Project 160

This year, as we pause to remember what happened across these fields some 160 years ago, I’m asking you to join us in commemorating this anniversary by becoming part of our Project 160 Campaign. What better way to honor the sacrifices of those who lived through that terrible year, than to make sure that they are not forgotten. One of the best ways that we could possibly ensure that is to restore the Valley’s battlefields to the way they appeared in 1864 and open them to the public as battlefield parks.

At New Market and Third Winchester, at Piedmont and Tom’s Brook, we have launched “Project 160” – a project to open our preserved battlefield lands like never before, restoring landscapes, providing new interpretation and new ways to visit each of these sites. From highway signage that directs you to these nationally significant sites, to way-finding apps and dial in cell phone tours, we are making it easier than ever to navigate the Valley’s Civil War History. New parking areas and new and expanded trail systems will allow for unprecedented level of access once you arrive at these sites. Dozens of new interpretive signs will enhance visitors’ understanding of what happened here in 1864; helping ensure that visitors have the best possible chance to draw real meaning from these historic landscapes. Not only that, but the increased visitation that we expect to follow this campaign will help us remind local officials, municipal planners, our elected leaders and the general public that battlefield preservation brings real economic benefit to communities.

Project 160 is a full court press up and down the Shenandoah Valley, but it has to start somewhere. This May is the 160th anniversary of the Battle of New Market, so that’s where our guns are turning first. Take a look at the material enclosed with this letter and you’ll get a sense of what we’re doing at each of our battlefield parks. If you’ve already visited this hallowed place, I encourage you to look at any pictures you took, think about what you saw, and plan a return trip to see the incredible changes. We’re already hard at work to offer the “Gettysburg experience” here at New Market – that exhilarating and sobering feeling you get when you recognize the visual difference and historical significance of where you are. From period fences to monuments, woods cleared to re-open original battlefield and trails cut to offer you access, the scope of this battlefield park is widening and enhancing. To do this, we are raising $160,000 – that’s where you and an incredible army of preservationists come in.

New parking lot at New Market

Restored fence line at New Market

We need you to get involved. I am asking you to get into the fight alongside us as we enhance the Shenandoah Valley’s battlefields and open them to the public. Join “Project 160” by making a gift and having it matched 3 to 1 by funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some of these matched funds are already being put to good use at Winchester, but our first objective with our private Project 160 funds is the New Market Battlefield. Your involvement here will initiate the first of several steps we take across the Valley to continue doing the same at other battlefields like Piedmont, Tom’s Brook, and Winchester. By being part of “Project 160”, you will enable the sharing of history with millions for years and years to come. Because of you, unborn generations will learn stories of valor on the very ground where it happened.

Investing in “Project 160” is investing in our future. The future of our past depends on you! Take advantage of this opportunity to have your investment matched – 3 to 1 – and make your gift to “Project 160” today – then spend the rest of this anniversary year visiting the sites you’ve helped to open. Thank you in advance for doing all that you can to help with this effort.