Membership
Help Preserve History, Build Community, and Connect with the Past
Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, the Kernstown Battlefield is a timeless landscape that holds echoes from one of America’s most pivotal eras. For those drawn to the rich tapestry of Civil War history, local heritage, or meaningful community engagement, becoming a member of the Kernstown Battlefield Association (KBA) is an invitation to step into a larger story—one that weaves together education, preservation, stewardship, and a profound connection with the past.
Annual membership is only $25 individual/$50 family! All membership fees and added contributions are used to preserve and share the history of this pristine property.
To become a member, please complete the online form or download, print and mail it to us (with completed payment fields, or a check payable to “Kernstown Battlefield Association”) at P.O. Box 1327, Winchester, VA 22604. You can also become a member over the phone or by stopping by the battlefield during open hours. If you have any questions about membership, please email us or call 540-450-7538.
Exclusive Member Benefits
In addition to the intangible rewards of stewardship and community, KBA membership comes with the following benefits:
Regular email updates and the KBA Gazette publication with the latest news.
Early notification and priority access to author-led tours and other special events.
Complimentary access to the KBA library collection.
Invitation to the free KBA annual meeting and luncheon.
Eligibility for election to the KBA Board of Directors.
A free gift with your new membership.
Preservation of a National Treasure
At its core, the KBA is dedicated to preserving the fields, structures, and stories that constitute the Kernstown Battlefield. This historic site, marked by three significant battles during the Civil War and 290 years as a farm, is not only a testament to military strategy and conflict, but also to the resilience of the people who made this property their home.
Becoming a member means contributing directly to the ongoing efforts to conserve this irreplaceable landscape. Member support helps the KBA to maintain the grounds and buildings, safeguard artifacts, and support restoration projects that breathe life into the past. Without such stewardship, these living reminders of history could be lost to development or the slow erasure of time.
Community Engagement and Shared Purpose
One of the most rewarding aspects of joining the KBA is the sense of community it fosters. Members come from diverse backgrounds—scholars, descendants of soldiers, local residents, history buffs, and newcomers alike. What they share is a commitment to the preservation and interpretation of the battlefield, and a belief that this work is best accomplished together.
The association hosts tours, special programs, volunteer days and social events, offering members opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build lasting friendships. For newcomers to the area, membership opens doors to local culture and introduces them to a welcoming and passionate community. It’s a way to become involved, give back, and immerse oneself in the unique character of the Shenandoah Valley.
A Living Link to the Past
For many, the draw to the Kernstown Battlefield is deeply personal. Perhaps it’s the chance to walk in the footsteps of ancestors who fought or lived in the area, or to honor the memory of those whose stories might otherwise be forgotten. Membership transforms the battlefield from a static site into a living connection—a place where history is not just observed, but experienced and remembered.
The KBA is a not for-profit 501(c)3 all-volunteer organization whose mission is to protect and interpret this Civil War battlefield and historic farm for the benefit of all future generations. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.