Reminder – SHAF Annual Membership meeting Saturday, April 20, 12:30 p.m. Boonsboro Branch of the Washington County Free Library

We will have updates on SHAF activities, financial reports, elections and a speaker, Steve Stotelmyer, who will talk about his new book, From Frederick to Sharpsburg: People, Places, and Events of the Maryland Campaign before Antietam, which will also be available for purchase.

Here is a brief discussion of Steve’s book:

The Battle of Antietam stands out as the single bloodiest day’s combat in American history. More people were killed or injured on September 17, 1862, than any other day in our nation’s entire history. With 23,000 casualties it is understandable that this single event tends to take the spotlight in the Maryland Campaign of 1862. Consequently, because of the enormous carnage around Sharpsburg, a shadow has been cast over other people and places involved in the days leading up to that momentous event. However, Robert E. Lee did not begin crossing the Potomac on September 4, 1862, just so he could fight at Sharpsburg 13 days later with his back to that same river. For those who gave that last measure of devotion, Jug Bridge was just as dangerous as Burnside Bridge. One could end up just as dead at Quebec Schoolhouse as Dunkard Church. “From Frederick to Sharpsburg” sheds light on some of the other participants and events long obscured in the shadow cast by America’s bloodiest day.

Steven R. Stotelmyer is a native of Hagerstown, Maryland. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State College and a Master of Arts from Hood College in Frederick, MD. Stotelmyer was a founding member of the Central Maryland Heritage League in 1989 which helped preserve some of the South Mountain Battlefield. He is also the author of The Bivouacs of the Dead: The Story of Those Who Died at Antietam and South Mountain (Toomey Press, 1992), and Too Useful To Sacrifice, Reconsidering George B. McClellan’s Generalship in the Maryland Campaign from South Mountain to Antietam. (Savas Beatie, 2019). Steve is a National Park Service Volunteer as well as a Certified Antietam Battlefield and South Mountain Battlefield Tour Guide.

We hope to see you there!

SHAF is pleased to announce our 2024 Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 20. We will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Boonsboro branch of the Washington County Free Library in the public meeting room. The library is located on MD Rt. 34, just on the west edge of Boonsboro.  We will hear a report from the SHAF board, including financials, hold our annual elections, and answer any questions from the membership. Steve Stotelmyer will provide a short talk, the topic TBA.

After our meeting, we will visit the historic Avey farm, recently acquired by the American Battlefield Trust, and the site of our recent Work Day. All SHAF members are welcome to attend, and comments, questions, and statements can also be sent to our website.  As always, our warmest thanks for your support and donations.

Space is somewhat limited but should be sufficient. It would help if you would let us know you’re attending, but not required. We hope to see you there!

Approximately 30 members and supporters of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation gathered at the historic Avey farm on the southeast side of Sharpsburg for SHAF’s annual spring work day. Participants in the work day cleared vegetation and invasive species away from the historic structures to restore the landscape to its 1862 appearance.

At the beginning of the work day, Antietam Battlefield Guide and author Jim Rosebrock shared a brief battle history of the property with our volunteers.

SHAF partnered with the American Battlefield Trust, who owns the battlefield land, for this year’s spring work day. Thanks to all those who supported SHAF today!

For many years SHAF has marked the sites of Headquarters and Hospitals related to the Maryland Campaign of 1862. Of course we do this only with the property owners’ permission, and at no cost to them. We also put ” private property” on the signs to protect the privacy of the residents 

This farm belonged to Jacob Funk Miller, brother of David R. Miller, the owner of the famous Cornfield on Antietam Battlefield. Soldiers of the Ninth Corps were treated in the barn and Gen. Burnside used the house as his headquarters. The current owners are very happy to display these signs to illustrate the historical importance of their farm. If you, or someone you know, own a property that is connected to the  Maryland Campaign, and would like a sign, please let us know. 

SHAF’s semi-annual Work Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, (weather permitting, cancellation will be posted on our website & FB page), starting at 9:00 a.m. We will be clearing brush and small trees on the Avey farm, 124 East High St. Sharpsburg, MD. Please wear appropriate work clothing, and bring work gloves, and hand tools such as hand saws, pruners, etc. We will have a power chipper on site, so having some ear protection is a good idea too. The property is owned by the American Battlefield Trust and we will need to sign liability waivers before working. We will work until early or mid-afternoon, and you may leave whenever you choose. Some of the Rho Kappa Social Sciences Honor Society may join us, and I can sign forms for those needing volunteer hours for graduation requirements. It is a good idea to bring water or other soft drinks, and Burkholder’s Bakery is just a short distance away for anyone caving baked goodies.

We look forward to seeing you there. Call 301-331-3877 for further information.