Donations.

[beltplate53]

I wonder which is better, donating to the battlefields themselves, as in friends groups or to the Civil War Trust? I wish I could do both but it is one or the other. Any thoughts?

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Donations.

Tim, each way has its own advantage.
If I understand the process correctly, donations that go directly to a battlefield might not go directly to preservation of land or artifacts, but may go to support maintenance of a historic site. This in an indirect way does help with preservation.
Donations to a preservation group will go towards preservation of various parcels of land but they also have their overhead costs as well. Employee salary, advertising etc.
A good way to see how your money is used is to research the various organizations and see what percentage of each dollar goes directly to the preservation of land.

[Coatsy]

Re: Donations.

Tim, from my experience with friends groups at historic sites near where I live, the funds donated to friends groups helps with upkeep of interpretive signs, keeping trails maintained, visitor center/museum repairs, etc. I am the most well acquainted with the Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, and the funds donated to that friends group have helped improve the park's research library (which is amazing), helped with the upkeep of the trail signage, (that is a good thing for all who know me), and helped with the upkeep of the period log home area that was moved to the site.

With my donations to the CWT, every time I have given money it has been for purchased parcels of property related to a particular battlefield.

I can't always do both, but each has its own merit, and either way you would be helping historical sites.