tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37006595.post3214741906689259519..comments2024-03-27T19:17:57.221-04:00Comments on Looking for the Confederate War: Sesquicentennial??Michael C. Hardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18023085357547254423noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37006595.post-74875831464101327222009-12-11T10:41:03.822-05:002009-12-11T10:41:03.822-05:00Thanks for the note. I have always been a big supp...Thanks for the note. I have always been a big supporter of what the<br />Department of Cultural Resources is doing. And I look forward to being a<br />part of different programs in the future. I guess my biggest concerns<br />are that the events will turn into something for "Ivory Tower" folks, or<br />that all of us who are not close to one of the thirteen historic sites<br />will miss out. North Carolina has such a rich history, a history that I<br />am lucky enough (blessed) to spend every day exploring. However, I come<br />across so many people who have never been to Raleigh, or don’t get to<br />visit the parks. They are interested in the Civil War history of this<br />state; they just don’t get the opportunity to explore it. <br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Regards,<br />MichaelMichael C. Hardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18023085357547254423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37006595.post-13508752538163624212009-12-09T08:55:25.361-05:002009-12-09T08:55:25.361-05:00Mr. Hardy, Its nice to have exposure or blogtime,...Mr. Hardy, Its nice to have exposure or blogtime, if you will, on our Sesquicentennial committee. I would like to address your concern in regards to only state employees or academic advisers on the committee. The State of NC has not, unlike some of our neighboring states, authorized a state-sponsored commission - which is unlike the centennial event where a commission was created by the legislature.<br />However, Dr. Jeffrey Crow, Department of Cultural Resources (DCR), understands the importance of the event. He brought together selected employees from across DCR to plan the DCR programs for the Sesquicentennial. There is no additional funding available beyond normal DCR section budgets. This is unlike Virginia where they have a state-wide legislative initiative and ample funding. DCR invites participation by all comers and will willing advise and lend its expertise as needed. But we have no authorization to do anything beyond our agency and therefore cannot, for example, endorse activities outside the DCR borders. This next statement may seem boastful but its not meant to be. There is a general consensus among sesquicentennial state groups (NC DCR is in contact with other states via a national "meeting," usually done in a conference call format and hosted by Virginia) that NC is doing more than all save Virginia, and certainly is doing more with less.<br />Best Regards,<br />Chris MeekinsNCMeekinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03585118544646794597noreply@blogger.com