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Free Zoom Program – CVBT President Tom Van Winkle

  • Tom Van Winkle Gives a talk on:
  • Central Virginia Battlefield Trust – Land Preservation and the 23rd USCT Battlefield Acquisition

Free Zoom Presentation Sponsored by The African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table

May 7 @ 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Thomas Van Winkle has been a member of the CVBT Board of Directors and has held the position of CVBT Communications Director since 2007. In May of 2016 Tom was elected President of CVBT. His extensive experience includes roles such as Newsletter Editor, Battlefield Preservation Director, Membership Director, and serving five terms as President of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield. Additionally, he has held the position of Secretary for the Friends of Fredericksburg Area Battlefields.

Tom is a prolific writer, contributing historical and preservation articles to publications such as The Civil War News, The Free Lance-Star, Culpeper Star Exponent, Wilderness Dispatch, and The Skirmish Line. His work has also appeared in magazines like On the Front Line and Blue & Gray, as well as chapters in several books. Furthermore, Tom has demonstrated his talents in film and television as a Producer, Writer, Director, and Editor with Heritage Media, LLC., where he helped create several historical films such as Civil War Fredericksburg: Then & Now, Fire on the Rappahannock, and The Dilemma of Robert E. Lee “Contest for the Constitution. Tom also wrote and directed for the local Heritage Media, LLC., cable TV series History Scene.

Beyond his preservation and writing endeavors, Tom has built a distinguished career within the financial services sector. Employed by Ally Financial Insurance Division for over 37 years, Tom has served in a number of specialized roles, including Automotive Dealer Fixed Operations Specialist, Loss Cost Control Specialist, Forensic Auditor, and Lead Field Staff Trainer in the United States and Canada.

Tom will provide an in-depth look at the origins of Civil War battlefield preservation, sharing how the movement began, and the steps and dedication required to protect these historic sites. He will recount several interesting and humorous little-known stories related to the purchase of battlefields, offering unique insights into the challenges and triumphs that have accompanied these efforts over the years.

In particular, Tom will review the journey that led to the acquisition of the first portion of the 1864 23rd USCT battlefield tract in Spotsylvania. He will outline CVBT’s ongoing plans to expand the preserved acreage, highlighting the organization’s commitment to honoring and safeguarding these important sites for future generations.

Additionally, Tom will discuss many of CVBT’s notable preservation successes throughout its history. As CVBT celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, he will share details about upcoming programs and initiatives designed to further the mission of battlefield preservation and public engagement.

Meeting ID: 831 8639 4888

Passcode: 438523

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