Saving Rich Hill

[L Verge]

All of these are great ideas that Dave and I can pass on to the Society. Don't forget the appeal that tax write-offs can have for donors either. As for plaques on walls with lists of donors, that is now considered improper in a pure museum setting. However, it does not mean such things can't be shown in a visitors' center area. The list can grow quite long, though, and require the extra expense of plaques (which are not cheap).

The College of Southern Maryland is right down the road from Rich Hill, and its president, Dr. Bradley Gottfreid, is a Civil War author and a firm supporter of restoring Rich Hill. I'm sure he will have contacts. I have already suggested that the Society consider making contact with the University of Maryland, which has a graduate program in historic preservation.

I can already anticipate one drawback: There will be people who will question why a site related to the Lincoln assassination is being preserved. Surratt House has encountered such remarks numerous times over the years. At first, we were accused of memorializing a murderer! We established the policy from the very beginning that we do not take a stand as to Mrs. Surratt's guilt or innocence as part of the museum's mission. We present evidence from both sides and hope to inspire visitors to leave with the feeling that they need to read more and form their own opinion. We have then worked very hard to build respect as an institution of research and learning.

I watched just today as Lindsey Horn (Dave's girlfriend and a member of my staff) gave a two-hour talk and discussion to a woman and her elderly mother. It lasted that long because the visitors were constantly asking deep questions about the whole subject -- and Lindsey knows her history and gave wonderful answers and thoughts. Once we clear the hurdle of finances, the administrators at Rich Hill have the same opportunity to carry on excellent historical interpretation.

As you can tell, I'm really excited about the prospect of saving this great old site.