Two Rivers Giving Circle Honors Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association
Two Rivers Giving Circle member Peter Smith, right, presents the award to Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association President Mike Nickerson. Courtesy photo
The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association (SBPA) has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Conservation Award by the Two Rivers Giving Circle. The award was presented during a picnic at Far Away Farm, a significant historical site southeast of Shepherdstown.
Protecting the Battle of Shepherdstown Site
Established in 2005, the SBPA aims to safeguard and preserve the Battle of Shepherdstown site. This significant battle occurred on September 19 and 20, 1862, following the battle of Antietam. With over 625 casualties, it remains the bloodiest Civil War battle in present-day West Virginia.
The battlefield site faced threats of development in 2004 when a Maryland builder proposed a 152-home subdivision on the 120-acre Far Away Farm, located at the heart of the site.
Successful Preservation Efforts
Since then, the SBPA has been at the forefront of efforts to block the Far Away Farm development. Through collaborations with partner organizations, they have successfully protected hundreds of surrounding acres through conservation easements and outright purchases.
Last November, the controversy surrounding the site came to an end when the developer transferred Far Away Farm to the American Battlefield Trust. Currently, the trust is in the process of transferring the farm to the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, which already holds titles to other purchased battlefield lands.
The long-term goal is to incorporate all of the lands held by the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission into the Antietam National Battlefield.
Acknowledgement from Two Rivers Giving Circle
Peter Smith, a member of the Two Rivers Giving Circle, presented the award to the SBPA. In his speech, Smith commended the association for their instrumental role in safeguarding the battlefield site. He praised their determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment, expressing gratitude on behalf of the community.
Two Rivers Giving Circle and Their Mission
The Two Rivers Giving Circle, operating under the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, is a field of interest fund that focuses on natural resources conservation and historic preservation in the Eastern Panhandle. Since its inception in 2008, it has provided over $120,000 in grants to local organizations.
Each year, the giving circle honors an individual or organization that has demonstrated exemplary leadership in these fields. The award, always crafted by a local artist, was a stunning drawing by Shepherdstown artist Rebecca Grace Jones this year.
To learn more about the giving circle or to inquire about membership, visit www.ewvcf.org. Contributions of any amount are welcomed and appreciated.