“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays”
Joshua Chamberlain, October 3, 1889
Dedication of the 20th Maine Monument, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Join us on September 25-27, 2026, for a special gathering to celebrate the triumphs of the modern-day Civil War battlefield preservation movement in the Eastern Theater. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF), an organization critical to the preservation and interpretation of the Battle of Antietam. This gathering serves as an opportunity to champion not only the preservation work of SHAF, but also that of other Civil War preservation groups.
Our line-up features fourteen academic scholars, public historians, and battlefield preservationists, many who have shaped the modern-day Civil War battlefield preservation movement. Join us for three days of battlefield walks, lectures, and discussions that consider the imperative of Civil War battlefield preservation.
“Early bird” attendees can kick-off the conference on Friday morning with a battlefield walk at Antietam. This year’s program is anchored by two immersive battlefield tours, one of Harpers Ferry, led by Dennis Frye, and another of Antietam, led by Dennis Frye, Tom Clemens, and Garry Adelman. These field experiences give attendees a chance to stand on historic terrain while learning of monumental victories in battlefield preservation from the people on the front lines of these efforts.
Dr. Caroline Janney will give the keynote address on the origins of battlefield preservation and commemoration. Friday’s events will feature a discussion with Dennis Frye and Tom Clemens on “Celebrating SHAF at 40,” followed by a lecture from A. Wilson Greene on the creation and early years of the Association of Preservation of Civil War Sites (the modern-day American Battlefield Trust). Then, on Saturday, Clark “Bud” Hall will highlight the preservation of Brandy Station and Civil War sites in Culpeper County, Virginia. Then, Dr. John Latschar, former superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, will offer a discussion of the monumental and landmark battlefield rehabilitation efforts achieved during his tenure. Saturday evening will feature a panel discussion on preservation with several of our faculty members.
Representatives from regional preservation organizations, including Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, National Parks Conservation Association, Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association, and Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, will participate in a roundtable on preservation challenges and successes.
Author books will be available for sale on Friday thanks to our friends at the Harpers Ferry Park Association.
Registration is available here. More information and event itinerary available here.
Have additional questions? Please contact CWC Director, Dr. Jennifer Murray at jmurr01@shepherd.edu or Program Coordinator Kristen Marino at kmarino@shepherd.edu