PARK DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 9 AM-1 PM

two sites:

Smith Tract: Griffin-Yeates Center 1490 Government Rd., Williamsburg 23185

Bloody Ravine: Country Inn & Suites 7135 Pocohontas Trail, Williamsburg 23185

8:30 - Check-in and refreshments
9:00 - Program and project start

SMITH TRACT: Traditional roadside litter pick up and trimming of saplings and small woody plants along the roadside. Tools needed are loppers and weed eaters. Trash bags will be provided. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes. A short topic on the history of the site will be presented. (6-10 volunteers needed).

BLOODY RAVINE: Roadside litter pick up and removal of fallen tree limbs. Removal of saplings and low hanging limbs to better facilitate seasonal mowing. Planting of small landscape bed around the American Battlefield Trust sign. Tools needed are hoes, small trowels, wheelbarrows, manual or powered pole saws, and small chainsaws. Trash bags, flowers, planting soil, and mulch will be provided. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes. A short topic on the history of the site will be presented. (12-15 volunteers needed).

Rain Date: Sunday, April 26 @ 1:00-4:00 PM.

AUTHOR PRESENTATION & WBA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

SATURDAY, MAY 2

author presentation @ 10 - 11 AM WBA Annual membership Meeting @ 11 AM - Noon

wyndham garden - YORKTOWN ROOM 201 water country parkway Williamsburg 23185

At Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862, Major John Pelham fought at least five Union batteries with just one lone gun. The young, dashing Alabama officer earned the compliments and admiration of soldiers, generals, and Southern society - all while transforming the concept of horse artillery on Civil War battlefields, starting here at Williamsburg. After his death in 1863, his place as a beloved Southern hero soared. His status as a Lost Cause martyr exacted a price, though. Admirers transformed Pelham’s memory into “the beau ideal of Confederate arms,” sometimes altering and clouding the realities of his life. His memory has been trapped there ever since - until now. In her recently published work, Glorious Courage, author and historian Sarah Kay Bierle reconsiders Pelham’s extraordinary, if short, life in a way unvarnished by the perspectives shoved upon him by later generations.

All are welcome to attend Ms. Bierle’s presentation. The program is free.

Following Ms. Bierle’s presentation will be a brief recess during which time attendees can purchase Glorious Courage and enjoy refreshments. The WBA Annual Membership Meeting will commence after the break.

all are welcome to attend the meeting, but only members can vote on business matters.

GIVE LOCAL 757 - MAY 5 MIDNIGHT - TO -MIDNIGHT

Give where you live!  Give Local 757 is a fundraising event for non-profits in Hampton Roads.  The WBA is a registered participant and invites your support.  This year, the event coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Williamsburg. For 24 hours beginning at midnight on May 5, you can make an online, tax-deductible donation to the WBA at www.givelocal757.org. Funds raised enable us to operate as an organization and to provide quality programs for members, supporters, and friends.  Our goal this year is $2,800.  As always, we are grateful for your interest and support in helping us preserve Williamsburg’s Civil War stories and battlefield parcels.