Our featured exhibition at ACWM-Tredegar, “A People’s Contest”, delves into the narratives of the American Civil War and its lasting impact from the viewpoints of soldiers and civilians. In honor of Women’s History Month, we invite you to take our self-guided tour, which highlights the incredible stories of brave women in the exhibit. Visit ACWM-Tredegar to see these artifacts in person!
Elizabeth Van Lew
Elizabeth Van Lew was a Richmond Unionist who ran a spy network. She passed messages to and from Union prisoners, helped them escape, and sent encoded messages to Union offers.
“Take a Stand” & “Resist the Enemy” cases
Mary Kelsey Peake
Mary Kelsey Peake, a free Black woman, was hired in 1861 to teach the children of formerly enslaved people near Ft. Monroe in Virginia.
“Reality of War” case
Sally Tompkins
Sally Tompkins, along with other women, started the Robertson Hospital in Richmond and was its administrator throughout the war.
“Tend the Suffering” case
Susie King Taylor
Susie King Taylor self-emancipated as a teenager. She later served as a nurse traveling with the U.S. military. Her memoir is available in the ACWM gift shop.
“Tend the Suffering” case
Mary Edwards Walker
Mary Edwards Walker was the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army. Captured and imprisoned in Richmond, she was later awarded the Medal of Honor.
“Mary Edwards Walker” panel
Emily Pointer
As the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to the formally enslaved, marriage was also legally recognized. Emily and John Pointer’s marriage certificate 1866 documents their partnership since 1844 and recognizes their children.
“Citizenship Guaranteed” case
