Meet the Leaf-Herrmanns from Massachusetts

American Battlefield Trust: What moved you to first give to our organization?

William and Sarah: We first began to contribute because of our interest in history and preservation. The Trust’s mission of saving battlefields, along with the dedication of the staff, inspired us to get more involved and to become Color Bearers.

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?

We most enjoy the Grand Review Weekends. We enjoy the smaller group which attends these events giving us more opportunity to speak with historians and long-time ABT friends.

What is your favorite battlefield you’ve visited?

William’s favorite battlefield is Antietam. The efforts to preserve and interpret Antietam have been very successful. A close second is Perryville; it was the first battlefield my parents took me to visit.

Sarah’s favorite battlefield is Vicksburg because the history and results of the battle are still reflected in the town and homes there today.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

We enjoy touring sites rich with history. Egypt is on our list, and we want to explore more of Central Europe.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

For William, the person would be Napoleon. How could one truly understand his charisma without meeting him?

Sarah would like to meet Varina Davis. She’d like a deeper understanding of her perspective as the Civil War redefined our country.

Anything else you want to share?

We look forward to helping host the Color Bearer Grand Review in Boston on October 2019!