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Restore Painting of James J. Wills

The David Wills House Museum unveiled a restored portrait of James Wills, father of David Wills, in November of 2009.

The portrait, attributed to a Gettysburg area artist, David S. Forney, was received by the Adams County Historical Society from a member of the Wills Family in 2004. At that time the likeness was not identified. Thanks to a photograph held by another branch of the family, a copy of which was given to the Society, the identity of the man was discovered to be the father of David Wills.

The painting just underwent conservation by Cumberland County-based conservator Brian R. Howard of Brian R. Howard Associates, Inc. The cost of the conservation work was slightly over $5,000 and included the repairs to the actual canvas, cleaning of the work, and restoration of the frame. This expense was underwritten by donations from the Donors to the Adams County Historical Society, including the Strong Family Endowment; Military History Online, Battle of Gettysburg, Internet Discussion Group; and Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable (donated $1533).

The portrait is on long-term loan to the National Park Service from the Adams County Historical Society and is on display.

ABOVE: Shown at the unveiling of the restored portrait of James Wills are, from left, Greg Goodell, curator Gettysburg National Military Park; John Winkelman, president of the Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable; Wayne Motts, executive director of the Adams County Historical Society; Deb Adamik, executive director of Mianstreet Gettysburg and Jennifer Roth, Wills House Museum manager. Photo by John Armstrong/Gettysburg Times.

Adopt a Conferderate Veteran

Following the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table's recent Baltimore trip, the board decided to participate in the "Adopt a Confederate Veteran" program by the Col. Harry W. Gilmore Camp #1388 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans at Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore, MD. 

You can check out their website at http://www.mdscv.org/1388 and click on the "Adopt a Confederate" link.

Our organization "adopted" Capt. John W. Hack of the 9th VA of Armistead's Brigade and Pvt. James C. Weller of the 24th VA of Kemper's Brigade.  The gravestones of these two individuals are barely readable. Our donation will cover the costs of a 12" x 12" granite stone to be placed at ground level in front of the original stone at each grave. There will be a dedication ceremony in June5, 2010.

Donation to The David Wills House

Donation to Gettysburg Foundation

For Landscaping at the new Visitors' Center

Donation to Adams County Historical Sociey

For Gettysburg Room

Donation to The Train Station

For preservation of book found while restoring the Train Station

Donation to Main Street Gettysburg

September 27, 2008, Roundtable officers and board members present check to Deb Adamik, Executive Director Main Street Gettysburg for Wills House restoration.

VIP Award - 1999

for our Adopted Position, the Alabama State Monument on Confederate Avenue.

TOP

Citation presented by the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Citation reads as follows:

Whereas, The history of this nation is credited to those selfless individuals who gave their lives in the name of freedom and democracy, principles which have preserved, protected and sustained this great country; and

Whereas, With great respect and humility, the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table is being honored for its generous donation to the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the Monument Challenge Race; and

Whereas, The monuments at the Gettysburg National Military Park stand as lasting memorials of the Battle of Gettysburg and its place in history as a turning point in the Civil War and as tributes to the soldiers who served in that momentous conflict. With the creation of organizations such as the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the help of groups such as the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table, those who were involved in America's struggle to survive as a nation during the Civil War will long be remembered and appreciated.

Now therefore, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania congratulates the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table upon its generous support of the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the Monument Challenge Race; expresses heartfelt appreciation for its outstanding contribution to the perpetuation of the memory of those noble Americans who answered their nation's call and especially of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their country;

And directs that a copy of the citation, sponsored by the Honorable Harry A. Readshaw on June 9, 2000, be transmitted to the Gettysburg Civil War Round Table.

Signed: Harry A. Readshaw, Sponsor

Matthew Ryan, Speaker of the House

Attested: Ted Mazia, Chief Clerk of the House

Your Membership
Pays Dividends

September 23, 2010
Mike Riley
Portrayal of Major General Reynolds

October 28, 2010
Dave Stewart
TBD

November 18, 2010
Ed Bonekemper
Six Turning Points of the Civil War

December 02, 2010
Christmas Party
Dobbin House

January 27, 2011
Trip Introduction

February 24, 2011
Mellisa Rabinsky
Mary Todd Lincoln

March 24, 2011
Conrad Richter
Diseases of the Time

April 28, 2011
Robert O'Connor
Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln's Bodyguard

September 22, 2011
Dr. Perry Jamison
Hood's Invasion of Tennessee in 1864

TRIP INFORMATION

To be announced at the January Meeting.

SUPPORT PRESERVATION - FRANKLIN, TN

The Franklin's Charge, a group in Franklin, Tennessee has had remarkable success in acquiring portions of the 1864 Battle of Franklin battlefield property. This property has been developed with golf courses, strip centers, and structures. The Franklin's Charge (http://www.franklinscharge.com/) group is leading efforts to buy up those properties, remove the improvements, and work to cause the land to be restored to its 1864 appearance. Thus far, in cooperation with the City of Franklin, CWPT, ABPP, and other preservation groups, over $5,000,000 was raised to purchase a golf course, and it is currently being restored as a battlefield park. Also, a Pizza Hut site was purchased and has been restored to park property. Currently, the group is working on acquiring additional property in Franklin.

A local company, Christie Cookies, is offering $10,000 to the not-for-profit that receives the most email votes. We are putting out a call to all civil war preservationists to help us vote and get the word out. I hope you will help us.

To vote, go to http://www.ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp and select "Franklin's Charge". The contest permits one vote per email address.

If you have any questions contact:
Miranda R. Christy
Stites & Harbison, PLLC
SunTrust Plaza
401 Commerce Street
Suite 800
Nashville TN 37219
Direct Dial: (615) 782-2330
Direct Fax: (615) 742-0728
miranda.christy@stites.com

SUPPORT PRESERVATION - EMMITSBURG, PA

The Battle of Monterey Pass Needs Your Assistance

Did you know that the Battle of Monterey Pass was the second largest Civil War battle in Pennsylvania?  It is also the only Civil War battle to have taken place on both sides of the Mason and Dixon line and in four counties.  This significant battle is in need of your help!

The Monterey Pass Battlefield Association has partnered with Washington Township to develop a trust fund for the Monterey Pass Battlefield.  Tax deductible contributions are now being accepted for this important preservation effort.  All proceeds will go directly towards the purchase and interpretation of the Monterey Pass Battle Site.  To learn more about the Battle of Monterey Pass please visit the Monterey Pass Battlefield Association’s website at www.emmitsburg.net/montereypass  For information on how you can donate to this worthy cause please visit Washington Township’s website at www.washtwp-franklin.org