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
