History Battles Tough Economy
So, the second battle at Brandywine is against the tough economy. Let's hope this fight ends in victory.
Fifteen thousand British troops fought George Washington’s Continental Army in 1777 during the Revolutionary War at Comcast Battlefield Park.
Ok, this pivotal point of the war actually took place at the Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site, but with the slash in state funding facing the Chadds Ford attraction, who knows--private funding and sponsors may be the only thing keeping history alive.
With Pennsylvania’s $3 billion state deficit, Governor Rendell proposed cutting $1.8 million from the $25.8 million budget of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commision, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. And a proposal from Republicans is worse; cutting $4.5 million cuts from the commission.
So, the second battle at Brandywine is against the tough economy.
Funding cuts for the Brandywine attraction would leave the park with no paid staff—so say good-bye to the period-dressed tour guides, interpreters and educational programs which bring the park to life.
The state feels the site would be better used as just a plain 'ol park. But, many people will fight this idea because of Brandywine's strong place in history.
“It’s shocked so many people that a treasure of this proportion could be in danger of closing,” Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates president Linda Kaat told the paper.
So, the park must look elsewhere for money.
“State and federal money for these operations is not increasing…So, it’s important to look at public-private partnerships,” Commission Executive Director Barbara Franco said.
"We hope the state will find a way to honor its history here. It's too important to lose," Kaat said.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 7:15 PM EST
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