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Civil War & Emancipation Day
April 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
ABOUT THIS SPECIAL EVENT
Civil War & Emancipation Day (or CWED) is a commemorative day marking the history & impact of the Civil War and the end of slavery in Richmond. Join us for a day of family-friendly storytelling, music, crafts, and a visit from Abe Lincoln as we use the arts to explore the Civil War, slavery, and emancipation. All events are included with Museum admission.
Civil War & Emancipation Day consists of programs and activities that explore the Civil War, slavery, and emancipation. This annual, collaborative community-wide effort commemorates the anniversaries of key 1865 events:
THE CONFEDERATE EVACUATION OF RICHMOND (APRIL 2)
THE EMANCIPATION OF ENSLAVED RICHMONDERS & THE ARRIVAL OF US TROOPS (APRIL 3)
ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S TOUR OF THE CITY (APRIL 4)
Registration Encouraged, Not Required.
All events are included with Museum admission.
President Lincoln Speaks
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program with Fritz Klein
Klein’s portrayal of Lincoln brings this American icon to life, blending his humor and humanity in thoroughly researched and historically accurate programs.
Come dressed as Lincoln for our Lincoln-Look-A-Like Contest!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Children’s program with Dr. Jonathan White. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln struggled with spelling for his entire life? Or that kids teased him on his first day of school because he wore a sunbonnet? Join author and historian Jonathan W. White as he shares stories of Abraham Lincoln from his new book, My Day with Abe Lincoln. The program is geared toward children, but adults will enjoy it!
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Musical performance by 8th Green Machine Regimental Band
Using authentic 19th-century instruments and mouthpieces, the band plays popular patriotic airs, operatic selections, and dance tunes from the period. In between selections, learn about bands of the period, the music, and the instruments in this engaging and informative hour-long program.
President Lincoln Speaks
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Program with Fritz Klein
Klein’s portrayal of Lincoln brings this American icon to life, blending his humor and humanity in thoroughly researched and historically accurate programs.
Come dressed as Lincoln for our Lincoln-Look-A-Like Contest!
Participating Organizations
April 6, 2024, 1PM, 1700 Dock Street
To understand what happened when Abraham Lincoln visited Richmond on April 4-5, 1865, the best way is to retrace his footsteps. Richmond historian and Park Ranger Mike Gorman will highlight the incredible events of this “strange presidential entry” featuring newly uncovered research that helps explain what happened, as well as the memory and legacy of the event. Join us as we literally walk in the footsteps of Lincoln through Richmond.
Tour begins at 1 PM at the floodwall at 17th and Dock Streets (GPS address: 1700 Dock Street). There are multiple parking lots and street parking available nearby. Expect to walk approximately 2 miles, half of which is uphill. The tour will last approximately 2 hours.
“Sculpting History” Tour & Conversation
Date & time: April 7 | 2-3pm
Location: the Valentine Museum – 1015 East Clay Street
For Civil War & Emancipation Day, join Curator of General Collections, Christina Vida, for an intimate conversation in the Valentine’s newest exhibition Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power and the “Lost Cause” American Myth. Through artworks sculpted by Edward Valentine as well as documents, images, quotes and big questions, we will explore how the Lost Cause myth reframed the reality of the Civil War and impacted communities from the 19th century to today. Discuss stories behind the “Lost Cause”, consider its legacy, and uncover examples of brave individuals who resisted the myth.
This program is free and registration is required.
Photos from Civil War & Emancipation Day 2023
