Call Number:

12

Repository:

Malvern Historical Commission

Extent:

0.83 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1996-2004 (inclusive)

Creator:

Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund

Abstract:

The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund is a non-profit corporation that was established in 1996 to preserve the historic battlefield in present-day Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania and to prevent the site from suburban development. The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund records, 1996-2004, consist of donation accounts, meeting minutes, agendas, brochures, fundraising materials, and newspaper clippings.

The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund is a non-profit corporation based in Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania that is "dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the historical significance of the Paoli Battlefield through the funding and development of educational programs and conservation activities including historical tours, reenactments, research, publications, lectures/workshops, and the restoration of the property to its indigenous state."

The Battle of Paoli, also known as the Paoli Massacre, was a battle of the American Revolutionary War that took place on the night between September 20 and 21, 1777 in the area surrounding present-day Malvern, Pennsylvania. British soldiers led a surprise attack on an American encampment near the Paoli Tavern. The battle was a British victory and became known as the "Paoli Massacre" based on claims that the British soldiers took no prisoners and granted no mercy.

The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund was established in 1996 to preserve the historic battlefield and to prevent the site from suburban development. At that time, Malvern Preparatory School decided to sell forty four acres of woods and cornfields that comprised a portion of the original battlefield. The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund sought to purchase the site, mark it with appropriate maps and plaques and open the space to the public. The Fund led a campaign that resulted in significant private donations and a "Patriot Act" passed by Congress that helped fund both Paoli and Brandywine Battlefields. The Fund was able to purchase the property from Malvern Preparatory School, and deeded the property to the Borough of Malvern. The Battlefield was dedicated September 21, 2002, on the 225th anniversary of the battle.

The Paoli Battlefield Historic Park and Paoli Memorial Grounds were added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Paoli Battlefield Park is owned by the Borough of Malvern and operated by the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. The neighboring Paoli Memorial Grounds is owned by the Paoli Memorial Association and includes the gravesite of the soldiers killed at the Battle of Paoli, memorials, and a twenty-three acre parade ground.

Bibliography:

Quoted text from: Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. "About Us." 2014. Accessed May 1, 2016. http://pbpfinc.org/about-the-fund/.

Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. "About the Battle." 2014. Accessed May 1, 2016. http://pbpfinc.org/background-to-the-battle-of-paoli/.

Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. "About the Park." 2014. Accessed May 1, 2016. http://pbpfinc.org/about-the-park/.

This collection consists of records, 1996-2004, from the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund including donation accounts, meeting minutes, agendas, brochures, fundraising materials, and newspaper clippings.