A Message From Our President

January 31, 2012 Dear Member: Thank you for your continued support of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War (1861-1865 ~~ 2011-2015), planning has begun for the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge which will be held on March 3 & 4, 2012. While this will only be the 147th anniversary of the battle, we expect this year’s event will set the stage for the upcoming 150th celebration. After many years of effort to expand State ownership, and hence protection, of the original battlefield, this year’s reenactment will take place entirely on the Rakestraw property which was purchased by the State in 2009. We will still have planned activities located on the original park grounds (i.e., living history demonstrations, period merchants, and food vendor), but use of the new property will enable us to expand the battle reenactments on Saturday and Sunday and provide a much more lively scenario. We also hope to increase reenactor attendance by providing additional space for the period camps. All-in-all, we are working toward making the Battle of Natural Bridge one of the premier reenacting events in North Florida. The NBHS-CSO has also made significant strides this past year toward our long term goals. Work has been completed on refurbishing the masonry joints on the stone monument, which had been showing significant signs of decay since its original construction in the 1920’s. The eagle atop the monument has also been removed and is currently undergoing restoration by the Division of Historic Resources, Florida Department of State. Plans also continue for the installation of a wrought iron fence around the monument in the fashion of one that existed at the park in the 1960’s. In addition, the State recently announced the successful acquisition of sections of the Gerrall Plantation which will expand the southeastern edge of the park all the way to the St. Marks River run. We wish to acknowledge the dedication of our members such as Ed Buist who provided oversight of the masonry repairs and the ladies of the Anna Jackson Chapter of the UDC for both financial and overall moral support of these projects. Last, but not least, thanks to all the Park Service staff for their cooperation and assistance. When you next visit the Park, make sure to give a hearty slap on the back to Mark Stevenson and Brian Keeffer, the two park rangers who managed to physically wrest the eagle from its perch without dropping it. In closing, it continues to be a joy working with such dedicated state employees and volunteers. I encourage more of you to take an active part in your CSO. Please take the time to renew your membership. Annual membership dues continue to support the day-to-day expenses and long term project goals of the NBHS, Inc. Also, if you are willing and able to help out at this year’s reenactment, even for just a few hours, please contact Bob Trapp at (850) 222-6192 or email btrapp@nbhscso.com Thank you again for your continued support. Sincerely, William “Buzz” Gifford, President

Another exciting year for the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. (NBHS), Citizen Support Organization (CSO), in our continued efforts to preserve, enhance, and promote the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. As you know, following the purchase of the Rakestraw property by the State in February, 2009, the NBHS applied for and received a $25,000 grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources to conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the new property. After navigating a number of bureaucratic hurdles, the CSO retained the services of the archaeological firm, Environmental Services, Inc (ESI). With the help of NBHS member volunteers, hundreds of pre-historic and battle related artifacts were recovered documenting this area as the heart of the battlefield. The primary “dig” was conducted in early December, 2009 with a follow-up in May 2010. ESI’s final report has now been delivered and the artifacts have been identified, catalogued and turned over to the State of Florida. The ESI final report will serve as the basis for our future efforts to interpret the Battlefield. On May 7, 2010 the NBHS was awarded the Stewards of Heritage Preservation Award by the Florida Archaeological Society.

At the August 7, 2010 summer meeting of the NBHS, Inc. Board of Directors minutes from a Park Planning meeting were handed out describing “next steps” toward developing an interpretive plan for the Park. The Rakestraw House was determined to be a useful structure to house educational programs that can be run by Park staff or volunteers. We were told that Park Planning will organize an on-site meeting to help determine points of interest for guided tours and to develop an interpretive plan for the Park. The CSO expressed its desire to be part of that planning process and submitted a proposed map for an interpretive trail through the Rakestraw property for consideration by the Park Service based on information from the ESI Phase I Archaeological Survey report.

. In October, 2010, District I staff informed the CSO of an $80,000 grant opportunity for fiscal year 2011 offered by the National Park Service. The CSO contacted Ms. Kristen McMasters, Grant Manager for the American Battlefield Protection Program, and determined that the Natural Bridge Battlefield qualified for two types of grants: land acquisition and planning. Applications for the planning grant were due by January 13, 2011. The CSO recommended and began working with the Park Service on a grant application to be submitted for the development of an interpretive plan for the Natural Bridge Battlefield. Authorization was given by District I management to prepare and submit a grant application. However, in December, we were informed that there was not sufficient time for the Park Service to develop and review a grant proposal. To the extent that similar grant opportunities exist for fiscal year 2012, the CSO strongly recommends that they be pursued and stands ready to provide volunteer assistance in the preparation and timely submission of a grant application. However, the Park Service must provide the necessary guidance, leadership, and management of such efforts.

During 2010, at the request of the Park Service, the CSO Board agreed to address the issue of handicapped access to the Rakestraw house. In order for the Rakestraw house to serve as an educational center for the Battlefield, it must be ADA compliant. We were advised that this is the next step in being able to open the house to the public. Concerns were raised about the Park Service’s suggestion to build a wooden access ramp because of the height and distance requirements of such a structure. It was decided that an electrical-mechanical lift providing unobstructed access from a handicapped parking space on the concrete drive to the back door inside the garage would be more appropriate. On November 10, 2010 at 3:22 P.M. an ADA certified lift from the American Medical Supply Company funded by the CSO at a cost of $3999 was delivered to the Rakestraw house and awaits installation.

In the area of public outreach, the CSO has made considerable progress in reaching out to other historically oriented organizations in the Tallahassee area. In 2009, the NBHS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and Mutual Support (MOU) with the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History. Representatives from the Riley Museum were invited and set up an informational booth at the 2010 reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge and participated in the speakers program during the event. In addition, members of the NBHS have been working with the Riley Museum to raise and instruct an African American reenacting unit to participate in the annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. The NBHS, Inc. has also recently entered into an MOU with the Tallahassee Historical Society and will be working with that organization to enhance public awareness of the importance of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Working together with these two well-established organizations will greatly enhance our ability to provide historical accuracy to our public education activities.

The NBHS has also established strong ties with the Anna Jackson Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). During 2010, UDC volunteers again provided invaluable assistance with CSO fund raising activities at the reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Most recently, the UDC has pledged $2,000 toward the erection of a protective fence around the stone monument at the Natural Bridge Battlefield which is currently being pursued by the CSO in concert with masonry repairs to the monument.

Fundraising to support CSO projects continues to be a challenge during these uncertain economic times. Our primary source of funds continues to be derived from the annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Where expenses for this event were once entirely paid for by the State, State funding for this event has all but disappeared. Current funding for the event now comes from donations from the public attending the event, corporate donations, and, to a lesser extent, the sale of T-shirts and medals at the event. After paying for event expenses, remaining funds become available to support CSO projects and program functions. Membership dues are also collected but are primarily used to support the CSO website, insurance, and other expenses. During 2010, we again received support from the Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 who provided food services at the reenactment with a portion of their proceeds donated to the CSO. We also received significant support from the Leon Lodge No 5 International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) as well as other smaller donations from some of the local businesses. However, with the change in ownership of the Wakulla Bank, we lost one of our major contributors.

As such, the CSO continues to place emphasis on maintaining and improving the quality of the annual reenactment. We take pride in the fact that our event is known as “fun and family friendly” within the reenactor and living history communities and that we continue to receive positive feedback from the public. With the State’s purchase of the Rakestraw property, plans began in 2009 and into 2010 to expand the reenactment onto the new property. At the 2010 summer meeting of the CSO Board of Directors, we received permission to conduct the Saturday skirmish on the Rakestraw property during the 2011 reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. On March 5, 2011, for the first time in 146 years, Confederate and Union combatants formed for battle on the Rakestraw property. Also, for only the second time since the Battle of Natural Bridge has been reenacted, African American troops representing the 2nd Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in the skirmish. The public present to witness this historic occasion were congenially greeted and escorted to the comfort of bench seating erected in advance by the Park Service staff. Persons with special needs were provided motorized transportation to and from the viewing area. The planning for and execution of this first reenactment on the new Rakestraw property was flawless. Enough can not be said for the considerable effort made by the Tallahassee-St. Marks Administration staff, volunteers, and living historians that worked so hard to bring this to fruition. We look forward to continuing to work with the Park staff to make the Battle of Natural Bridge one of the premier Civil War events in Florida.

In closing, the NBHS reaffirms our dedication and support of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. We look forward to continuing our mission to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and recreational aspects of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park.

Sincerely,

Mark Rominger, Past President 2009-2010

William F. (Buzz) Gifford, President

We recently had our 10-year anniversary. Formed to help protect and preserve the Natural Bridge Battlefield, a core group of members have tirelessly toiled for many years to raise money and find ways to purchase or acquire more of the actual battlefield. These efforts however made only very modest progress.

There’s a saying, that timing is everything. In early 2008 things began to change. First, we reinvigorated and changed the Board of Directors. Next, we partnered with the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), the largest most respected civil war focused not-for-profit in the country. The CWPT listed Natural Bridge in their literature as one of the 10 most endangered battlefields in the country. With this new ammunition, several of us on the Board began to work anew behind the scenes to get the State to take a “fresh” look at the possible purchase of the Rakestraw property.

Then, with the assistance of the Florida Park Service (FPS), several of us on the Board began to attend state meetings on the purchase of the Rakestraw property. In November 2008 the land purchase details were worked out by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with support from the CWPT. Nearly everything we had hoped for was finally coming to fruition but, we had to wait until the spring of 2009 before the land was finally acquired.

In June 2009 as recognition for all our efforts, the CWPT bestowed on the NBHS the prestigious 2009 Brian Pohanka award for Best Preservation Group of the Year.

Now the real work is just beginning. The FPS has guided us through the application process for a grant to pay for a phase I archaeological survey of the property, which must be conducted. The grant was approved for $25,000 and the work is tentatively scheduled to begin this fall. We now need your participation more than ever. Part of the grant is based on using NBHS members to help with the archaeological work. We need to increase our membership and any active dues paying member can actually participate alongside the archaeologists exploring and excavating the property.

In closing, I want to thank all the NBHS members for their support over the years. A special thanks to:

• Bob Trapp - Secretary/Treasurer for all his administrative / financial work and negotiations with the Elks;

• Buzz Gifford - Vice President for his outstanding help with grants and contracts;

• John Boger - Director for getting the NBHS website going. You should take time and visit the website at www.nbhscso.com

• Sharon Brewer – Director who has been most helpful and made herself available for business;

• Chris Ellrich NBHS Member who has been meeting with the Riley House Museum and is near having a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and working agreement with them.

We need your participation NOW more than ever! I challenge you to bring in new members from your friends, neighbors and people of like minds interested in preservation of history. I look forward to seeing more of you in the months to come as we work on NBHS issues together.

Mark Rominger - President