Mill Springs nets $125,000

[Mike Ventura]

Bill Neikirk, event organizer for the NSA's recent Mill Spring's reenactment reports that the event netted over $125,000. The money will be used to secure additional matching funds for battlefield preservation and exhibits in the museum in the new visitor's center

[DougCooper]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Wow - that is unbelievable Mike!!! Can anyone remember a number that high at any event in the last 5 years...or longer?

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Doug:

While many people find it cool to knock organizations such as the NSA and big "national" events, one cannot argue with the impact that a well organized and promoted event can have on preservation funding. Sometimes it's too easy to get caught up in the material culture of the hobby to the point that we miss the big picture. Mass can equal volume. I cannot think of a single event in the past several years that generated this kind of money for battlefield acquisition and preservation.

From my perspective as Gen'l Moore's Chief of Staff, Mill Springs was probably the single best organized and produced event that I've ever attended. People that I talked to at the event, including folks like Terre Lawson, made similar statements. Bill Niekirk, the event organizer, and his staff did a splendid job!!!

Over 20,000 spectators attended this event - and that was the purpose: to generate preservation $$ for the battlefield and promote tourism in the area. To get that kind of turnout in a small town in the middle oof rural Kentucky speaks well for the organizer's ability to market the event.

[Spinster]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Doug:

Mass can equal volume. I cannot think of a single event in the past several years that generated this kind of money for battlefield acquisition and preservation.

From my perspective as Gen'l Moore's Chief of Staff, Mill Springs was probably the single best organized and produced event that I've ever attended.

Bill Neikirk's excellent work allowed us to concentrate on the important aspects of the event for participant and spectator alike--everything from the Mellodians show arrangements to the candlelight tours (more dollars in the preservation bucket).

It allowed us to do what we do best, rather than worrying about all the infrastructure aspects that drained all of us of energy at recent large events--clean, accessible, reliable water, and only a 100 yards from our designated site; roads that were useable, and quickly mended when problems arose, site transportation that enabled those of our group with mobility impairments to venture out for the Mellodians show. And, while we bring our own sanitation arrangements, I noted that the portas I hauled those buckets to on Sunday were still clean, and had obviously been serviced.

Going into this event, most of my circle of friends had a real hard time raising much enthusiasm---we've run a hard schedule in the last year, with heavy effort placed in the prior NSA event, 12 days of fully staffed school programs in three time periods, and Banks Grand Retreat. And, we had real doubts as to whether the event and scenario would have anything to offer for civilians.

It was grand to simply entertain ourselves, play a small part in the candlelight tours, and enjoy a fine period show.

Like several others, I can honestly say this was a refreshing event---and one that uniquely underlined the NSA's focus on preservation and interpretation. All this and a moneymaker too!

[DougCooper]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

If we needed still another example of where a larger event (1000 or so in this case) can be good for the hobby, this is a great one - preservation.

Imagine what a well run (and well publicized) event such as Gettysburg, with 4-5000 participants and thousands of spectators could do for that battlefield, or any number of other battlefields.

Well done NSA - very well done.

[RJSamp]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Doug:

Over 20,000 spectators attended this event - and that was the purpose: to generate preservation $$ for the battlefield and promote tourism in the area. To get that kind of turnout in a small town in the middle oof rural Kentucky speaks well for the organizer's ability to market the event.

Had a ton of fun interacting with the spectators.....in camp or before the battles....they had tons of questions and were very interested in discussing life, and the war, back then....

sign me up for more these!

[dusty27]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Mike,

Any chance that there will be a list provided on where the money came from; participants, sutlers, spectators, sponsors? Just would like to see where that kind of money can come from.

Thanks

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Mill Springs nets $125,000

Dusty:

Just so that the masses know, I have sent you a personal communication regarding your query. This is not "secret" information, but since I am not one of the "organizers" of the Mill Springs event, I don't feel that I have the authority to publish their figures.

I will state that the $125,000 is NET after expenses, and will beused to secure state, federal and grant matching funds, so the overall impact is $250,000.

I can state that there were 1200 participants and some 20,000+ spectators. More than 500 kids showed up for school day on Friday. Spectator tickets were priced between $15 and $25 depending on age and whether it was a single day or weekend ticket. I do know that there were several "sponsorships" sold, but from the participant side, these were nearly invisible. There was some signage on the periphery of the site and also on the gators that were used on Thursday and Friday to deliver hay, etc. to the camps. Civil War Historian magazine was a major sponsor. The rest were local businesses.

I'm sure that Bill Neikirk, President of the Mill Springs Battlefield Association and chief organizer of this event would be very happy to discuss the details with you. From a participant perspective, thgis was the best organized and well-run event that I've ever attended.

As Doug Cooper has stated previously, the NSA's goals of raising money for preservation and educating the public were more than achieved at this event.

Perhaps, in all the "us vs. them" bickering that takes place on this forum, a pause should be declared to appreciate what a large, well-run event can do in terms of raising money for preservation.