The KBA was founded in 1996 as an IRS Section501(c)(3) non-profit organization by a committed group of local citizens, historians, and preservationists who recognized the urgent need to protect the battlefield from encroaching development. At that time, urban sprawl threatened to erase the very ground on which history had been made. After years of persistence, negotiations, fundraising and legal challenges, the KBA acquired the 315-acre Pritchard Grim Farm.

The KBA stands as a model of local initiative, passion, and dedication to the preservation of American history. Through its stewardship of the Kernstown Battlefield, the Association honors the memory of those who fought and died, enriches the public understanding of the Civil War, and ensures that the lessons of the past remain alive for future generations. Their work affirms that the echoes of history are never far away—and that by safeguarding sacred ground, we can build a more informed, thoughtful, and united society.

At the heart of the KBA's mission is land preservation. Since its founding, the KBA has worked tirelessly to acquire, restore, and maintain key portions of the battlefield. To date, their efforts have preserved over 350 acres of historically significant land, safeguarding it from commercial and residential development.

The Association’s preservation work extends beyond land acquisition. They have restored and maintained historic structures, including the 1854 Pritchard House that bore witness to the battles on the property and served as a field hospital. The KBA has meticulously researched, refurbished, and interpreted the house and other elements of the property, providing visitors with an immersive glimpse into 19th-century life.

The KBA maintains an extensive archive of documents, photographs, maps, and artifacts related to the battles and the broader history of the Shenandoah Valley. Our collection is an invaluable resource for scholars, genealogists, and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of the people and events that shaped the region. Through ongoing research, the KBA continues to uncover new insights which inform both public interpretation and academic scholarship.

The KBA also partners with other organizations, including the American Battlefield Trust and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, to leverage resources, expertise, and advocacy for battlefield preservation. These partnerships have been instrumental in securing grants, expanding preservation efforts, and raising public awareness.

The KBA’s preservation efforts and the historical significance of the property were officially recognized in 2024 by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the U.S. National Park Service. The Kernstown Battlefield Historic District was listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Like many historical preservation organizations, the KBA faces ongoing challenges. Development pressure remains a constant threat, as the Winchester area continues to grow. Funding is an ever-present concern, with the need to balance preservation, education, and community outreach.

Despite these obstacles, the KBA remains resilient and forward-looking. Innovative fundraising efforts—such as membership drives, grant applications, and special events—support their mission. Volunteers form the backbone of the organization, contributing countless hours to maintenance, interpretation, and outreach.