Second Quarter Newsletter, April 1 - June 30, 2026
- Apr 1
- 8 min read
Second Quarter Newsletter 2026
Inquiring Minds Want to Know...
Exciting News to Share!!!!!
FOWB has joined the ranks of Owning Historic Property!
Front of house. Note the two doors. The cement front porch was added at a much later date.
Photo by Beth Stenstrom.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, FOWB closed on a historic piece of property that falls within the Study Area of the Mine Run Campaign, in Orange County, VA. We have been working closely with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to place this property under easement, in order for it to be preserved and protected for generations to come.
The property is 42.3 acres and comes with a historic structure. Elizabeth Lipford, with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, believes it to be a story and a half, middle class dwelling, and that many features in the home date back to the American Civil War or earlier. Some of the original log walls are still visible inside the house, although the outside has been covered by siding. The house will require extensive restoration and preservation, and we are working with experts to learn what we need to do and how to get it done professionally. We have a copy of an insurance policy which dates the structure to 1824, and we are searching to find more clues to see what else we can learn.
In 1863, the property belonged to William Ambler Morris, a master gunsmith, and his wife, Sarah Jane Mason Morris. One of Mr. Morris's pistols is on display in the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Sarah Jane's obituary states that she was buried on the old homestead, next to her late husband, but we do not know if they are still there or not. There is a small cemetery on the property, with at least four graves. They are marked with fieldstones, but they do not have inscriptions, so we do not know who is buried there. Of course, we will protect it and show our respect for whomever is resting there.
Aside from restoration of the original features of the house, plans are underway to create walking trails and interpretive panels explaining which regiments were on the property during the Battle of Payne's Farm. Eventually, we will be able to move our library into the house and allow visitors to come do research or visit with us about the battles in the Wilderness Area, including the Mine Run Campaign.
We will be sending out a much more detailed letter soon, so you can learn more about it, and take part in helping us restore and preserve this wonderful property! Watch for our letter and let us know how you would like to help!
2026 Virginia Battlefield Preservation Reception
by Mike Block and Bob Lookabill
L-R: Terry Rensel, Bob Lookabill, and Tim Talbott. Mr. Rensel is the Executive Director of the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Bob Lookabill is the President of Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, and Tim Talbott is the Chief Administrative Officer for Central Virginia Battlefields Trust. Photo taken at the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Reception in Richmond, VA, on February 19, 2026.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Friends of Wilderness Battlefield President Robert (Bob) Lookabill, board member Michael (Mike) Block, and FOWB volunteer Eric Atkisson traveled to Richmond to attend the 2026 Battlefield Preservation Legislative Reception, at the John Marshall Ballroom. Eric also represented the Friends of Banks Ford. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation sponsored the reception.
This event affords an opportunity for Civil War preservation organizations (mostly non-profit) to meet with attending members of the Virginia Legislature and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, as well as preservation peers and interested guests. Upon review of name tags, at least 25 delegates, senators, and staff had RSVP’d their desire to attend. While an actual count was not taken, it was noted that at least 15 other organizations were represented.
Due to the large number of organizations present, table space for displays was
limited to about 12 square feet, severely limiting what could be displayed. The benefit of limited table space forced us to mingle and network with the guests, focusing our conversation on the upcoming property acquisition and highlighting past successes.
The overall theme for the reception highlighted the benefits of battlefield tourism.
One of the highlights of the evening for the FOWB was the appearance of our delegate, Phillip Scott. Representative Scott and Senator Bryce Reeves were invited by FOWB to the reception as Mine Run, Payne’s Farm and the Wilderness area fall within their respective districts.
Representative Scott presented FOWB with a Resolution passed by the Virginia Legislature in 2023, highlighting the efforts of our organization and our efforts in battlefield preservation. The framed resolution had been misplaced during a move and recently recovered by Delegate Scott, or he would have presented it to us sooner.
FOWB swag was available (pens, books and refrigerator magnetic clips) along with our Payne’s farm rack card and a sign-up sheet for emails, and many people stopped by our display to visit with us.
In addition to Virginia battlefield preservation peers and legislative members and their staffs, we also visited with attendees from Colorado, New Jersey and several Virginia businesses.
We were able to develop leads for potential future board members, and we also secured a corporate organization (Capital One) whom Mike has worked with in the past at other battlefields to visit and perform community service work at Payne’s Farm. (In the past, Capital One volunteers turn out about 50 volunteers from the Richmond and Northern Virginia to complete heavy work, including trail clearing, invasive species mitigation and grounds clean-up.) Mike has worked with them at the Cedar Mountain Battlefield and the Brandy Station Battlefield. They would be the perfect team to help us with trail creation on the 42.7-acre tract of land we recently acquired (February 26) for historic preservation, and/or linking our property and the American Battlefield Trust property of the Payne's Farm Battlefield.
The event allowed FOWB to be visible to not only other battlefield preservation groups, but also by national organizations and key Virginia legislative and state governmental organizations. Attendance at this reception will be continued as it is a powerful networking and visibility opportunity.
In the coming years, in addition to presenting our achievements and goals, we will strive to
present content on theme; ensure our state representatives have early notice of our presence and the importance of the reception; and be prepared for whatever display space allowed. We must be sure we are wedded to the theme and how it relates to our organization and have our ‘elevator’ or ’30-second speech’ prepared. We must look for and facilitate opportunities for partnerships with preservation groups in attendance, being prepared to leverage introductions while networking for prospective growth or relationships.
Robert Lookabill, President
Michael Block, Board member
Resolution passed by the Virginia Legislature in 2023, highlighting the efforts of our organization and our efforts in battlefield preservation. Photo by Bob Lookabill.
Conservation and Master Naturalist News
by Ben Hamm
On April 12 at 2:00 pm, the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Master Naturalist will lead a nature walk at Payne's Farm. The trail is one and a half miles long and 7 stops are planned. The stops will include discussions on the parent rock, the forest ecosystem, invasive and native species, and past land use. The walk will be family friendly and all are invited.
On May 4th, the Master Naturalists with the Fredericksburg Birding Club will be conducting a bird survey at Payne's Farm. This will be part of several area bird surveys taking place during the Spring bird migration. The results will be posted on-line in eBird which is operated by Cornell University. Questions may be directed to Ben Hamm at bensmail2@verizon.net.
Park Day
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Payne's Farm
31391 Zoar Rd Locust Grove, VA 22508
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Payne's Farm Lane. Photo by Beth Stenstrom
It's Park Day! Every year, the American Battlefield Trust hosts an event called Park Day, where volunteers come out and help clean up parks around the country. FOWB is focusing on Payne's Farm currently, and we will have volunteers on hand that day to clean up trash, clear out debris, and help maintain the trail to ensure that this battlefield stays clean and safe for people and wildlife. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves, clippers, and rakes if you have them.
Bug spray is recommended, and you might want to bring hand sanitizer in case you need to use the porta potty!
FOWB will provide water and light snacks!
We will be meeting in the Payne's Farm Parking area, across the street from Zoar Baptist Church at 31334 Zoar Road. Parking is limited, and additional parking is available in the church lot.
Registration is not required for this event. Just show up and be ready to work!
We hope to see you there.
Upcoming Events:
As always, check our Facebook page and our website for any changes or updates!
Saturday, April 11: FOWB Board Meeting
Sunday, April 12: Nature Walk at Payne's Farm. 2:00 PM.
Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26: Living History at Payne's Farm
Saturday, April 25: Park Day
Saturday and Sunday, May 2 & 3: Anniversary Battle of the Wilderness
Monday, May 4: Fredericksburg Birding Club Survey at Payne's Farm.
Saturday, May 30: Memorial Day event
Saturday, June 13: FOWB Board Meeting
Saturday, June 20: Guided walking tour at Payne’s Farm at 10:00 AM. Suggested donation: $10.00 a person.
Saturday, July 18: Guided walking tour at Payne’s Farm 10:00 AM. Suggested donation: $10.00 a person.
Saturday, August 8: FOWB Board Meeting
Saturday, August 15: Guided walking tour at Payne’s Farm 10:00 AM. Suggested donation: $10.00 a person.
Saturday, September 5: Orange Street Festival
Thursday, Sept 10 – Sunday, September 13: CVBT Conference
Saturday, September 19: Guided walking tour at Payne’s Farm 10:00 AM. Suggested donation: $10.00 a person.
Saturday, October 10: FOWB Board Meeting
Saturday, November 14: FOWB Annual Meeting.
Saturday, December 5, FOWB Board Meeting
Did You Know?
Making gifts to FOWB during your lifetime:
When you make a gift to Friends of Wilderness Battlefield as a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) from your individual retirement account (IRA) or Roth IRA, you do not pay income taxes on the distribution. Funds gifted from your IRA will NOT subject your Social Security income to higher tax levels and will count toward your annual required minimum distribution (RMD). If you are 73 or older, you can make a gift in 2026 from your IRA up to $105,000 per IRA owner or beneficiary. Contact your tax advisor to determine if this is appropriate for your situation.
Making gifts to FOWB at your death:
Would you like to leave a legacy to Friends of Wilderness Battlefield? A gift through your will, trust, a direct beneficiary designation, or estate is the easiest gift you can make today. You may add a provision in your will or trust designating either a specific amount, a percentage, or all or part of the residue of your estate to FOWB. Bequests provide flexibility in that they allow you to make a gift commitment now by including a provision in your will or trust while preserving the right to make changes at any time in the future should your circumstances change. Certain bequests in trust are not subject to estate taxation. Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime. You can modify your gift to address changing circumstances. It’s a great way to help support the mission of Friends of Wilderness Battlefield.
FoWB, Inc. is 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Organization.
Tax ID # 42-1689437
Friends of Wilderness Battlefield | P.O. Box 576 | Locust Grove, VA 22508 US
