Preserving History Since 1959
Since our founding in 1959, preservation has been at the heart of the Harrisburg Civil War Round Table's mission. Our founders were charter members of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association and understood that protecting battlefields, monuments, and historic sites ensures future generations can study and honor this pivotal period in American history. Through their dedicated fundraising efforts, approximately 20% of the current Gettysburg National Military Park was purchased and preserved. Today, the HCWRT continues this legacy through monument adoption, strategic partnerships, and ongoing support for preservation projects across the nation.
Preservation, Historic Sites, & Artifacts
Local & Specialized Projects
Willow Grove Cemetery Memorial Fund: Supported the Soldiers Memorial at Linglestown honoring 39 local Union soldiers from East Hanover, West Hanover, Susquehanna Township, and Paxtang Borough.
Camp Curtin Historical Society: Funded the General Albert Jenkins monument marking the farthest north Confederate brigade headquarters in the Gettysburg Campaign.
Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation: Preserved land from the battle that saved Washington, DC.
Friends of the Monterey Pass Battlefield & Battle of Falling Waters Foundation: Protected sites from Lee's retreat after Gettysburg.
U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center: Funded memorial honoring Dr. Richard J. Sommers.
Additional Projects: Johnson Island archeological work, USS Monitor preservation, Pamplin Historical Park, Kernstown Battlefield, and National Park Service Spotsylvania preservation.
American Battlefield Trust
The Harrisburg CWRT has partnered extensively with the American Battlefield Trust (formerly Civil War Trust/Civil War Preservation Trust) to preserve critical battlefield land across multiple theaters of the war. Our contributions have helped save land at major battlefields including Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek, Spotsylvania, Winchester, Champion Hill, and many others. Notable projects include preserving Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg, the Slaughter Pen Farm at Fredericksburg, land where the 8th Ohio fought during Pickett's Charge, and portions of the Joseph Avey farmhouse property at Antietam.Preserved threatened land near Chancellorsville National Battlefield Park and protect critical areas at Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and the Wilderness.
Central Virginia Battlefield Trust
Supported the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust in preserving threatened land across the critical Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania campaign area. Our donations helped save portions of the Chancellorsville battlefield, including areas where Sykes' Regular Army Division engaged Stonewall Jackson's forces, and protected critical terrain at Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and the Wilderness.
Gettysburg Area Preservation
Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association: Funded repairs and archeological excavation at the Lady Farm along Hanover Pike.
Adams County Historical Society & Gettysburg National Military Park: Repaired vandalized monuments at Gettysburg and supported children's educational programs.
Seminary Ridge Historical Foundation: Preserved historic Seminary buildings and established a 15-point interpretive walking path.
Hunterstown Battlefield: Acquired land at the site of a cavalry battle before Gettysburg.
Brandy Station & Regional Virginia
Brandy Station Foundation: Protected critical battlefield terrain at Saint James Church, Fleetwood Hill, Kelly's Ford, and the historic Graffiti House.
Richmond Battlefield Association: Obtained and preserved battlefield land around Richmond.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation: Preserved the McDowell Battlefield.
Antietam & Western Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield - West Woods Restoration Project: Restored four major woodlots that were key tactical features during the Battle of Antietam.
Save Historic Antietam Association: Saved threatened land at Antietam.
Burkittsville Preservation Association: Obtained and preserved land and structures related to the Maryland Campaign.
Preserve Sacred Ground
For over 65 years, the Harrisburg Civil War Round Table has stood as guardian of America's most hallowed battlefields. From Gettysburg to Chancellorsville, from Antietam to Cold Harbor, we've helped preserve the sacred ground where Americans fought and fell in our nation's defining conflict.
These fields tell stories that textbooks cannot. They are classrooms without walls, monuments to sacrifice, and links to a past that shaped our present. But they are disappearing—threatened by development, time, and neglect.
Your donation ensures that future generations will walk these grounds, understand these sacrifices, and honor these stories. Every dollar helps us acquire threatened land, restore monuments, and protect the places where history was made.
Help us preserve what cannot be replaced.