Commemoration of the Surrender & Freedom Day

159 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox VA, 24522

ABOUT THIS SPECIAL EVENT

As part of the regional Commemoration of the Surrender & Freedom Day, the American Civil War Museum will host various programs and activities.

What was life like for soldiers, for civilians on the homefront, and for enslaved and free African Americans? We invite the public to attend our annual programs and events commemorating the Surrender and Freedom Day on April 13th, 2024.


Saturday, April 13, 2024

Cannon Demo & Firing

10:30am – 11:00am

Join us as we present cannon-firing demonstrations throughout the day commemorating Surrender and Freedom Day. Each program will last approximately 15 minutes.

The African American Experience with the 5th U.S.C.T. Company G Presenters

11:00am – 12:30pm

Discover the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War Era through first person interpretation by three performers dedicated to educating the public and preserving the memories of African Americans who served in the Union Army.

Reenactor Skirmish – 12:30 pm – 1:30pm

Reconsidering Longstreet: Gettysburg, Appomattox, New Orleans

2:00pm – 3:00pm

General James Longstreet is remembered by many as a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War. He also was reviled by generations of white Southerners as an apostate—both for criticizing the generalship of Robert E. Lee and becoming republican during Reconstruction. Join us as Dr. Elizabeth Varon explores Longstreet’s influential postwar political career and connects it to the perennial debates over his wartime record.

The African American Experience with the 5th U.S.C.T. Company G Presenters

11:00am – 12:30pm

Discover the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War Era through first person interpretation by three performers dedicated to educating the public and preserving the memories of African Americans who served in the Union Army.

Musket Demonstration

3:30pm

The Third U.S Regular Infantry is a Civil War living history group dedicated to educating the public on the life of the U.S. Regular infantry soldier.

Cannon Demo & Firing followed by Stacking of Arms

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Join us as we present cannon-firing demonstrations throughout the day commemorating Surrender and Freedom Day. Each program will last approximately 15 minutes.