American Civil War Museum

Myths about Lee’s Surrender
2026-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
In commemoration of the surrender at Appomattox, join us as Patrick Schroeder, Historian at Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, delves deeper into what really happened on April 9, 1865. Drawing on research for his books Thirty Myths about Lee’s Surrender and More Myths about Lee’s Surrender, Patrick Schroeder separates myth from fact.

The Surrender at Appomattox Commemoration and Freedom Day Weekend
2026-04-11 10:00 - 2026-04-12 15:00
As part of the regional Commemoration of the Surrender & Freedom Day Weekend celebration, join us at ACWM-Appomattox for special events!

The American Civil War Museum is hosting a series of activities and programs as part of the regional celebration of the Commemoration of the Surrender & Freedom Day. Visitors can look forward to a fun-filled weekend of cannon firings, interactive sessions with living historians, and informative sessions about the lives of soldiers, civilians on the homefront, and enslaved and free African Americans during the Civil War.

We hope you will join us on April 11th and 12th at ACWM – Appomattox!

Voices of Appomattox: April 1865
2026-04-11 18:30 - 21:30
This special luminary program on the evening of April 11 is a guided evening experience where small groups are led across the site—including through the cabin—where guests will encounter powerful stories from multiple perspectives connected to the war’s final moments and the surrender here in Virginia. Visitors will stop at interpretive stations, featuring monologues presented by interpreters portraying individuals from April 1865.

We’re excited to present a both moving and reflective connection to the past!

Tours will run for 45 minutes to 1 hour each and will prepare to leave the museum’s main lobby every half hour, beginning at 6:30pm and running until the last tour at 8:30pm.

Registration Required

Why Gettysburg Matters
2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00
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”. In its own way, it has been — and continues to be — as vital to the story of American nationhood as anything that happened in the Revolution.

Members Reception at 5 pm

A Slumbering Serpent: George Washington on Slavery and Disunion
2026-06-30 18:00 - 19:00
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. The presentation offers a historically grounded and thoughtful exploration of Washington’s evolving conscience and leadership.

Following his remarks, the audience will be invited to engage in a question-and-answer session exploring these complex issues.

Members Reception at 5 pm
