Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc.

MISSION

The Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc., formed in 1992, is a non-profit, publicly supported 501 (c) 3 corporation dedicated to preserving, protecting, maintaining and interpreting the Mill Springs Battlefield. The battlefield was designated by the Department of the Interior as one of the top twenty-five “most endangered battlefields” in the United States.

VISION

The Association has steadily grown and continues its valuable efforts in the field of battlefield preservation. To date, nearly 500 acres of battlefield lands in Pulaski and Wayne Counties have been acquired and preserved with funding obtained primarily through the Pulaski County and Wayne County Fiscal Courts, the Civil War Preservation Trust, the American Battlefield Protection Program of the National Park Service, Land and Water Conservation Funds, the Transportation Enhancement Act (ISTEA/TEA-21) and through private donations and memberships.

BACKGROUND

Facilities: At the helm of our operation sits a $1.7 million, 10,000 sq. ft. Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum, which opened November 4, 2006, in Nancy, KY. Here visitors start their Civil War journey with a free 20-minute video on the History of the Battle of Mill Springs. The Visitor Center also includes a 3000 sq. ft. Museum, Civil War Reference Library, a Gift Shop, and a Community Room.

Interpretation of the battlefield includes extensive use of split rail fences in the battlefield area, directional and interpretive signage. A self-guided walking tour, on designated trails, gives the visitor a 360 degree experience of the battlefield. A driving tour can be taken using the 10-stop Driving Tour Brochure. Guided tours are also available for groups. The battlefield and all land associated has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Collection: The museum hosts authentic Mill Springs Battlefield artifacts, authentic Civil War artifacts, and replicas of Civil War weapons, clothing and artifacts. Many of the authentic items are on loan from local private collections. The Museum also occasionally hosts traveling exhibits related to Civil War or Local history. We also occasionally display post-Civil War items due to our proximity to the Mill Springs National Cemetery.

Programs: The Association hosts several educational programs and events annually: Anniversary, Meet Mr. Lincoln, Memorial Day Services, Living History Weekend, Mill Springs Heritage Festival, Ghostwalk, Christmas Open House. These events offer potential to build tourist and membership audience.

Human and Financial Resources: The Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc. operates with an annual budget of $200,000. The staff currently includes two full-time and five part-time employees, who are supported by volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the 15-member board of the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc.