Fredericksburg (6/17/09) - Treasured objects and artifacts held by the National Civil War Life Foundation will be preserved for future generations with help from the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books and online resources donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS has now awarded almost 3,000 free sets of the IMLS Bookshelf, in cooperation with the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).

The foundation is working toward the construction of a new facility in Spotsylvania Courthouse to house an extensive collection of artifacts that tells the story of Americans faced with living through the Civil War. These artifacts span a wide variety of types and conservation needs. This collection of books will not only help us protect and preserve our American heritage, but will be available to the public through our research center so they can learn how to take care of their personal family artifacts and archives.

"When IMLS launched this initiative to improve the dire state of our nation's collections, we understood that the materials gathered for the Bookshelf would serve as important tools for museums, libraries, and archives nationwide," said Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of IMLS. "We were both pleased and encouraged by the overwhelming interest of institutions prepared to answer the call to action, and we know that with their dedication, artifacts from our shared history will be preserved for future generations."

The National Civil War Life Foundation will receive this essential set of resources based on an application describing the needs and plans for the care of its collections. The IMLS Bookshelf focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries' special collections, with an added selection of texts for zoos, aquaria, public gardens, and nature centers. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific conservation issues.

The IMLS Bookshelf is a crucial component of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a conservation initiative that the Institute launched in 2006. IMLS began the initiative in response to a 2005 study it released in partnership with Heritage Preservation, A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America's Collections. The multi-faceted, multi-year initiative shines a nationwide spotlight on the needs of America's collections, especially those held by smaller institutions, which often lack the human and financial resources necessary to adequately care for their collections.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services: The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Enjoy free general admission for you and a guest to hundreds of museums and cultural venues nationwide. Saturday, September 26, 2009. Present the Museum Day admission card to receive free general admission. The admission card is available in the September 2009 issue of Smithsonian magazine or downloadable via their website. Visit the Civil War Life Soldier's Museum's website for directions.

On June 8, 2009, the National Civil War Life Foundation hosted a special meeting with Congressman Rob Wittman of the VA 1st District. A group consisting of Terry Thomann, Director of the Civil War Life Soldier's Museum; Col. Horace McCaskill, Chairman of the National Civil War Life Foundation; Michael Aubrecht, Vice Chairman of the NCWLF; Bill Vakos III, President of W.J. Vakos Management Company; Jerry Logan of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors; and Rachel DeLooze, the Tourism Coordinator for Spotsylvania County accompanied the congressman and members of his staff.

Following a private tour of the museum's existing collection, a brief presentation was given on the NCWLF's vision to construct an all-inclusive Civil War Museum that strives to tell the stories of both civilians and soldiers, black and white. The group proceeded to the future site location at the Courthouse Village development near the Spotsylvania Court House to discuss the economic benefits to the area. The congressman was pleased to see a coalition of both preservationists and developers coming together to create a mutually beneficial community plan and pledged to assist the NCWLF in exploring state grant opportunities. (Photos by M.Aubrecht)

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NCWLF Director Terry Thomann gives Congressman Wittman a tour of the current museum.

 
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Developer Bill Vakos III outlines the Courthouse Village community plans on site.

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Congressman Wittman is presented with a framed wet-plate photograph taken at Massaponax Church.
 

On April 22, 2009 Robert Washington of Classic Custom Framing presented the National Civil War Life Foundation with two beautifully framed and matted prints that were originally donated by renown Civil War painter Mort Künstler (see story below). Mr. Washington donated his time, skills and materials free of charge to the NCWLF, who are very grateful for his talents and generosity. The National Civil War Life Foundation intends to use Classic Custom Framing for additional print and photograph mountings as required for future museum exhibits.

Classic Custom Framing is located at 3603 Plank Road (Rt. 3) Fredericksburg, VA 22407. They can be reached at 540-785-0005, or www.classiccustomframing.com.

On April 10, 2009 the National Civil War Life Foundation's fund raising package was selected as one of three winners in the Fundraising/Membership Materials category for museums with a budget under $750,000 in this year's American Association of Museum Publications Design Competition. There were more than 700 entries across all categories. Jackson Foster, owner of The ID Entity designed the brochure with input from several board members. There will be an article about all the winners in the AAM magazine, and selected winners will be featured at the Annual Meeting.

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NCWLF Director Terry Thomann greets VA Governor Tim Kaine (Photo: John Cummings)

On March 24th, 2009, board members of the National Civil War Life Foundation attended a very special event to promote battlefield preservation in the Old Dominion. This intimate news conference was held at the historic Slaughter Pen Farm on the Fredericksburg Battlefield in central Virginia. Governor Tim Kaine, Virginia Speaker of the House Bill Howell, Virginia State Senator Edd Houck, and CWPT President Jim Lighthizer all spoke on the importance of preserving the nation's hallowed grounds. The National Civil War Life Foundation has been a longtime partner of the Civil War Preservation Trust, and continues to support the CWPT's efforts to protect our endangered battlefields.

The Slaughter Pen Farm in Spotsylvania witnessed some of the most intense and pivotal fighting of the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. Federal troops briefly broke through the Confederate line there, resulting in 5,000 casualties. Five Medals of Honor were awarded for valor there. Today, 200-plus acres of the battlefield--adjacent to Shannon Airport on State Route 2--are being preserved by the state, the Civil War Preservation Trust, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust and the National Park Service.

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Museum Official Print: 'My Friend, The Enemy' (Mort Künstler Inc.)

In March of 2009, the National Civil War Life Foundation received two donated prints from renowned Civil War painter Mort Künstler. The first, titled 'My Friend, The Enemy,' has been designated as the official print of the National Civil War Life Museum and will hang in the entryway of the new building. The second print, 'Angel of Marye's Heights' will be raffled off to raise funds for the museum's development. Both images feature historical events that took place locally and they also represent the spirit of the museum, which is one of inclusion and diversity. Considered one of America's greatest historical artists, Mort Künstler has become well known for the extraordinary authenticity and drama of his work.

The two prints will be on display at the Civil War Life Soldier's Museum in Massaponax while construction continues on the new museum location. Plans are in the works to host a future Mort Künstler signing and to secure the installation of a permanent exhibit featuring Künstler paintings of local significance. The NCWLF is very thankful for Mr. Künstler's generosity and endorsement. Robert Washington of Classic Custom Framing in Fredericksburg will be mounting the pieces for display at the museum. Details on the raffle will be made available soon.

Raffle Print: 'Angel of Marye's Heights' (Mort Künstler Inc.)
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