What We Do

Since 2013 we’ve worked to ensure that Manassas National Battlefield Park is widely recognized, valued, protected, and supported in its mission to preserve in perpetuity the sites of the First and Second Battles of Manassas.

Our Mission

Founded in 2013, The Manassas Battlefield Trust supports The Manassas National Battlefield Park and joins its neighbors and friends in preserving unimpaired the sites of the First and Second Battles of Manassas for the inspiration, enjoyment, and education of this and future generations. The Trust achieves this through community engagement, service projects, advocacy, education programs, and sponsorships.

The Trust is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the official philanthropic partner of The Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Our Guiding Goals

  • Goal 1 - Advocacy and Communication

    Support and protect The Manassas National Battlefield Park locally, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, and nationally. Communicate effectively the park’s values, needs, and importance.

  • Goal 2 - Education

    Ensure that this and the next generation of Americans understand the meaning, legacy, and importance of the Battles of Manassas and the American Civil War.

  • Goal 3 - Fund Raising and Development

    Assist the park in its operation and mission. Enhance its ability to acquire, conserve, or restore significant historic buildings, objects, landscapes, and sites associated with the First and Second Battles of Manassas.

  • Goal 4 - Partnerships

    Develop, participate in, and sustain a collaborative network of local and national/ public and private partners in furtherance of the Trust’s and the Park’s mission.

  • Goal 5 - Trust Organizational Development

    Build and strengthen the Manassas Battlefield Trust to maximize our support for Manassas National Battlefield Park.

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“Some kid a hundred years from now is going to get interested in the Civil War and want to see those places. He’s going to go down there and see a parking lot. I’m fighting for that kid.”

—Brian C. Pohanka (1955-2005), Civil War Historian & Preservationist

What We’ve Achieved

  • Purchased General Fitz John Porter’s dress sword to become part of the permanent collection of Manassas National Battlefield Park.

  • Raised over $7,000 to assist the park in purchasing fence rails to recreate historic fence lines.

  • Launched the 'Adopt-your-Battlefield' campaign to support cultural landscape maintenance projects that the park has identified as significant.

  • Served as a consulting party supporting the interests of the National Park Service on both the I-66 expansion project and the discovery of soldier's remains on the battlefield.

  • Responded to the recent government shutdown by raising funds to repair damages done to the park while insufficiently staffed. These funds allowed the park to repair a gate that was hit during that time.

  • Partnered with the Prince William Half Marathon to share battlefield history with the racers.

  • Raised $5,400 to cover unexpected costs for the restoration of cannon tubes and carriages.

  • Hosted historian and naturalist led programs, as well as a paint night, as fundraisers to help us support Manassas National Battlefield.

  • Held our third annual "Christmas 1862" event, a special living history event at the historic Stone House to tell the story of Christmas during the Civil War.

  • Successfully partnered with the Civil War Trust to apply for a Virginia Battlefields Protection Fund grant, resulting in a $150,000 award to preserve a tract of battlefield land.

  • Established a 'Monument Preservation Fund' to help the park preserve Union and Confederate monuments on the battlefield.

  • Purchased insurance to protect artifacts on loan in the park Visitor Center.

  • Pledged to raise $275,000 for the analysis and restoration of the M.J. Dogan House.