2026 Heritage Award

Mr. Jim Pates accepting his 2026 Heritage Award

The Civil War Roundtable of Fredericksburg presents the 2026 Heritage Award to Mr. Jim Pates and Mr. Tim Talbot.  The annual Heritage Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations for their work in the preservation of local Civil War era buildings, objects, battlefields and history.  Mr. Pates received his award in our June 2026 meeting and Mr. Talbot will receive his award in our September meeting.  

Jim Pates is recognized for his outstanding contributions as a founding director of the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust and as a continuing board member.  Since 1996, Jim's leadership, determination and hard work in coordinating with the Fredericksburg city government and with business developers has been instrumental in preserving over 2,000 acres of our four major battlefields.  In particular, he spearheaded the preservation of and public access to Old Salem Church as a key historical site of the Chancellorsville battle of May 1863.