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.

Eat out at the Hagerstown Texas Roadhouse on February 28, 2024, from 3 to 10 pm to support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. The Boonsboro High School Rho Kappa Honor Society has set up this fundraiser for us. 10% of the sales at the Hagerstown Texas Roadhouse will be donated to SHAF and support our mission of battlefield preservation. Print out and bring the flyer below with you and mention Rho Kappa Honor Society or the Save Historic Antietam Foundation when you dine!

120 S. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740