RD25 - Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission 2009 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.

At least 20 other states have joined Virginia in establishing sesquicentennial planning commissions. Staff continues to participate in quarterly conference calls with designees in other states to share information and seek ways to work collaboratively. In addition, staff periodically briefs members of the Virginia congressional delegation on the Commission's efforts, and works closely with the National Park Service to plan events marking major anniversary dates. The Commission was represented at a number of Civil War roundtable meetings in 2009, the Civil War Trails annual meeting, and the Virginia One Tourism Conference. In addition, regional informational meetings were held during the summer in Blacksburg, Lexington, Charlottesville, Richmond, Norfolk, Halifax, Fairfax, and Spotsylvania.

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was established in 2007 to raise private funds in support of the sesquicentennial commemoration. The Foundation's Board of Trustees is comprised of: William J. Howell (Chair), Charles J. Colgan (Vice Chair), Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr., J. Alfred Broaddus, J. Stewart Bryan, III, Albert C. Eisenberg, Dr. Irvin E. Hess, Algie T. Howell, Jr., Eddie N. Moore, Jr., and Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr.

Development efforts continued to be successful in 2009, despite the economic recession. Chiefly, the Commission was awarded a $950,000 Chairman's Special Award grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in support of the museum exhibition and Civil War 150 HistoryMobile. In addition, support for commemorative programming was also generously contributed by Altria, Wal-Mart, Roller-Bottimore Foundation, the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, and members of the Civil War 150 Council.