Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 9/15/2026
Item Status: New
From: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Renewal of Loan Agreement with Illinois State Military Museum, Department of Military Affairs, for Display of Fort Blakeley Civil War Garrison Flag at Central Annex in Robertsdale
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the renewal of the Loan Agreement with Illinois State Military Museum, Department of Military Affairs, for the display of the Fort Blakeley Civil War Garrison Flag at Baldwin County Central Annex in Robertsdale, with a loan period of July 16, 2026, to July 15, 2029.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The previous loan agreement between the Baldwin County Commission and the Illinois State Military Museum, Department of Military Affairs, expired on July 15, 2026. The organization recently submitted the updated agreement due to a transition in office locations, which caused a delay in returning the renewal documents.
In 2008, the Illinois State Military Museum, Department of Military Affairs, agreed to loan the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History the Fort Blakeley Civil War Garrison Flag for display at Baldwin County Central Annex in Robertsdale, Alabama, under a long-term loan agreement. The flag is a remarkable part of Baldwin County’s heritage and should continue to be displayed within its county of origin.
During the Battle of Fort Blakeley, thirteen Confederate battle flags, including at least one Garrison flag, were captured during the campaign. Of that number, ten (10) were captured directly from their bearers under combat conditions and eight (8) individuals were awarded Congressional Medals of Honor, associated with their captures.
The State of Illinois returned the Fort Blakely Civil War Garrison flag to the State of Alabama, and it has been beautifully preserved and is on display in Robertsdale, Alabama.
Previous Commission action/date:
July 5, 2023 - Authorized the renewal of the Loan Agreement with a loan period of July 16, 2023, to July 15, 2026.
May 19, 2020 - Authorized the renewal of the Loan Agreement with a loan period of July 15, 2020, to July 15, 2023.
July 18, 2017 - Authorized the renewal of the Loan Agreement with a loan period of July 15, 2017, to July 15, 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration - Have Chairman execute agreement, forward the original to Felisha Anderson who will ensure documents are delivered to the Illinois State Military Museum.
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: Administration - Place in Tickler for receipt of executed Agreement; Upload agreement to Contracts.