Dear Friend,

I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year!

It's hard to believe that 2012 has already come to a close. We accomplished many great things together, including the removal of non-historic structures at the George Spangler Farm property, an increase in volunteer programs and member events and the launch of the Education 150 initiative.

Even more important than what we have accomplished, however, is what can be done now to inspire others in the future.

This year, we will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address. This is going to be a very reflective, busy and eventful time not only in Gettysburg's history but also our nation's as well.

Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent, Bob Kirby, and the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau anticipate that the 150th commemoration may attract as many as 4 million visitors of all ages to Gettysburg to participate in the commemorative events, visit the Museum and Visitor Center, tour the battlefield and, most importantly, honor the soldiers who gave the "last full measure of devotion" 150 years ago.

To commemorate these two historic events that helped define our divided nation, the Gettysburg Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, is focusing on our Stewardship 150 projects which center around three key areas: Preservation, Acquisition and Education. These projects include:

Battlefield Restoration Projects like Little Round Top, the site of an unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union left flank on July 2, 1863, which is suffering from deterioration of pathways and parking lots, soil erosion and signs of over-use.

Acquisition of Historic Artifacts and Land like the Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, which was the spot where President Lincoln began his historic stay in Gettysburg and a vital hub for the town in the months following the Battle.

Education and Leadership Initiatives like the Friends Rebuilding History program which focuses volunteer efforts on preservation projects throughout Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site through enhanced annual Workdays, additional volunteer components to Spring and Fall Musters and Volunteer Vacations. Friends Rebuilding History will also allow volunteers to take on the roles of the Park staff in a volunteer mentoring program. This comprehensive volunteer initiative will significantly reduce the costs to the National Park Service and enhance the involvement of Americans in the preservation of Gettysburg National Military Park.

In addition to these vital projects, we also have an impressive schedule of commemorative events including the Salute to the States event on July 1. This event, sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation, will pay tribute to the many states sending delegations to the anniversary events and will feature state-themed food, period music, powerful speeches and a performance by actor and playwright Stephen Lang.

As members and supporters of the Friends of Gettysburg, you never cease to amaze me with your generosity, passion and devotion to this historic treasure. I am confident that that will not only continue, but also increase as we enter into this anniversary year.

I hope you'll join me as we re-dedicate this hallowed ground through our Stewardship 150 projects, commemorative events, and financial support from Friends of Gettysburg members and supporters.

Please visit our website for more information about the commemorative event schedule, preservation projects and ways you can donate your time, talents and treasure.

I look forward to seeing you at many of the commemorative events, and working together to accomplish even more in 2013.

Thank you so much!

Joanne M. Hanley

President