Key Piece of Land Preserved at Gettysburg

Gettysburg Foundation receives land donation

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 4/10/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE �

CONTACT:
Dru Anne Neil
Director of Communications & Marketing

Gettysburg Foundation

The Gettysburg Foundation today announced the donation of a 45-acre tract of land adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park and within the Battlefield Historic District. The land, donated by Gettysburg residents Wayne and Susan Hill sits near the eastern base of Big Round Top at the southern end of the battlefield. Hill is president of Gettysburg Construction Company.

�The Gettysburg Foundation is honored to receive this donation to ensure that another key piece of land associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and within the Battlefield Historic District will be preserved for future generations,� said Barbara J. Finfrock, Vice Chair of the Board of the Gettysburg Foundation.

�I have a great affinity for the park and the Foundation,� said Hill, �so I�m happy we were able to make this donation. The land is a natural, beautiful spot, and now we�re sure it will stay that way.� Hill is a former board member of the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg.

On July 2, 1863, Union skirmishers would have been in this area, and on July 3, the final day of the battle Union Cavalry units were in this area as they participated in the final conflicts of the three-day battle.

�This is a win-win-win for everybody because there was battle action in this area but the real significance is environmental,� said Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent John Latschar. �It�s Plum Run, which is a famous name on the battlefield as well as critical wetlands and wildlife habitat.�

To date, the Foundation has helped Gettysburg National Military Park preserve more than 600 acres of land. Last year, the Foundation was able to purchase the 80-acre George Spangler Farm, a privately owned parcel within the park boundary.

The Gettysburg Foundation is a private, nonprofit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. The Foundation raised funds for and now operates the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opened last April.

For information about the Foundation, about making a donation, or about visiting Gettysburg, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 or the administrative offices at 717-338-1243