRTs.