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How to Help the Battle of RichmondCampaign needs 'Heroes'
The Battle of Richmond Heroes Capital Campaign Phase II was initiated in
March 2005 with a goal of raising $2.5 million during a five-year
period. This effort is designed to further preserve the history and
heritage of one of Kentucky’s major Civil War events.
The visitor's center, located at the intersection of U.S. 25 and U.S. 421, is the former Quarters 29 facility donated by the Bluegrass Army Depot. The living history site is located there and at the Barnett-Gibbs-Herndon house off U.S. 421, part of a 62-acre estate that also is the location of Battlefield Park. The park features interpreted walking trails, shelters, monuments and historical markers.
The total effort reflects the vision of the Battle of Richmond Association (BORA), which was formed in 2001 for the purpose of preserving and interpreting the land and other resources associated with the Battle of Richmond. BORA was formed as a partnership with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Madison County Historical Society, the Madison County Civil War Roundtable, the Bluegrass Army Depot, the City of Richmond's Tourism Department, Madison County Fiscal Court and Berea businesses and officials. All of these organizations are represented on BORA's board of directors.
Battlefield Park and the Battle of Richmond Visitor's Center and living history area are designed to inform and involve visitors by bringing to life the personalities and strategies of the battle through interactive exhibits, living history programs and battle reenactments. The project will provide all Kentuckians and Civil War enthusiasts with a coherent picture of a past and heritage that otherwise would be forgotten.
The park concept, in its entirety, includes all acreage within National Register boundaries and will encompass more than 500 acres. It also will develop a natural greenbelt area between the growing cities of Richmond and Berea.
In addition, the project is the cleanest form of economic-tourism development. The dollars and sense of battlefield preservation is clearly evident for Madison County in that the nearby I-75 corridor carries more than 50,000 cars per day.
The Perryville Battlefield in Boyle County draws more than 265,000 visitors per year, and it's estimated that the Richmond-Berea area can expect similar numbers in future years. Using a conservative tourism multiplier factor of $30 spent in the local community per visitor, per day (at restaurants, motels, service stations, retail establishments), this can result in a direct economic impact of $7.95 million generated per year.
Some key financial support already has been received for the Battle of Richmond effort. In January 2002, the Madison County Fiscal Court applied, in cooperation with BORA, for federal TEA transportation funds to buy land, make improvements and maintain property associated with preserving the battlefield. In October 2002, Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton announced the $500,000 TEA award. Since then, Madison County government has developed the Battlefield Park concept and agreed to become a full partner in the project, establishing the area as part of an extensive county-wide park system.
In November 2003, the Madison County Fiscal Court agreed to purchase Battlefield Golf Course and other acreage surrounding the battlefield site. The $1.25 million purchase of 207 acres was finalized in January 2004. Additional financial assistance was realized in October 2004 when a $654,000 Transportation Equity Act (TEA) grant was received for repair, restoration and improvements at Battlefield Park and the battlefield corridor. Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher was instrumental in the awarding of the grant. The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) of the National Park Service approved a $1 million grant in May 2005 for the purchase of 300 additional acres of battlefield property. The grant, which must be matched, will be applied toward land adjacent to Battlefield Park. Previously, the ABPP awarded a grant to develop Richmond’s comprehensive battlefield preservation plan. And, the Civil War Preservation Trust provided a $10,000 down payment on the Herndon property after it was purchased for more than $600,000 at auction in November 2001. Matching funds for grants, however, must be raised. The Battle of Richmond Heroes Campaign provides this opportunity, offering donors and corporations a variety of naming and society opportunities. These include:
• The Gen. Kirby Smith Society, for contributions of $25,000 or more;
• The Gen. William (Bull) Nelson Society, for gifts of $10,000 or $24,999;
• The Gen. Patrick Cleburne Society, for those contributing $5,000-$9,999;
• The Col. John Scott Cavalry Society, for contributors of $2,500-$4,999,
• The Dean Warren Lambert Society, for gifts of $1,000-$2,499.
A lifetime giving program also is being developed.
You can help by completing the form below and mailing or e-mailing it to the
Battle of Richmond Association. Your support is needed and will be appreciated.
Heroes Campaign Pledge Card
Name _____________________________________
Company __________________________________
Address ___________________________________
City ______________________________________
State_______________ Zip Code ______________
Phone _____________________________________
I/We pledge $_________________ per year for (circle one) 3 years 5 years
Enclosed is my
check, made payable to the Battle of
Remainder $_____________
Beginning Date _________Ending Date ___________
Signature ____________________________________
Date ____________________
Major Donor Recognition
Gen. Kirby Smith Society......................$25,000 or more
Gen. William (Bull) Nelson Society.....$10,000-$24,999
Gen. Patrick Cleburne Society ................$5,000-$9,999
Col. John Scott Cavalry Society................$2,500-$4,999
Dean Warren Lambert Society.................$1,000-$2,499
Battle of Richmond Hero Society.................................... .................................................Lifetime Giving Program
Mail checks to: Battle of Richmond Association 101 Battlefield Memorial Highway Richmond, KY 40475
Donations are tax-deductible to extent provided by law. The Battle of Richmond Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with U.S. Tax ID number 30-0108547. For more information, contact Paul Rominger at 859-248-1974 or e-mail us at pdrominger@netscape.net
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