2011-2015: The Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War and Emancipation

Mark your calendars to attend these special events commemorating the American Civil War and Emancipation.

Northern Virginia

Spotsylvania - May 2 - Civil War Symposium - Join us for a "Chancellorsville 150th Commemoration" as we kick-off the re-enactment weekend. Our presenters will take a close look at the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought from April 30-May 6, 2013, as we mark its anniversary.

Spotsylvania - May 3-5 - 150th Chancellorsville Civil War Living History and Reenactment - Three days of Civil War learning experiences with sutlers, living historians, lectures, dancing, tours, arts and craft fair and children's programs, as well as a battle reenactment to commemorate the Battle of Chancellorsville, which occurred in May of 1863.

Manassas - September 14-15 - Bristoe Station Campaign Symposium - Join scholars and historians for an exciting two-day symposium that commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Bristoe Station Campaign. This much over looked Civil War campaign was Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's last offensive campaign during the war and set the stage for the arrival of Gen. Ulysses Grant to the Union Army.

Bristow - October 12-13 - Bristoe Station 150th Anniversary Commemorative Weekend - Walk hallowed ground and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle at Bristoe Station. The 1863 battle was the culimination of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's last offensive campaign of the Civil War. Join local historians for in-depth tours, living history and special programs concentrating on the action at Bristoe Station in October 1863.

Amissville - November 16 - Gray Ghost Vineyards' Civil War Authors Day - Featuring wines for the holidays and renowned Civil War Authors in attendance to autograph books and bring the Civil War to life. Enjoy informative and entertaining vignettes throughout the day. A “must attend” event for any history buff.

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Shenandoah Valley

Berryville - April 20-21 - African American Historic Heroes - In collaboration with The College of William and Mary and the Remembering Slavery, Resistance, and Freedom Project, the Josephine School Community Museum / Clarke County African American Cultural center will pay homage to local African American historic heroes ( including former slaves, Civil War soldiers) and the former slaves and freedmen who immediately after slavery constructed Josephine City, an all black self-sustaining town which was established in 1870.

Buchanan - April 26-28 - Buchanan Civil War History Weekend - See the flash, smell the smoke and witness the reenactment of General McCausland and his confederate troops fighting to secure the bridge delaying General Hunters fiery Raid of the Valley. You and your family are invited to explore one of the lesser known sites of the War Between the States in downtown Buchanan.

Buena Vista - May 10-11 - Paxton House Revival: 150 Years After The Civil War - Watch history come alive before your very own eyes at the Paxton House! Take a journey, "In their Footprints," inside the Virginia Historymobile, an interactive museum on wheels, see what life was like during the Civil War with living history by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Camp #1296, enjoy displays and tours by the Virginia Canal Society, period music, and more!

New Market - May 18-19 - Reenactment of the Battle of New Market - A commemorative reenactment of the Battle of Second Winchester is scheduled at 2:00 on Saturday, May 18th and the Battle of New Market is reenacted at 1:30 on Sunday, May 19th. Enjoy one of the oldest Civil War reenactments in the nation still held on the original 1864 battlefield. Excitement for a day; memories for a lifetime.

Grottoes - June 15 - Grand Caverns Heritage Day - Heritage Day will include civil war encampments, living history exhibits throughout the day, craft vendors and demonstrations, and a candlelight tour and authentic ballroom dance in the evening.

Middletown - October 19-20 - Re-enactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek - A must for civil war and history buffs! Come see the re-enactment of a vital Civil War battle that took place in the breadbasket of the Confederacy, the Shenandoah Valley. Relive the battle and life of ordinary citizens as you visit the field and encampments surrounding it.

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Central Virginia

Richmond - May 3 - Enduring Legacy: Rhetoric and Ritual of the Lost Cause - uthor W. Stuart Towns, Ph.D will discuss his book, which explores the crucial role of the spoken word in creating and propagating a "Lost Cause" public memory of the American South.

Appomattox - May 8 - Second Battle of Fredericksburg Civil War Conversation - The Second Battle of Fredericksburg took place on Lee's right flank during the Chancellorsville Campaign. On the same ground where the Union Army had suffered terrible losses a few months earlier while assaulting Marye's Heights, Union Gen. Sedgwick was assigned the task of dislodging Gen. Early from the heights and separating him from the rest of Lee's Army. A little known but dramatic battle ensued with important consequences. Join Bryan Baine, owner of Baine's Books and Coffee for this free lunchtime talk.

Appomattox - May 10 - The Death of Stonewall Jackson: The View from the Museum's Collections Brown Bag Lunch Talk - The death of Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson on May 10, 1863 was, according to contemporaries and historians alike, the most irreplaceable casualty the Confederacy suffered during the entire war. Held on the 150th anniversary of the day that he died, this program will highlight objects, photographs, and documents in the Museum's collections to recount the wounding, death, funeral, and mourning of Stonewall Jackson.

Appomattox - May 11 - Calamity at Chancellorsville: The Wounding and Death of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson - Author Mathew W. Lively will lecture on his new book "Calamity at Chancellorsville: The Wounding and Death of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson." The book utilizes extensive primary source material and a firm understanding of the area to re-examine the gripping story of the final days of one of the Confederacy's greatest generals, and how Southerners came to view Jackson's death during and after the conflict.

Hanover - May 15 - Losing Lee's Right Arm: The Death and Legacy of Stonewall Jackson - Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. will speak on those historic events and the wider impact of the general's passing. Seating for this exclusive event at Hanover Tavern is limited. Reservations are required.

Appomattox - May 23 - Confederate Generals - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - The American Civil War spawned some of the most brilliant minds in military history, some of the biggest duds, and every type of commanding officer in between. Join Development Officer Will Glasco as he compares and contrasts the leadership styles of various Confederate commanders and draws conclusions about "who are of stuff to make good generals."

Lynchburg - May 26 - Confederate Memorial Day Service in Old City Cemetery - Annual Lynchburg tradition since 1866, sponsored this year by Kirkwood Otey Chapter No. 10, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Mechanicsville - June 15 - Civil War Encampment at Historic Polegreen Church - Uniformed volunteers tell the story of the Civil War soldier in the Virginia Theater between 1861 & 1865. One artillery unit that they often portray is the Richmond Howitzers, who on June 1, 1864 were forced to fire on the church after union sharpshooters claimed its position. Today, the modern gun crew of the Richmond Howitzers is giving back what the original gun crew was forced to take away.

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Blue Ridge Highlands

Ararat - October 5-6 - Civil War Encampment & Reenactment - The Blue Ridge Mountains will ring again with the clash of sabers, the thunder of the big guns, and the battle cries of the bloodiest war ever fought! Food vendors, period music, Black Rose Memorial service, women's fashion show, sutlers, period camp sites and more.

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Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads

Charles City - May 18-19 - Annual Civil War Reenactment at Fort Pocahontas - Reenactors from across the country will relive history by portraying Union and Confederate Infantry, including United States Colored Troops (USCTs), Cavalry, U.S. and C.S. Navy and Artillery. Activities throughout both days will include tactical infantry and artillery demonstrations, civilian camp life history including cooking and other lifestyle demonstrations, church services, guided tours through the fort and an opportunity to meet generals leading the troops. Sutlers will sell period Civil War merchandise and clothing throughout the weekend.

Newport News - May 25, July 27 - Civil War 150th Lecture Series: Legacy of the USS Monitor - This occasional series highlights the continuing story of the USS Monitor, which is unfolding everyday in the Batten Conservation Complex at The Mariners’ Museum. Mariners’ Museum and NOAA curatorial and conservation staff will present these informative, illustrated presentations in the Museum’s Roper Theater.

Portsmouth - December 7 - In Winter Quarters - Experience what a Civil War winter encampment was like and holiday traditions from the Civil War period. Create crafts and ornaments inside the museum.

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Southern Virginia

Axton - June 1-2 - 3rd Battle of Martinsville Virginia Civil War Reenactment - Witness the 3rd Battle of Martinsville, a Civil War reenactment, encampment and living history weekend. You'll have the opportunity to see sutlers, artillery, horses and more. Meet Colonel Keith Cornelius, commander of the Confederate Forces and Colonel Lance Dawson, commander of the Federal Forces.

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