American Civil War Museum

Tredegar History Tours Daily at 11am & 3pm & Musket Firing Demonstrations at 1pm Daily!
2026-07-03 11:00 - 2026-08-31 11:00 (America/New_York)
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!

Tredegar History Tours @ 11 AM and 3 PM

Musket Firing Demonstrations @ 1 PM

Wine Down Wednesday
2026-08-26 17:30 - 19:30
A perfect evening for history lovers, mixologists, museum-goers, and anyone in need of a midweek break!

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 live music and light snacks! Galleries are open during the event.

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

Point Lookout with Robert Crickenberger
2026-09-10 18:30 - 19:30
Join Robert Crickenberger as he shares about Point Lookout, the largest Civil War Prison, and why its history deserves a fresh look.

After it emerged in July 1863, Point Lookout became the largest prisoner of war camp of the Civil War and marked the “second wave” of Union prison camps. By the end of the war, more than 52,000 prisoners had passed through its gates. Join us as Robert Crickenberger shares insights from his groundbreaking study, which reexamines the prison and its place in Civil War history.

Robert E. Crickenberger Jr. has studied Point Lookout for over 48 years and serves as a volunteer and living historian at Point Lookout State Park. He is the President of the Friends of Point Lookout and a Historic Weapons Safety Officer for the Maryland Park Service, earning him the title of Honorary Ranger.

The Man Behind the Cane with Paul Quigley
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00
Join Paul Quigley to discover what prompted Preston Brooks’ attack on Charles Sumner and how it deepened the nation’s division over slavery.

In 1856, South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks caned Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner on the floor of the U.S. Capitol. The attack, which left Sumner unconscious, increased tensions across the nation and pushed the country closer to civil war. Join Paul Quigley as he explores what motivated Brooks’ actions and what it meant for an increasingly polarized nation.

Paul Quigley is the James I. Robertson, Jr. Associate Professor of Civil War History in the History Department at Virginia Tech, where he also serves as Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and Director of the Center for Humanities. Quigley is the author of the prize-winning book Shifting Grounds: Nationalism and the American South, 1848-65, and has edited works in publications ranging from the Journal of the Civil War Era to the New York Times and the Washington Post.

The Veteran Reserve Corps with David A. Welker
2026-10-01 18:30 - 19:30
Join David A. Welker as he brings to light the story of the Veteran Reserve Corps and the wounded soldiers who helped defend the Union.

The Veteran Reserve Corps, originally known as the Union’s Invalid Corps, was created when President Lincoln called 60,000 wounded combat veterans back to service during the war’s darkest days. These men overcame ridicule and public scorn to contribute to Union victory, including their often overlooked role in saving the nation’s capital from Confederate attack in July 1864.

David A. Welker is a professional historian with the US Government and author of three Civil War histories, The Cornfield: Antietam’s Turning Point; Tempest at OxHill: The Battle of Chantilly and A Keystone Rebel: The Diary of Joseph Garey. Welker is also the author of numerous magazine articles and a frequent public speaker on diverse aspects of the war.
