American Battlefield Trust — November 2021

Originally published November 2021 · pp. 12–13

A memorial service for Edwin C. Bearss (1923–2020), initially planned for October 9, has been postponed indefinitely by the Bearss family. Rather than strictly limit attendance to reflect current guidance amid a spike in Coronavirus cases, the family hopes to have a public gathering welcoming the many friends and admires that the legendary historian and preservationist accumulated in his long decades as a leading expert in American military history. Although no new date has been set, a spring 2022 event held outdoors on one of Ed’s beloved battlefields—honoring his decades-long commitment to protecting and promoting historic landscapes—is envisioned.

Edwin C. Bearss. Photo by Buddy Secor. A decorated U.S. Marine veteran of the Pacific Theater of World War II, Bearss attended college and graduate school on the GI Bill before pursuing a distinguished career in the National Park Service, ultimately rising to be chief historian of that agency. A prolific author and frequent commentator, he brought history alive for millions of Americans with his deep voice and evocative descriptions. Among the originators of the modern battlefield preservation movement and a devoted guide,

Bearss travelled up to 200 days per year leading historic tours well into his 90s. In collaboration with the Bearss Family, the Trust has established a special memorial fund to be used to preserve battlefields of the Vicksburg Campaign, an area of special importance to Ed. Details and a donation mechanism are available via the Trust website at www.battlefields. org/remembering-ed-bearss. The organization will continue collecting written messages and recollections on behalf of the family until the memorial service is held. Such letters, cards and remembrances may be addressed to: Bearss Family, c/o American Battlefield Trust, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington DC 20005.

Last year the Trust introduced an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save some of the most important unprotected Civil War battlefield land in all of America: Nearly one square mile of supremely hallowed ground at the heart of both the Gaines’ Mill and Cold Harbor battlefields in Virginia. Thanks to the generosity of Trust members, the first phase of this five-year effort was successful, protecting 96 acres of this treasured landscape. Now, we’re on to “phase two” and saving 99 acres at “The Intersection” of these two epic battles. On June 27, 1862, Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederates grappled mostly with Union Gen. Fitz-John Porter’s V Corps in the Battle of Gaines’ Mill. That afternoon, the main Federal line drifted south onto our target tract and some of the most ferocious fighting took place at and around the McGhee House. By dark, the bloodiest day of the Seven Days Battle ended. Lee’s final and successful assault that day remains the largest attack ever made on American soil. Nearly two years later, on the very same land in danger, fighting returned during the Battle of Cold Harbor. The Confederate defensive line faced east, running north-south through the farmland. After Federals opened a large hole in Confederate lines, Col. Nelson A. Miles’ Brigade pushed through the gap, fought its way into the yard of the McGhee House, and hunkered down. A Confederate counterattack pushed them back, in what proved to be the most intense combat during the 1864 battle. The 99-acre opportunity will be coupled with the chance to save a nearby 51-acre tract at Second Deep Bottom.

Campaign Continues to Save Gaines’ Mill– Cold Harbor Forever Last year the Trust introduced an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save some of the most important unprotected Civil War battlefield land in all of America: Nearly one square mile of supremely hallowed ground at the heart of both the Gaines’ Mill and Cold Harbor battlefields in Virginia. Thanks to the generosity of Trust for the 150 acres in this year’s phase. Thanks to early gifts from major donors, $529,429 remains to be raised. Every donation helps bring us closer to saving this piece of American history forever. For more information on this opportunity, visit www. battlefields.org/GMCH2021.

Instead of disclosing the cumulative cost of the conservation easement that will protect the entirety of this land at Gaines’ Mill–Cold Harbor, we are able to share an immediate funding need of $1,192,429

In leading the American Battlefield Trust for 21 years, Jim Lighthizer made quite an impression on the history community. The more than 53,000 acres saved with Lighthizer at the organization’s helm speak to his unyielding determination to ensure that American history can be taught upon the fields it unfolded and shared for generations to come. For his impact, he was selected as a 2021 recipient for the American Association for State and Local History’s Award of Excellence. The award was accepted by a Trust representative on his behalf during the AASLH Annual Meeting held in Little Rock, Ark., in late September. American Battlefield Trust President Emeritus Jim Lighthizer. “For more than 80 years, AASLH has connected all those who are dedicated to protecting and interpreting the American story through its advocacy work, conferences, slew of growthoriented programs, research and publications,” said Lighthizer. “But no matter the endeavor, AASLH makes certain the value that history carries within local and regional communities and provides pathways to highlight those stories in practical and thoughtful ways.” The Trust draws upon may AASLH values, especially regarding its concern for community impact. Preserved land often translates to sought-after, much valued open green spaces; outdoor classrooms for students who travel near and far to learn about the places where our nation’s formative conflicts unfolded; or identity builders for American towns seeking to showcase their unique history and profound past. History creates bonds that unite cities, towns, states, and regions. The Trust’s members demonstrate the unifying power that history holds, as they’ve given generously to see it preserved.

The Trust has identified and trained a talented new group of teens to serve as the organization’s 2021–2022 Youth Leadership Team (YLT). The 14 participants will engage classmates, neighbors and local decision makers by taking on custom-designed projects that pursue preservation and interpretation goals and make a tangible impact in their corner of the country. “We hope to foster a love of history in the next generation and connect them with the battlefields that defined our nation,” said Trust President David Duncan. “The Youth Leadership Team is a crucial ingredient in turning these hopes into a reality, as these students position themselves to hold meaningful conversations that bring to light the value of history education and battlefield preservation.” Successful candidates underwent training in many aspects of the organization’s mission, from the mechanics of land transactions to the philosophies of place-based education, and in advocacy skills, like interacting with the media and petitioning support from public officials. Trust staff will work with and mentor each student, as they craft a project tailored to fit their passions and interests. Planned projects for the academic year include a children’s book discussing female soldiers in the Civil War, a video series featuring Revolutionary and Civil War reenactors, expanded on-site and online interpretation for a Civil War-era raid on Richmond, and the promotion of under-told historical narratives. The program has been wildly successful, attracting the attention of the Pipkin Charitable Foundation. The group issued a generous grant, investing in the advocacy work that each YLT member will bring to their community. Through the Youth Leadership Team program, the Trust challenges young minds to seek out adventure, creativity, an expanded network, and a greater understanding of both the American past and the present-day efforts to preserve it. Youth-oriented classroom programs, plus on-site and digital battlefield interpretation, and online resources are critical tools in keeping history relevant and fresh. But they require passionate supporters and financial backing. Thanks to the generosity of the HTR Foundation and the firsttime availability of the federal interpretation and restoration matching funds, the Trust’s education fundraising campaign will allow each donation to be matched dollar-for-dollar. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.battlefields.org/ supporteducation.