MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

volved. It is a big project and we need many enthusiasts to make it a success.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and his many friends, I would like to particularly thank Joe Motter for his great leadership and generous contribution of time and resources as the first President of the Friends of South Mountain Battlefield, and as V.P and President of the former Friends of Gathland. Joe and his wife Barbara are in England for a few years with their respective companies and we wish them the best of luck.

And, as important to our organization, the welcoming aboard as new officers, myself as President and Chris Anders, V. P. for Civil War Matters.  Chris is replacing Steve Stotelmyer. 

See you all at the next meeting on August 11, 2001 @ 9 a.m. at Greenbrier Visitor Center.                                                   Bill Clipper , President

them"?  At this time,  the answer would have to be "No".  However, along with the designation will be coming six new permanent positions, a seasonal staff and over a half million dollars in operating funds.  In addition, we have been allotted $28,000.00 for a study of the current museums to see what can be done to bring them up to an appropriate level of interpretation.  All of this became available July 1st.

Next July, there will be an additional half million to go towards the installation of the exhibits at all three museums, two at Gathland and one at Washington Monument.  We are currently trying to double that amount by applying for a Scenic Byways grant, using that money as the match to apply for the extra funds.  Maryland's first Civil War Trail, similar in design to the ones already in place in Virginia, will pass through Burkittsville and Gathland State Park, with side trails to the other two gaps.  The text for the interpretive markers for this trail has already been approved and they are into the construction phase at this time.  The Blue-Grey Education Society has also contacted me to present a plan to put additional interpretive markers around the battlefield.

So, in spite of my initial response that we are not currently ready for the people already coming to the battlefield, things are definitely looking up.  With the current plans and efforts being explored, I would have to say that within the next two years you will see a significant change on the battlefield.  Interest is extremely high in this project.  As

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With the designation of the "South Mountain State Battlefield" becoming official in October of last year, things have been very busy since.  The word has spread around the Civil War community, and many people have been coming to the area already this spring.  Both individuals and organized tours by bus have traveled across the roads on the mountain this spring.  More than 33 bus tours have taken part in tours and more are planned.

With this in mind, the next logical question would be, "Are we ready for

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