American Civil War Museum

The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge
2026-06-16 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
The American Civil War Museum–Appomattox is pleased to host the Appomattox Petersburg Preservation Society for their lecture, “The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge.”

This lecture explores the clash that occurred on April 6, 1865, as a Federal expeditionary force attempted to burn the vital Appomattox River crossings during Lee’s retreat toward Farmville. Outnumbered but determined, the Federal detachment fought fiercely against Confederate cavalry before being overwhelmed in brutal hand-to-hand combat, leaving nearly the entire Union force killed, wounded, or captured.

Carson Butler directs the American Civil War Museum–Appomattox site. He holds a History degree from Gettysburg College with minors in Civil War–Era Studies and Public History. He has interpreted Civil War history at National Park Service sites including Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. He also worked as a Virginia State Parks Ranger at High Bridge Trail State Park, highlighting the often-forgotten fighting at High Bridge during the Appomattox Campaign. Additionally, he is a published author in the Emerging Civil War series and is an active member of the Appomattox Petersburg Preservation Society.

Hunter’s Raid: The Battle of Lynchburg
2026-06-18 07:00 - 21:00
Join Greg Starbuck, Executive Director of Historic Sandusky, for a screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Hunter’s Raid: The Battle for Lynchburg, followed by a Q&A session about the Battle. Mr. Starbuck will also discuss his newest documentary, Lynchburg at War: The Home Front, including filming done at the White House of the Confederacy for a special scene involving Jefferson Davis and the Lynchburg hospitals.

Hands on History (Every Monday in June)
2026-06-15 10:00 - 12:00
Every Monday in June our education team will provide a sensory experience in our main exhibit, A People’s Contest. Educators will facilitate learning utilizing artifacts from our handling collection. Children and adults will be able to observe and touch replica Civil War-era artifacts while learning about their history. Different artifacts and themes will be featured each Monday.

June 1: Freedom Seekers (Harriet Tubman, Susie King Taylor, Garland White, Charles English)

June 8: The Tredegar Iron Works (Simple Machines at Tredegar, Cannon Making)

June 15: The Path to Freedom (Resistance, Emancipation, Reconstruction)

June 22: Children in the Civil War (Johnny Clem, Tillie Pierce, Tad Lincoln)

June 29: A Soldier’s Life (Uniforms, Equipment, Food)

Programming is aimed at early childhood learners but can be enjoyed by all! Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Tredegar History Tours DAILY
2026-06-01 11:00 - 16:00 | The American Civil War Museum – Historic Tredegar, 480 Tredegar St., Richmond, Virginia, 23219, United States
Tredegar History Tours and Musket Firing Demonstrations happening DAILY!

Tredegar History Tours @ 11 AM and 3 PM

Musket Firing Demonstrations @ 1 PM

Join us for a Tredegar History Tour—an engaging journey through the story of the former Tredegar Iron Works, right in the heart of downtown Richmond.

Explore one of Richmond’s most iconic historical sites, discover how cannons were made during the Civil War, and check out our current exhibitions!

Secrets of the Gray House Tour (Every Tuesday in June)
2026-06-09 10:30 - 11:30
Step inside the Gray House and uncover Civil War secrets, spies, and hidden stories on special tours every Tuesday in June!

Step inside the Gray House, also known as the White House of the Confederacy, and learn the story of Mary Richards Bowser and the other enslaved servants who secretly shared information about what was happening within the Confederate President’s House. Discover the secret hidden by Judah Benjamin and how Elizabeth Van Lew succeeded in maintaining her cover.

These special tours take place every Tuesday in June from 10:30AM – 11:30AM at the White House of the Confederacy at 1201 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219.

Free to Members

Wine Down Wednesday
2026-06-24 17:30 - 19:30
Unwind after a long workday with stunning views of the James River at Wine Down Wednesday!

Please join us on the last Wednesday of June, July, and August and explore the history of cocktail making in the Civil War era with hand-curated cocktails using recipes from the first printed bartender’s manual, How to Mix Drinks: Or, the Bon-Vivant’s Companion by the great-great grandfather of modern American mixology, Jerry Thomas.

The evening will include light refreshments and great company inside the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar. Exhibits will be open during this event.

Open to all, though alcoholic beverages sold only to 21+

Battlefield Tour: Seven Days Campaign
2026-06-27 09:00 - 15:00
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Join us for a caravan-style tour of the Seven Days Battles! This 6-hour tour will first meet at ACWM–Tredegar at 8:45 AM. Click to see google map.

TOUR STOP ADDRESSES:

1. ACWM–Tredegar (Restrooms & Food): 480 Tredegar St. Richmond, VA 23219

2. Dabbs House: 3812 Nine Mile Rd, Richmond, VA 23223

3. Chickahominy Bluff: 2302 Springdale Rd, Richmond, VA 23222

4. Beaver Dam Creek: 7423 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

5. Gaines’ Mill (Restrooms at Cold Harbor Visitor Center): 6283 Watt House Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

6. Grapevine Bridge (Lunch Break): 1352 Hanover Rd, Sandston, VA 23150

7. Savage’s Station 2801 Meadow Rd, Sandston, VA 23150

8. White Oak Swamp at Elko Union Church: 6861 Elko Rd, Sandston, VA 23150

9. Glendale at Horizon Food Stores: 6141 Charles City Rd, Henrico, VA 23231

10. Malvern Hill (Restrooms): 8945-8955 Willis Church Rd, Henrico, VA 23231

There will be limited opportunities for food/fuel/restroom stops along the route, so please plan accordingly. This tour involves short walks at various stops. For more detailed information, please reach out to our manager of historic engagement, Chuck Young (cyoung@acwm.org, 804-649-1861 ext. 101)

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

Mornings at the Museum: Faces of the Civil War
2026-07-07 10:00 - 16:00
Beginning July 7, join us every Tuesday/Thursday in July from 10AM–12PM and 2–4PM to learn about individuals who lived through the American Civil War, from the famous to the obscure.

Each day, we will focus on different people from all walks of life. We will have activities, games, crafts, and books geared toward elementary and middle school aged kids, but all are welcome to participate!

•July 7: The Presidency (Abraham Lincoln & Jefferson Davis)

•July 9: Freedom (Frederick Douglass & Henry Box Brown)

•July 14: Bleeding Kansas (John Brown)

•July 16: The Trent Affair (Charles Francis Adams, James Mason, & John Slidell)

•July 21: Espionage (Elizabeth Van Lew & Benjamin F. Stringfellow)

•July 23: Medicine (Mary Edwards Walker, Susie King Taylor, & Phoebe Pember)

•July 28: The Navy (Robert Smalls & Franklin Buchanan)

•July 30: Women of the Civil War (Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd Lincoln, & Varina Davis)

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Retreat from Victory with Francis Augustín O'Reilly
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00
Join author Francis Augustín O’Reilly for a deep dive into the pivotal Battle of Malvern Hill and the complexities of its outcome.

The Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862, marked the climax of the Seven Days’ Battles around Richmond, Virginia. Fought on the doorstep of the Confederate capital, Malvern Hill marked the first time the full might of General George B. McClellan’s Union Army of the Potomac and General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia met. Despite resulting in a Union victory, the battle provided important advantages for the Confederacy, as McClellan retreated to establish a safe base on the James River.

Francis Augustín O’Reilly has been a professional battlefield guide for 40 years, as well as an award-winning author. He gives tours and lectures on topics of war and leadership all over Virginia and the world. His book, The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Book signing at 7 pm.

Members Reception at 5 pm

The Hell-Fired Blues: Virginians in the American Revolution
2026-07-21 18:30 - 19:30
Join historian John C. Settle as he uncovers the lives and service of Virginia’s Continental soldiers.

The American Civil War Museum–Appomattox is pleased to host the Appomattox Petersburg Preservation Society for their lecture, “The Hell-Fired Blues: Virginians in the American Revolution.”

Following the disastrous defeats at Charleston and Waxhaws, the Virginia Continental Line had to be reorganized. Despite the challenges of recruiting, supplying, and properly officering these new battalions, Virginia’s Continental soldiers played an important role in the campaigns in the South through the end of the Revolutionary War. Yet despite their service, they are largely forgotten. Through hundreds of pension applications and letters, John C. Settle has reconstructed the story of not only the battles and generals, but the experiences of the officers and men of the Virginia Continental Line as soldiers and veterans.

John C. Settle currently teaches U.S. history and civics in Powhatan County. His research focuses on the military experiences of Virginians during and after the Revolutionary War. His book, The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution’s Southern Campaigns, examines the experiences of Virginia Continental soldiers during the later years of the war. Settle has also published articles for the Fluvanna Historical Society and the Journal of the American Revolution.

The Boy Generals with Adolfo Ovies
2026-07-30 18:30 - 19:30
The turbulent events of the closing months of the Civil War serve as a backdrop for the increasingly dysfunctional—and bitter—relationship between George Armstrong Custer and Wesley Merritt.

Join us as Adolfo Ovies concludes The Boy Generals trilogy with a race from the Shenandoah Valley to Appomattox, offering an uncompromising examination of the darker aspects of how the war in the Valley unfolded.

The Boy Generals trilogy springs from his lifelong passion for the Civil War, and for George Custer’s role in it in particular. Ovies serves on the Board of Directors of the Little Big Horn Association, where he champions Custer’s role in the Civil War. He is an active member of the Miami Civil War Round Table and serves as the administrator of the group’s Facebook page.
