The Jefferson Davis Foundation

are available for duplicating and discussed the availability of creating exhibits about Jefferson Davis, with the help of the Foundation. In a meeting with Barbara Wolanin, the Capitol Architect, she confirmed that she would provide assistance with providing digitized copies of documents relating to the construction of the United States Capitol Building in the 1850’s. During this period, Jefferson Davis served as Secretary of War and was immediately involved in the design and funding of the initial construction of the U S Capital Building, as it appears today. In addition to these documents, she also granted access for any photos and videos of the Capital which they have, showing the restoration to its original condition. We also discussed the possibility of constructing a replica of the Statue of Freedom and making it part of an exhibit on the Capitol. This is one of the most important accomplishments of Jefferson Davis as Secretary of War. Army Museum at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this collection are the original paintings of the battles from the War of 1847. These paintings have been digitized and will be available upon request from the Foundation to construct
an exhibit, documenting the engagements that Jefferson Davis participated in during this conflict. Jefferson Davis commanded the Mississippi Rifles during this war, which were victorious at both Monterey and at Buena Vista. Jefferson Davis would serve under his past father-in-law, Zachary Taylor, in this conflict. Previous meetings with the Smithsonian have also created a partnership to explore the creation of exhibits, documenting Jefferson Davis’ impact on the Smithsonian Institution. Senator Thad Cochran is a member of the Board of Regents, occupying the position held previously by Jefferson Davis on this Board. In meetings with the Senate Historian and the United States Department of Archives, the Foundation has gained access to many of the
digitized letters and documents during Jefferson Davis’ years in Washington, DC from 1846 through 1860. These documents will be used, going forward, to document the important decisions and political assessments that Davis faced during his tenure as U.S. Representative and U.S. The Foundation and its President, Bertram Hayes-Davis, was invited and participated as a speaker in the National Park Service program in Fredericksburg, Virginia on April 6, 2014. This program, “Presidents and Generals” which was part of the Years of Anguish Program
offered the opportunity for Mr. Hayes-Davis to discuss the personal side of Jefferson Davis, reflections in reference to current history and as a descendent, his viewpoints on Jefferson Davis as an historic figure. Hayes-Davis will be speaking to a sold out audience at the Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa on April 17, 2014. He is also a panelist on The Dred and Harriet Scott Reconciliation Forum at the 9th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Presidential Decendents Reunion in Marshfield, Missouri on Friday, April 25th. The Beauvoir Foundation continues to support Beauvoir and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. Recently, the Foundation has made a grant to Beauvoir for archaeological studies done during the building of Varina’s Garden. In addition, the Foundation is funding the new design for the entrance to the Confederate Cemetery on the property of Beauvoir. These grants have totaled over $16,000 to date. The Beauvoir Foundation, over the last two years, has also funded the purchase and installation of the lights on the trees that are used during The Christmas at Beauvoir event. Currently, the Foundation has invested over $225,000 in the purchase and installation of the lights that are on these trees on the grounds of Beauvoir. The Foundation continues its efforts to expand partnerships and interest in Jefferson Davis and to educate America about the most misunderstood American historic figure. Its mission statement is to support programs, organizations and events for the education of Jefferson Davis and his life. The Foundation’s Board consists of Bertram Hayes-Davis, President, Andi Oustalet, Vice-President, Carol Hayes-Davis, Secretary and Treasurer and Don Barrett, Board Member. All Board members are strictly volunteers and are receiving no compensation.