Rapid growth and development threatens the history and charm of the Antietam Valley. Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF) is working to promote the preservation and restoration of the scenic area in and around the Antietam Battlefield. With your help we can stop irresponsible development from endangering our scenic and historic treasures.

The Save Historic Antietam Foundation believes:

1. In preserving and protecting historic sites in the Antietam Valley and its environs that are threatened by development or demolition.

2. In alerting citizens and officials of dangerous threats to historic properties.

3. In educating the public, promoting the value of historic preservation, and working with communities in the Antietam Valley to promote historic preservation and compatible economic development.

4. In assisting the National Park Service at Antietam National Battlefield in efforts to protect the cultural and natural resources on the battlefield and its associated sites.

Therefore, the mission of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation is the preservation and protection of historic sites within the Antietam Valley that are related to the Battle of Antietam, the Maryland Campaign, or other Civil War activity in the region. We will accomplish our mission through public education, solicitation of funds, promotion of protective easements and advocacy.

In partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust and the Maryland Department of Transportation successfully procured easements for more than 3,000 acres in the Antietam area.

Promoted and encouraged an agricultural land preservation program in Washington County as a step toward scenic preservation.

Worked with local citizens and elected officials to establish a special zoning category around the Antietam Battlefield.

Purchase of endangered properties for resale with protective easements.

Encourage and assist elected officials on all levels to endorse preservation legislation and issues. Successfully supported a plan for the restoration and preservation of Antietam Battlefield.

Sponsor essay contests on historic themes in local schools.

Co-sponsor an annual lecture series at Antietam Battlefield in honor of author and historian James V. Murfin.

1. Donate generously. Every contribution will further our efforts to preserve the Antietam area.

2. Offer input. Give us your ideas or send us information for our data bank.

3. Publicize threats. You can help alert others about threats to historic sites in our valley.

4. Write letters. Let federal, state, and local officials hear from you and know your views.

5. Educate friends and neighbors. Spread the word that preservation pays its own way. Tourism requires preserved area, not an area that is overbuilt, industrialized, or razed.

6. Volunteer!

SHAF has established a special memorial endowment fund in remembrance of all those who participated in the Battle of Antietam, both military and civilian. Endowment funds will not be spent, but will instead--through interest income--provide financial resources for our preservation and education activity. The endowment will be a permanent and growing memorial.

As a companion to the endowment fund, SHAF in conjunction with Shepherd College, West Virginia, Center for the Study of the Civil War, has also developed a research data bank as a mechanism to collect and maintain a body of information on soldiers and civilians who participated in Civil War activity in the Antietam area. The database will be available to researchers, scholars, and genealogists.

SHAF's membership consists of concerned citizens from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. We represent all political, social, and educational backgrounds. SHAF is a federal tax-exempt 501-C-3 organization, so all donations to SHAF are deductible. Please join us as a member and contributor to our endowment fund.

Mail to:
Save Historic Antietam Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 550
Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:

Levels of Membership:

Contributor--Up to $25
Defender--$26 to $100
Protector--Over $100

__Annual Membership Contribution:

Amount: $___________

__Endowment Fund Contribution:

Amount: $___________

Annual membership includes news updates and your contribution to the preservation of the Antietam Valley.

last updated: 10/29/99, KBS