In early 1999, Dr. John H. Spencer, Arnold Schofield, Kip Lindberg and other concerned citizens banded together to form an organization with the express purpose of supporting the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site. The group felt that if the battlefield was to develop into a premiere historical site, funding would be needed beyond that which the Kansas State Historical Society provided. Providing impetus for the group was 80 acres of battlefield land that had just become available. The preservation of that highly regarded parcel of land become the newly formed foundation's first order of business. Today, land preservation continues to be a top priority of the foundation with more than 400 acres of the original battlefield still held in private ownership.

Our Mission Statement...

The Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation has been organized for the specific purpose of supporting the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, in partnership with the Kansas State Historical Society. This support will be broad-based and will include educating the public regarding the Civil War battlefield's presence and historical significance. The foundation will also sponsor programs both on-site and off, telling the story of the large cavalry engagement at Mine Creek and of the men who fought on the battlefield. In addition, the foundation will help in the acquisition and preservation of additional battlefield land, and help to fund interpretive displays and activities. Finally, the foundation will work to enlist the aid of various other organizations, such as Civil War roundtables and Sons of Veterans groups to help support the historic site. Members of the Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation recognize the importance of preserving, and potential for developing, such an important historical site. At the same time, foundation members acknowledge the limited funding currently available from the Kansas State Historical Society for these efforts.

Board of Directors...

John Spencer / President
John is a practicing physician in Fort Scott, Kansas with an office in Pleasanton, Kansas. He is a founding member of the foundation and has served as president from it's inception. He is an avid Civil War enthusiast and has been a reenactor for many years.

Steve Ellis / Vice President
Steve is the President at Labette bank in Pleasanton, Kansas and a lifelong resident of Linn County. The Labette Bank has been very supportive of the work of the foundation.

Pat Shannon Trask / Secretary & Treasurer
Pat is a retired attorney, who practiced in the Kansas City area. She now resides in Linn County Kansas. She is a longtime student of history and a Civil War enthusiast.

Arnold Schofield / Board Member
Arnold is the new curator of the Mine Creek Battlefield Kansas State Historic Site. He is a founding member of the foundation and a noted authority on regional history. Arnold has been with the national park service at the Ft. Scott Historic Site, where he served as the historian.

Robert Woody / Board Member
Robert is a practicing geologist and former president of the Friends of Mine Creek organization. A resident of Pleasanton, Kan., Robert is a long-time supporter of Linn County history and has been a reenactor in the past.

Darren L. Crays/ Board Member
Darren is a local businessman that owns his own graphic design firm in Fort Scott, Kansas. He is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County, Kansas. He is an enthusiast of Civil War history. He serves the foundation as its graphic artist, producing all of the designs for print media and advertising. He also volunteers at the battlefield in various capacities.

Randall Durbin / Board Member
Randall is from Overbrook, Kansas and is a avid civil war reenactor. He also is very interested in Civil War history. Randall supports MIne Creek Battlefield in many ways.

Alred Collom / Board Member
Alred is a local attorney in Pleasanton Kansas

Monica Chapman / Board Member
A Pleasanton Kansas native and active volunteer at the battlefield.