15th Iowa Regimental Flag

[dixieflyer]

This is an outstanding idea pards. Is there anyway we, as a battalion, can adopt the flag(s) of the 15th Iowa? I know we've already paid our dues for this event, but I am willing to fork over some more to preserve the flags of the regiment we are portraying. If each of us gave just $1.00, that woudl be $400 for the coffer.
Here's another idea. I'm sure that many of us will be together not only in our companies, but as a battalion through much of this 150th cycle. What say you to a charitable project somehow centered around those we are portraying for each of these events we attend? I'm not talking big money here, but just a small portion of our event fees.
Thoughts?

[dirtyshirt]

Warren,
I think that's a great idea, and we can start with the Iowa Battle Flag Project. I told Sheila as we walked through the storage areas we were hoping to raise some money for the project, and her eyes just lit up!

[dixieflyer]

I'm fer it pard!

[dirtyshirt]

Paul, Adam, Warren,

I will contact the Historical Society about the Adopt a Flag option. I think that would be the best way to go about it. Paul, do you have a contact for the SUV I can reach out to for guidance?

[Regimental Colours]

Further information on "Adopt A Flag" program:


http://www.iowahistory.org/contacts/...attle_flag.htm

Public can "Adopt a Flag" at Historical Museum historic properties

For immediate release July 18, 2006


Contact: Jeff Morgan, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov, (515) 281-3858

(DES MOINES) – Deep in the thunderous chaos of battle, Iowa’s Civil War battle flags provided an identity and a point of pride for the soldiers who rallied to save the Union.

Now, as the flags face a second battle – this time against the forces of time and deterioration – the State Historical Society of Iowa is calling on Civil War descendents, re-enactors and history buffs of all stripes to consider making a contribution to SHSI’s “Adopt a Flag” program. The program supports SHSI’s historic battle flag collection, which includes more than 200 flags borne by Iowa regiments and batteries during the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I.

“We have the ability to save these flags for future generations,” SHSI battle flag conservator Sheila Hanke said. “But with the substantial cost of stabilization work, we must always be mindful of budgetary constraints when we plan our conservation efforts. The ‘Adopt a Flag’ program is an opportunity for interested donors to help speed up the preservation process on a particular flag by granting us the financial power necessary to move quickly.”

Potential donors can consider several levels of support as part of the “Adopt a Flag” program. Each level qualifies the donor for certain benefits.

Donations ranging from $500 to $999 – the “Battalion” level of support – qualify the donor for a certificate with an image of the sponsored flag, a battle flag poster, access to an exclusive online message board, a set of battle flag postcards, listing in permanent exhibit signage, and a tour of the battle flag preservation lab for up to 10 people.

Donations at the “Regiment” level, which range from $1,000 to $4,999, qualify the donor for “Battalion” level benefits, two tours of the preservation lab, and an invitation to a private preview reception to open flag exhibits.

Donors at the “Brigade” level, from $5,000 to $9,999, receive a personal appearance by a State Historical Museum curator or conservator alongside all “Regiment Level” benefits.

Donors at the “Division” level, from $10,000 to $49,999, receive “Brigade” level benefits and the right to name an Iowa Battle Flag cabinet.

Finally, donors at the “Corps” level of $50,000 or more receive “Brigade” level benefits and the naming rights to the Iowa Battle Flag Preservation Lab.

“We think the most significant reward of this program,” Hanke said, “is knowing you’ve played a major role in stabilizing these flags, which really are incredibly fragile.”

The cost to stabilize a single Civil War battle flag is at least $4,800 or more, depending on the amount of damage. It is a tedious and delicate process performed by highly trained and skilled conservators. The process of preserving a flag takes a skilled conservator like Hanke up to 240 hours. During the process, up to 8,000 stitches must be individually cut and lifted from flags to remove gauze from a previous conservation attempt in the 1890s.

When conservators finish their work, they mount each flag in a compression frame under a UV-filtering and scratch-resistant Luxan shield. Each framed flag, weighing between 200 and 250 pounds, will be rotated in and out of public exhibition.

To find out more about the “Adopt a Flag” program, please contact SHSI at 515-281-5111.

The State Historical Society of Iowa is a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate for understanding Iowa’s past. It identifies, records, collects, preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates information, and encourages and supports historical preservation and education efforts of others throughout the state. Please visit www.iowahistory.org or call 515-281-5111 for more information.


***Note:

Brandon, the above information was posted on the SHSI website in 2006 and the prices are outdated. The cost of preserving a Civil War flag depends on things such as size and condition, and will cost considerably more then $4800.

In 2009, the 26th Regiment N.C. Troops, Reactivated, the states largest reenactment group raised approximately $7500 to preserve their Regimental flag:

“We are most grateful for the conservation funding provided by the 26th,” says Tom Belton, curator of military history. “Their help is more essential than ever.” Each flag costs approximately $7,500 to conserve, and the 26th Regiment is covering the entire cost. Now other Civil War remembrance organizations are joining the 26th Regiment by adopting additional museum flags for conservation projects."

Adopting the 15th Iowa flags will be a costly adventure and all options to raise the necessary funds should be explored. Perhaps we should set our initial goal on just one flag. If this works out, then we can explore the possibility of adopting the other flags. Just something to think about. - - - - - We are looking at four 15th Iowa flags. The Regimental flag, the 2nd National the 15th Iowa carried, the last National the 15th Iowa carried with Battle Honors and one 15th Iowa Company flag.

Warren's idea is interesting:

"Here's another idea. I'm sure that many of us will be together not only in our companies, but as a battalion through much of this 150th cycle. What say you to a charitable project somehow centered around those we are portraying for each of these events we attend? I'm not talking big money here, but just a small portion of our event fees.
Thoughts?"

Yes, many of us will probably be together during the 150th cycle; but each year as a different unit. The 2nd Mississippi for the 150th Manassas Event 2011 and the 15th Iowa for the 150th Shiloh Event 2012. What will the units be for 2013, 1014 and 1015? Just what sort of charitable projects are possible?

I hope other members of the 15th Iowa will take the time to post their thoughts on this thread. We need all the input we can get.

[dixieflyer]

Well Adam, I would not have suggested that our group sponsor the restoration of the 15th Iowa's falg exclusively, that's far too expensive. However, I was thinking whatever money that we did raise could be put toward the restoration of the 15ht's Flags. It may not be much, but it is sure more than nothing. Each event would see money raised going to a different cause, especially if we can tie it in to out portrayal. What is possible? Well, good Lord, the sky's the limit! Battlefield preservation, money donated to a local museum/historic site/battlefield trust, flag preservation, etc.

[J. Donaldson]

Here is the current website for the Iowa Battle Flag project.

http://www.iowaflags.org/

And the website for information about contributions.

http://www.iowaflags.org/project/contribute.htm

The project has been subject to rumors for several years that it was defunded, folded, however you may wish to term it. While those have proven false, I would urge the men of the battalion take a moment and consider working together to raise some amount of money to help the preservation work underway, especially in light of the help they've given the members of this research community in answering our questions and assisting in the preparation for the Shiloh event.

[Regimental Colours]

. . . . . I would urge the men of the battalion take a moment and consider working together to raise some amount of money to help the preservation work underway, especially in light of the help they've given the members of this research community in answering our questions and assisting in the preparation for the Shiloh event.

I agree with Bob. Whatever donation we can make will be greatly appreciated by the SHSI and is a way of giving back for the generous help they gave us.

Brandon let me know how to want to proceed with this and I will give you all the help I can.

[Matt Woodburn]

OK, so you need to come up with a fund raiser. My two cents...make up little Christian Commission sewing kits....a poke bag, blue and white thread wound on pasteboard, a tin button, and....sell them for $X. I need 2000 pieces of hard tack. I can make it here in a bakery for next to nothing. Or I'll pay $.50 a cracker to you which leaves room for profit. Or you can do your own idea for a fund raiser.

[dirtyshirt]

Adam,
You nailed 'em all there as far as what remains for the 15th's flags. I do know the one of the 16th Iowa's National flags is giving the conservationist fits, and it is in need of help as well. I do know the regimental flag of the 15th is the first one they've started on. So, I think let's start by contacting Mr. Morgan, and go from there. Matt, that's a great idea as well about sewing kits and/or crackers.