RD103 - Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission 2007 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
The General Assembly created the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission in 2006 for the purpose of preparing for and commemorating the sesquicentennial of Virginia's participation in the American Civil War. The Commission is charged with:

* Planning commemorative programs and activities that are designed to involve all citizens and result in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit;

* Encouraging civic, historical, educational, economic, and other organizations throughout Virginia to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the American Civil War; and

* Providing technical assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.

During its second year, the Commission continued to take the national lead in planning for the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Commission members reached out to provide assistance to other states through the American Legislative Exchange Council, Southern Legislative Conference, National Conference of State Legislators, and State Historical Administrators annual meetings. The Commission worked closely with statewide partners, such as the Civil War Trails Program and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, to develop plans to place Virginia at the forefront of the national commemoration, and supported the efforts of preservation groups, such as the Civil War Preservation Trust, by unanimously passing a resolution to encourage battlefield preservation.

A Development Officer was hired to lead fundraising efforts for the commemoration period, and the Commission authorized the formation of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to accept gifts, grants, donations and bequests in support of the sesquicentennial commemoration. The Commission adopted both a Strategic Plan and a Case Statement to guide its efforts, and sponsored legislation to allow for the sale of a special revenue-sharing license plate for the sesquicentennial (SB 73 and HB 631, 2008).

A number of subcommittees were formed to further the Commission's work, including an Advisory Council and three workgroups focused on primary aspects of the commemoration: Coordination, Signature Events and Activities, and Education. An overview of each subcommittee is presented below, along with a synopsis of plans that are in development or under discussion.