American Civil War 1861 – 1865
Explore the American Civil War!
Exploring the causes, course, and consequences of the war that remade America.
Visit ACWM–Appomattox
Visit our site in Appomattox, Virginia! We’re open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Click here to watch our Gettysburg Address video!
On our YouTube channel you will find recordings of past programs and special messages.
@ACWMuseum
'Battle of Hampton Roads' prints now available!
Commissioned Civil War Battle Painting Sold at Auction to Benefit the American Civil War Museum — Prints Now Available!
Exhibit Catalogue Now Available!
Presenting our flagship exhibit catalogue ‘A People’s Contest: Struggles for Nation & Freedom in Civil War America’. The 145 page book features visually compelling imagery highlighting the artifacts and galleries. This newly published book is available through our website or at our Tredegar site in Richmond, Virginia.
Why Gettysburg Matters
Why has Gettysburg always been the Civil War’s most famous battle and how has it shaped American national identity? In this talk, professor of U.S. political history Adam Smith argues that ever since the news of Confederate defeat spread on July 4, 1863, Gettysburg has been imagined as a place of national “rebirth”.
Out of This Strife Will Come Freedom: Free People of Color & the Fight For Civil Rights in the Civil War Era
Free people of color, through their military service and advocacy, used the political and social disruptions brought about by the Civil War to push for a second founding of the nation. Join us for this talk with Dr. Warren Eugene Milteer, Jr.
A Slumbering Serpent: George Washington on Slavery and Disunion
In this engaging living history program, George Washington (portrayed by Brian Hilton) will reflect on the moral, economic, and political challenges of slavery in his time and the growing divisions threatening the young nation’s unity.
William Francis Bartlett Medal Award
The American Civil War Museum has established the William Francis Bartlett Medal awarded annually to an American leader in business, politics or the military who best exemplifies character, selfless-service, and courage in adversity as well as patriotic commitment to the ideals of the United States of America.
Explore the ACWM artifact collection
The American Civil War Museum world-class collection of Civil War military and civilian artifacts totals over 15,000 objects from the battlefields and the homefront during the Civil War.
Our Locations
Three sites, one mission.
The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar
White House of the Confederacy
The American Civil War Museum at Appomattox
Experience the Museum
Events
Our programs and events include a wide variety of opportunities to engage with Civil War history! ACWM has events for all age groups, and interests. From discussions with authors and historians to social gatherings, our events are special.
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