CVBT-30 Years of Battlefield Preservation “60 for 30”

OUR Mission

“The mission of Central Virginia Battlefields Trust is to preserve land associated with the four major Civil War campaigns:

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, and the Overland Campaign, including the Wilderness and Spotsylvania.”

Within an 18 month span nearly 200,000 combatants converged on this small area leaving over 100,000 casualties and a devastated landscape. Today, these historic places are seriously threatened by ever-encroaching sprawl, housing developments, data centers, warehouse distribution centers, and traffic congestion.

Our Success

Since its establishment in 1996, the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust (CVBT) has played a significant role in historic preservation within Central Virginia. The organization has preserved more than 2,000 acres of endangered battlefield land, investing over $8 million toward safeguarding these critical sites. These efforts have encompassed over 42 individual battlefield locations, ensuring the protection and remembrance of important chapters in American history.

CVBT operates with remarkable efficiency, employing only two staff members. The President and all members of the board serve entirely on a volunteer basis. This lean organizational structure enables CVBT to maximize the allocation of donations directly toward battlefield preservation, demonstrating a strong commitment to their mission and responsible stewardship of resources.

Advocacy

In addition to purchasing land, our mission includes advocacy for battlefield preservation. At the state and federal levels, advocacy is in many cases relatively impersonal. However, at the local level, closer to home and in our communities, advocacy can be more personal, and therefore can become more confrontational. Consequently, CVBT decided early on to work in cooperation with local governments rather than in opposition to them. Over the years, we have joined in partnership with developers, preservation organizations, and local governments on several projects. We are proud of the solutions that have resulted in preserved acreage.

Education

Each year, the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust (CVBT) hosts a three-day Annual Conference and a popular Spring Seminar. These events bring together a diverse group of historians, authors, and subject matter experts who present programs designed to deepen members’ and guests’ understanding of a pivotal period in American history. Through engaging lectures, panel discussions, and educational sessions, participants gain valuable insights and perspectives, contributing to a richer appreciation of historical events and their lasting impact.

CVBT is committed to fostering historical awareness among younger generations through its annual “Youth Day” event. Local students participate in hands-on activities on a selected battlefield, giving them a direct connection to the site’s history. Following their volunteer work, students attend a specially designed program that explains the actions that took place on the battlefield, exploring both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind the events. This initiative aims to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper understanding of American history.

In 2025, CVBT launched an ambitious program to open many of its preserved battlefields to the public. Over time, CVBT has worked diligently to acquire enough contiguous land to make this initiative possible. The opening of these sites will feature the creation of educational signage and walking trails, offering visitors immersive opportunities to explore and learn about the historical significance of the battlefields. This project represents a major step forward in CVBT’s mission to promote public engagement with history and to protect invaluable cultural resources for generations to come.

Future – Continuing the Mission

CVBT’s commitment to battlefield preservation remains stronger than ever. By staying proactive, embracing new opportunities, and fostering partnerships within the community, the organization continues to make a positive impact—preserving history while enriching the quality of life for all. With perseverance and a clear vision, CVBT stands as a leader in both historic preservation and community enhancement.

As CVBT President Tom Van Winkle wisely observes, “Battlefield preservation is a game of chess, not checkers; it takes time and perseverance to accomplish our mission.” This sentiment encapsulates the strategic and patient approach necessary for successful preservation. Each project involves careful planning, negotiation, and collaboration, often requiring years of effort and unwavering dedication. CVBT’s leadership understands that the path to protecting these invaluable landscapes is complex, but through determination and thoughtful strategy, meaningful progress is achieved.

Support

Most importantly is the support you all give CVBT that allows us to preserve these battlefields and keep our history alive. You are our Partners in Preservation and without you we can not succeed.

Your commitment and generosity have been an essential part of CVBT’s progress. From preserving endangered battlefields to educating the public about their significance, none of this would have been possible without dedicated partners like you. As we reflect on the past 30 years, we want to thank you for standing with us and making history together.

2026 will be a celebration of three decades of working in one of the most difficult areas of Virginia to preserve our history. We may celebrate but we can not stop our mission.

“60 for 30” Year End Appeal

To commemorate each year of CVBT’s crucial work, our goal is to raise $2,000 for every year we have been reclaiming history—a total fundraising goal of $60,000. With your support, we can continue our mission to protect and interpret these historical sites for future generations.

Won’t you help us celebrate all our hard work over the past 30 years? Together, we can make this milestone year truly unforgettable. Please consider making a special gift to honor CVBT’s legacy and pave the way for even greater preservation efforts in the future.

Thank you for being part of history. Thank you for being part of CVBT.

Thank You!