Our Mission

The American Civil War Museum explores, inspires, and promotes the public’s understanding of the Civil War’s causes, course, and consequences.

We explore the unparalleled significance the Civil War holds to the complexities we face today…

Our Story

The American Civil War Museum explores the most critical period in America’s history–the Civil War era. Our premier artifact collection, immersive exhibitions, and diverse programming tell the stories of soldiers and civilians locked in a struggle over the soul and future of this nation. We invite visitors to see themselves as part of an alive and evolving history.

We maintain three unique sites: The American Civil War Museum – Historic Tredegar and the White House of the Confederacy, both in Richmond, VA; and The American Civil War Museum–Appomattox, in Appomattox, VA.

The Museum’s flagship site is located at Historic Tredegar on the banks of the James River in Richmond. ACWM also provides tours of the historic White House of the Confederacy in Richmond, where Jefferson Davis and his family resided during the American Civil War. The Museum’s third site, ACWM-Appomattox, located in Appomattox in central Virginia, examines the final year of the War and its legacies. For more information visit acwm.org, follow us on FaceBook, Instagram Twitter and Youtube.

In 2013, The American Civil War Museum was formed by a consolidation of the American Civil War Center and the Museum of the Confederacy.  Immediately after the consolidation of the two institutions, we began plans to build our new facility which opened in May 2019 at Historic Tredegar.  The new, award-winning museum building encases the original Tredegar Iron Works ruin wall, and features state-of-the-art storage space to protect our unparalleled collection of artifacts.

By subscribing to our weekly newsletter, you will receive updates about upcoming programs, special events, and more!


Awards & Recognition

CandidPlatinum Seal of Transparency 2022
The ACWM organization has earned a 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid! Support our work with trust & confidence by viewing our nonprofit profile.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
‘THE BEST’ 2022 – Entertainment: Best Museum – Favorite Museum
The Branch Museum of Architecture & Design
2020 recipient of Virginia by Design Awards: Prize for Public Interest Design: Community Engagement and Participation

This prize is for a creative project that has transformed its surroundings whether a setting, neighborhood, or community. It is for an individual or entity responsible for shepherding the project within Virginia.

American Alliance of MuseumsAccredited Museum
32nd Annual Excellence in Exhibition – Special Achievement in Storytelling Supported by Collections for A People’s Contest
Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate
Real Estate Award 2019 – Best Cultural Project