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| Document Summary | - Report Published - |
| Document Title |
| Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission 2011 Annual Report |
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| Author |
| Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission |
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| Enabling Authority |
| § 30-272 (8.) |
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| Executive Summary |
About the Commission
The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, the first of its kind in the nation, was created by the General Assembly in 2006. A legislative commission chaired by Speaker of the House of Delegates William J. Howell, the Commission is charged with the planning of projects and events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War in Virginia. The commemoration began in 2009 with the anniversary of John Brown's Raid and runs through 2015. The Commission is charged with:
• Planning commemorative programs and activities that are designed to involve all citizens and result in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit;
• Encouraging civic, historical, educational, economic, and other organizations throughout Virginia to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the American Civil War; and,
• Providing technical assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
Commission Members:
Speaker William J. Howell, Chair
Sen. Charles J. Colgan, Sr. Vice-Chair
Del. T. Scott Garrett
Del. Algie T. Howell, Jr.
Del. Johnny S. Joannou
Del. Mark L. Keam
Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter
Del. Thomas C. Wright, Jr.
Sen. R. Creigh Deeds
Sen. John S. Edwards
Sen. Janet D. Howell
Sen. Mamie E. Locke
John P. Ackerly, III
Dr. Paul A. Levengood
Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr.
From its inception, the Commission resolved to offer programs that are available to all Virginians and will sustain a lasting legacy for future generations. Virginia remains recognized as a national leader of the sesquicentennial by virtue of its strong state support, comprehensive initiatives, and inclusive approach.
Local participation in Virginia remains strong. Nearly all of the 134 counties and cities in Virginia have formed local sesquicentennial committees to work with the Commission and plan events at the local level. The Commission supports local committees by providing a matching Sesquicentennial Tourism Marketing Grant program, maintaining a comprehensive Statewide Calendar of Events, and by bringing programs directly into the community (e.g., Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, Civil War 150 Legacy Project: Document Digitization and Access, and "An American Turning Point" panel exhibit). Staff meets with local committee representatives regionally and disseminates information through a listserv for local committee members and social media networks.
The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was created to oversee fundraising initiatives, and the Commission works with a distinguished Advisory Council that has been instrumental in developing goals to guide the commemoration. The Foundation Board of Trustees and members of the Advisory Council are drawn from the state's leading education, historic, and tourism institutions, including: historians; representatives from museums, battlefields, and the National Park Service; leaders in state and local government; and education experts. |
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