[6/29/04]Wayne McMaster’s bookcase is crammed with books and memoirs about the Civil War. He has soldier belt buckles, soldier bookends and a marble etching of Gen. Robert E. Lee.

From his life and collections, it’s clear the Civil War is prevalent in McMaster’s life. Now he has a new position to work with his passion, Civil War history.

McMaster, who ended a two-year term as the commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans last year, has been named to the Mississippi Civil War Battlefield Commission.

He is one of four new members named to the commission by Gov. Haley Barbour.

“I was honored the governor even thought I could assist on it,” McMaster said. “If they ask you to do something for the state, you have to do what you can.”

The commission consists of 15 members who serve for six years. It was established by former Gov. Kirk Fordice.

The task for volunteer members is to protect the state’s Civil War sites, advise and review government plans related to battlefields and locate funding for the protection and enhancement of Civil War sites.

For the most part, the commission is not actively involved, but if it is alerted of activity or asked for help it will step in.

“The battlefield commission is supposed to have a look at (a battle site) and make sure they are not doing something just to do something and make sure everything is OK for history,” McMaster said.

Jeppie Barbour, the governor’s brother, nominated McMaster for the position based on what he has seen during the three years they have known each other and McMaster’s commitment to Civil War history. Barbour said McMaster’s work with the SCV lends itself well to the commission.

“That is a good indication to his interest and he is knowledgeable enough to do a good job,” Barbour said.

The commission meets quarterly and also conducts symposia throughout the state to educate people about the local history of the Civil War.

The group’s next symposium is scheduled for August in Coldwater. McMaster said one should be in Vicksburg within the next year.

Even 140 years after the Civil War, battle sites are still being discovered. Recently, a battle site was discovered in the woods near Corinth.

McMaster said the Civil War is a vital part of Mississippi’s and Vicksburg’s history and the proper steps should be taken to preserve it.

“In Mississippi, especially Vicksburg, people don’t use the Civil War to its fullest benefit for tourists,” he said. “In my opinion, maybe these symposia will help.”

The current group on the commission will meet for the first time in August and elect officers.

McMaster said he is glad to serve on the commission and hopes members can start and continue projects that will help preserve the Civil War history in Mississippi.

“I’m excited about it. It was a big honor for me,” he said.

Already serving on the commission are history professor and former Mayor Robert M. Walker of Vicksburg, Dr. Charles Sallis of Jackson, Terrell Pickett of Lumberton, John McCain of Raymond, Gary Carnathan of Tupelo, Danny Dilworth of Rienzi, Harold Lomenick of Iuka, S.W. Calhoun Jr. of Meridian, Charles Pittman of Raymond and William Earl Faggert of Heidelberg.