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Civil War Preservation Trust
Also Known As: CWPT
1331 H St NW Ste 1001 Washington, DC 20005

GENERAL INFORMATION

Who We Are

The Civil War Preservation Trust is the nation's largest battlefield preservation organization (501 (c)3). Our members have saved over 25,000 acres of hallowed ground in 18 states from development.

• This organization is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity .
• This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
• Financial information in this report is derived from the organization's December 31, 2007 Form 990.
• Additional narrative information in this report was last supplied by the organization on July 30, 2009.
• It makes its audited financial statements available to the public upon request.
• Contributions are deductible, as provided by law.

How to Help

This organization is seeking funds from contributions and grants. These funds will be used for unrestricted operating expenses and special projects.

Location(s) Served

• National

NTEE Code

• C30—Natural Resource Conservation and Protection
• A80—Historical Societies and Related Activities
• B99—Education N.E.C.

Chief Executive

Mr. O. James Lighthizer

Chief Executive Profile

President of CWPT since 1999, Jim is a native of Ohio and has resided in the State of Maryland all of his adult life.  Early in his career he was employed by IBM Corporation, but after graduation from Georgetown University Law Center, he practiced law in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  In 1978, he was elected to the Marland legislature and in 1982 and 1986 to the office of Anne Arundel County Executive.  In 1991, he was appointed by Governor William Donald Schaefer to be the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, where he pioneered the use if ISTEA funds for battlefield preservation.  Jim left government service in 1995 and re-entered the practice of law, as a partner with Miles and Stockbridge, a major Baltimore law firm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MISSION AND PROGRAMS

Mission

CWPT''s Mission: Preservation of America''s Civil War battlefields by protecting the land and educating the public about the vital roles those battlefields played in directing the course of our nation''s history.

Programs

 CWPT's Education Programs are designed to compliment the mission of battlefield preservation. CWPT is, again, uniquely qualified to spread the word through our school curricula, website, media outreach and informational communications. CWPT has long been aware of the need for history education to teach students about the Civil War's role in shaping our American heritage. CWPT's education activities, outlined below, are meant to raise awareness and engage new audiences in the cause of battlefield protection. Civil War Explorer an interactive, multimedia computer exhibit on the Civil War featuring photographs, maps, historic documents, video footage, music and narrative. Currently only available at select Civil War sites, CWPT plans to adapt the program for the internet to reach a wider audience. CWPT Website www.civilwar.org, includes details on preservation, Civil War history, and a "classroom" section with lesson plans and other resources for teachers and students. Teacher and Student Programs multiple programs ranging from a poster and essay contest for kids to workshops and curriculum guides for teachers (grades 5, 8 and 11). CWPT also sponsors a prize in Civil War history through National History Day. Hallowed Ground CWPT's quarterly magazine, includes articles on history, preservation techniques and upcoming events and includes the Junior Pages written to engage middle-school-aged children. Civil War Discovery Trail a heritage tourism initiative that links more than 600 Civil War sites and promotes visitation through themed itineraries; it is recognized by the White House as one of sixteen National Millennium Trails. By encouraging travel to Civil War sites, we are able to educate the tourist while showing states and communities that there are economic benefits to preserving their unique Civil War heritage. Park Day an annual volunteer clean-up day cosponsored by Take Pride in America and The History Channel aimed at caring for the Civil War sites we cherish.

Additional Comments from the Organization

At a cost of $12 million the Slaughter Pen Farm in Fredericksburg, VA is the most ambitious and costly private battlefield acquisition effort in history. The innovative sale of Virginia Tax Credits to help pay the cost of the acquisition is just one of the programs utilized to preserve hallowed ground. Gettysburg - In addition to helping stop construction of a casino near the battlefield, CWPT assisted in protecting a 106 acre tract. CWPT was able to save 319 acres of core battlefield at Glendale/Frayser Farm, VA.

GOALS AND RESULTS

Accomplishments for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

1. Saved 1,616.03 acres of Civil War battlefield land in Y2006-Y2007, at sites such as Perryville, KY, Richmond, KY, Champion Hill, MS, Shiloh, TN, Glendale, VA, McDowell, VA, White Oak Road, VA and Summit Point, WV
2. Leveraged our members' donations for land preservation by a factor of nearly 3 to 1, Y2006-Y2007 using federal, state and local matching funds.
3. Enhanced battlefield visitors' experience by installing interpretive signs at several CWPT-owned properties. Third Winchester Battlefield, VA, Chancellorsville, VA

Objectives for Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2008

1. Secure an additional $10 million from Congress for FY2009. Secured $5 million from VA House of Delegates for preserving battlefield land.
2. Expand national membership to 75,000 individuals, increasing our effectiveness.
3. To preserve at least 1,000 acres in land. Focus on targeted protection efforts in Spotsylvania County and around the Richmond, VA area.

Self Assessment

The all volunteer Board of Trustees meets three times per year to evaluate our progress toward our goals. Each employee has written goals and objectives, as is evaluated and compensated on their ability to accomplish those goals.

FINANCIAL DATA

Revenues and Expenses: Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

Balance Sheet: Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

Note: The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot long survive, but the types of assets and liabilities also must be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

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