Historic Sweeney Cabin Restoration
Tax deductible
The Sweeney Cabin project is sponsored by the Appomattox 1865 Foundation, the non-profit, all volunteer Friend's Group supporting Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Under Federal Law, National Parks are not allowed to raise funds or market themselves.
In the early 1800's, Joel Walker Sweeney was a "rock star". Joel is credited with the creation of the modern 5 string banjo and his traveling show played all over the east coast as well as traveling to England (where he played for Queen Victoria). Joel's music is still recorded and played today. His brother Sam was attached to JEB Stuart's corp during the US Civil War and provided banjo music to the soldiers.
Joel and Sam's cousin Charles lived in the cabin that still stands today, now within the national park boundaries. Joel visited with his cousin whenever he was home and his grave is located near the cabin.
The Foundation is seeking funds to restore the cabin and open it to the public. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who will man the cabin and tell the Sweeney story. We will install exhibits in the cabin to tell the Sweeney story, and, create a formal trail to Joel's grave. Joel's story is important in American music; anyone who plays the banjo knows about Joel!
Funds raised by this campaign will be applied directly to the restoration of the cabin. The total cost of the restoration is $66,000. All work will be conducted in the original manner of construction, following early 1800's craftsmanship. We hope to begin restoration work this year.
It is important, in the history of American music, to tell the Sweeney story. Our ability to complete this project will enable us to bring the Sweeney story to the over 75,000 visitors that come to Appomattox each year.
The Foundation thanks you for your consideration of our project and hopes, upon its completion, that you will be able to visit Appomattox, see the cabin and hear recordings of Joel's music.
www.appomattox1865foundation.org
In the early 1800's, Joel Walker Sweeney was a "rock star". Joel is credited with the creation of the modern 5 string banjo and his traveling show played all over the east coast as well as traveling to England (where he played for Queen Victoria). Joel's music is still recorded and played today. His brother Sam was attached to JEB Stuart's corp during the US Civil War and provided banjo music to the soldiers.
Joel and Sam's cousin Charles lived in the cabin that still stands today, now within the national park boundaries. Joel visited with his cousin whenever he was home and his grave is located near the cabin.
The Foundation is seeking funds to restore the cabin and open it to the public. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who will man the cabin and tell the Sweeney story. We will install exhibits in the cabin to tell the Sweeney story, and, create a formal trail to Joel's grave. Joel's story is important in American music; anyone who plays the banjo knows about Joel!
Funds raised by this campaign will be applied directly to the restoration of the cabin. The total cost of the restoration is $66,000. All work will be conducted in the original manner of construction, following early 1800's craftsmanship. We hope to begin restoration work this year.
It is important, in the history of American music, to tell the Sweeney story. Our ability to complete this project will enable us to bring the Sweeney story to the over 75,000 visitors that come to Appomattox each year.
The Foundation thanks you for your consideration of our project and hopes, upon its completion, that you will be able to visit Appomattox, see the cabin and hear recordings of Joel's music.
www.appomattox1865foundation.org
Organizer
Eileen Huffman
Organizer
Appomattox, VA
APPOMATTOX 1865 FOUNDATION
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
