Connecting People and Place Through Preservation
If you have walked the hallowed ground of a Tennessee Civil War battlefield, then you have experienced the connection of people and place through preservation. There is no better way to experience history than to walk the battlefields, feel the ground beneath your feet and just imagine the chaos that unfolded during the Civil War.
The Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association’s mission to protect, interpret and make accessible Tennessee’s surviving Civil War battlefields and contributing landscapes for the benefit of present and future generations is NOW more important than ever. As a member you are part of a dedicated team working to save our battlefields. Together, we will continue to preserve these special places so others can visit. Your contribution makes a difference – whether it is purchasing a Save Our Battlefield license plate, making an annual gift, attending the Annual Members meeting, or participating in an Preservation Three Star Tour.
We are grateful that 2022 gave us the opportunity to meet and renew friendships with like-minded historians and preservationists across the Volunteer State. As preservationists and historians, it is our responsibility to make sure our state’s Civil War history comes to life for a new generation of Tennesseans. Through school field trips many students experience their first visit to a historic Civil War site or battlefield. Personally, I have led many of these tours and am amazed at the connection children have when they understand that young people – some not much older than they are now, fought valiantly and risked their lives for our freedom. This is the legacy we give to these students and is also why interpretation of our Civil War history will continue to be an important part of TCWPA’s mission.
TCWPA has been busy working on the Statewide Preservation Plan which will accelerate and guide our work across the state highlighting the importance of battlefield preservation and interpretation. This is a “first of its kind” strategic plan to prioritize preservation efforts for Civil War battlefields and lesser-known sites in Tennessee. TCWPA is pleased to announce a new redesigned website, www.tcwpa.org including a new interactive map featuring 122+ Civil War battlefield sites. Under the leadership of Board member Mike Countess, assisted by grand division “captains.” Aaron Astor, Jim Lewis, and Daniel Taylor/Steve McDaniel, our battlefield assessments are complete, the PP has been drafted by Countess and is currently under review by Board member, Phil Walker. Make sure to visit www.tcwpa.org and check out the new interactive map which will enable viewers to research and explore over 122+ battlefield sites.
Additionally, because of your generous donations and support of the Save Our Battlefield license plate, financially supported preservation efforts in all three grand divisions of Tennessee. Since 2005, TCWPA has awarded over $100,000 to 56 battlefield grants! This could not have been accomplished without your generous contributions. You are making preservation happen in Tennessee! The good news just keeps on coming, we have nearly 1600 “Save Our Battlefields” license tags on the road, the highest total ever. Your support of our license plates is a vital component of our preservation work and is deeply appreciated. Our monthly e-history stories help promote our license plate program and preservation plan. Many of these stories come directly from the membership, so if you have an idea for an e-history story, please let us know by emailing us at info@tcwpa.org. Also, we encourage you to ask family and friends to buy a license plate and save a battlefield!
Hopefully, 2023 will continue giving us the opportunity to connect with communities, people, and these special Civil War places to enjoy the camaraderie of those interested in the Volunteer State’s history. Finally, let me thank you personally for your support of the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association. We could not accomplish our many goals without YOU. Your generosity continues to make preservation happen in Tennessee.
With warmest regards,
Anthony Hodges
President, TCWPA
