"An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia" Resource Box

From 1861 to 1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism, and nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the war. This resource box encourages students to consider how a single event, separated from us by 150 years, so fundamentally reshaped American society that its impact is still experienced today. What was gained by the Civil War, what was lost, and what is left for us to resolve?

Enclosed within the box are replica artifacts, facsimiles of historical documents, and images. These items are meant to help bring history "alive" by allowing participants the opportunity to look more closely at and even touch historical items that are often sealed under protective glass in many museums.

This box is available for loan to your school, library, or community organization.
A resource guide—complete with historical information, artifact descriptions, worksheets, and other activities—is included in the contents of the box.

If you do not wish to present the program yourself, you may also schedule a time for one of our educators to present the box at the VHS. You will also find information on scheduling the museum-based program.

• Request this program | FAQ

Outreach Program: "The Civil War Soldier: A Common Man"

This outreach program is delivered in a hands-on fashion using artifact reproductions. We welcome and encourage student/teacher participation. VHS outreach programs are creatively designed around the Virginia SOLs.

This program involves the active participation of the entire class as students investigate the trials and hardships of a Civil War soldier. The class will have an opportunity to feel the textures of the fabrics and the weight of the gear, and draw their own conclusions of what it may have been like to carry these items during the four seasons of the year without modern transportation. This program is geared toward older students, grades 4 and up. Students will examine facsimiles of letters written and discuss the effect the war had on Virginians and the country. Students will explore the contributions made by women, slaves and children, whether they worked side by side with the soldiers or helped to maintain the homefront while the men were away.
• Maximum 30 students
• 60 minutes
• Request this program | FAQ

Hands-on History Program: "The Civil War Soldier: A Common Man"

Our "History Boxes" contain reproductions of artifacts, diaries, letters, documents, and photographs found in The Story of Virginia: An American Experience.

Students will explore the everyday experience of a Civil War soldier, focusing on aspects of camp life such as clothing, food, and letters from home. From the perspective of those who fought in the terrible conflict, students will gain insight into the war and its consequences.
• Maximum 30 students
• K-5th grade
• 60 minutes
• Request this program | FAQ