Nearly 10 months ago, I began my stint as interim president and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. For new readers, the Gettysburg Foundation’s mission is to operate in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, and to educate the public about their significance. In addition to owning and operating the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, the Foundation owns and operates the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, and the Rupp House History Center where we will open in late summer our new children’s history museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863. We are also creating a new virtual experience at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM that we plan to open in 2022.
It has been my privilege and a true honor to lead this organization for the past 10 months. During my short tenure, I have broadened my knowledge of the importance of the Foundation’s work and the value of our partnership with the National Park Service. I have come to believe wholeheartedly in our joint responsibility to share the lessons of Gettysburg with our younger generations—our leaders of tomorrow, who are being tugged and pulled in so many directions by the political and social divisions in our nation recently. I have also seen first-hand the benefit of our partnerships within our community and the importance of being a good neighbor, as well as an active contributor to building relationships with Gettysburg organizations and institutions. In short, I believe in all that we can do together for the benefit of the whole.
Last Friday, the Board of Directors of the Gettysburg Foundation hired a new president, Wayne Motts. Wayne is well known in Gettysburg. He has been an Adams County resident for 30 years and a Licensed Battlefield Guide since 1988. Wayne served as Executive Director of the Adams County Historical Society from 2005-2012 and was named Director Emeritus in 2019. Since 2012, Wayne has served as CEO of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.
As I hand over the reins to Wayne on May 24, 2021, I am extremely confident the Foundation and its relationships are in good—very good—hands.
I thank the management team and staff of the Gettysburg Foundation for their great work and incredible support during my time as interim president. I also acknowledge the support that Park Superintendent Steve Sims and his team have given me. The strong working relationship between the Gettysburg Foundation and the National Park Service makes our collective accomplishments far more significant.
To all those in Gettysburg and Adams County, please accept my gratitude for the wonderful support you have given me. I am pleased to continue my service as a member of the Gettysburg Foundation’s Board of Directors and look forward to resuming life as a retired resident of this great community. Thank you all.
David Malgee, Interim President, Gettysburg Foundation
First appeared in the Gettysburg Foundation's column in the April 26, 2021, edition of the Gettysburg Times.