This is a tentative inquiry to see if anybody is interested in an ancillary organization to assist in maintaining our ancestral heritage at Marshall Hall.

Marshall Hall is located in south-western Maryland, on the Potomac, across from George Washington's Mount Vernon. The land was patented in 1651 as "Marshall" by William Marshall, an emigrant from England, and many generations of Marshalls have been born there.

For its history, see: http://www.marshallhall.org/history.html

The property is now owned by the US Park Service. Apparently their budget barely includes enough to cut the grass. And recently (Jan. 2003) a major catastrophe occurred in the form of an 18 wheeler that rammed through the building. (Scenes)

It seems there is a real need for an infusion of assistance.

A SUGGESTION:

I live in New Orleans where we are now celebrating the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. We bought it from France for $15 million and just about doubled the size of the United States. The building where the Purchase was signed is still here, as is the room and the very table at which they sat. All of which is well preserved and is the property of the Louisiana State Museum.

Our state doesn't have much money to maintain such things. State highways and welfare gobble up most of it. But some years ago local concerned citizens got together and formed "The Friends of the Cabildo". "Cabildo" is the name of the building where the signing took place. (Maybe you've been here.)

And so, we have various fund raising events and other activities that raise money to help supply some of the niceities that the State budget cannot cover. The Feds even help out, based on the number of volunteer hours we accumulate.

WHY NOT:

Would something like that work for Marshall Hall? If registered as a "non-profit" institution, those interested in the maintenance of the Hall could get tax exemption for their donation.

It could serve as the focal point or headquarters for our Marshall Family genealogy records and a center to coordinate our research. With the Internet, we wouldn't even need to be physically present to check all the links and records.

WHAT'S NEEDED:

Volunteers, lots of them, of all kind - we would need:

• - an attorney to set it up as a non-profit organization in the state of Maryland
  
• - an accountant to keep up with contributions and funds collected and dispursed
  
• - an architect to help prepare models, pictures or articles to help us know what the great hall and the out-buildings were like in its glory
  
• - a board of directors to oversee its direction and give purpose and imputus to its activities
  
• - a mailing committee to help get out the word for promotion and keep us abreast of what's happening.
  
• - lots of willing workers to share their talents and do the things that haven't even been thought of yet.
• - Maybe Peggy could send us a little monthly note about progress there, because too often out of sight, means out of mind.
• - Possibly a few friends in Congress or the Legislature who might be aware of impending bills that might affect the Hall.

But the "Friends" would be ancillary. As a separate and independent non-profit institution it would not be any part of the US Park Service. It would be a friend, not a part - it would give, not take. Answerable only to its own membership, it would help out in any way it could to preserve, restore and maintain Marshall Hall in ways that were mutually agreeable to the Friends and to the Park Service.

If you are interested in developing this idea, how about sharing your opinions with the rest of the family. Just drop us a note at the Mailing List, Marshall-L@rootsweb.com