American Civil War Center May Calendar

From Richmond.com: Where am I RVA? American Civil War Center
ichmond's big chapter in the battlefield history of the Civil War began its 150th anniversary commemoration on May 9 and continues with 60 days of events.

One of the more unique places to learn about the Civil War can be found at the American Civil War Center at historic Tredegar Iron Works.

The Center opened October 7, 2006, and is considered to be place to learn about the Civil War -- its causes, its course, and its legacies, according to its website. "It is a place where the people who decided America’s future tell their stories. Here, all of the main stories -- Union, Confederate, and African American -- get significant space together for the first time."

The Center is located on 8 acres on the historic James River in downtown Richmond. A National Historic Landmark, the Tredegar site contains five surviving buildings illustrating the Iron Works era. The National Park Service operates the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center located in the restored Pattern Building.

Admission is $8, children are $4 and free to children 5 and under.

Highlighted upcoming events at the Center:

Fire! Rifle Musket Program - May 19 & May 27: Join a costumed historical interpreter for a discussion and demonstration of the primary infantry weapon of the American Civil War. Learn how a Civil War soldier trained and fought with the rifle musket.

Men of Iron - May 20: Before, during and after the Civil War, the Tredegar Iron Works was an important industrial complex. In peacetime, it supplied the vast expansion of the railroad industry; in war it produced the largest number of cannon in the Confederacy. Guests are treated to a tour of the grounds learning about the manufacturing of iron, the people who worked here, the historic buildings on site and Tredegar owner Joseph Reid Anderson.

Meet the Curator, Meet the Artifact! - May 26: Throughout the year, artifacts in our In the Cause of Liberty exhibition change to showcase remarkable pieces that have been shared with us from private collections and renowned museums around the country. Join Randy Klemm, Curator for the American Civil War Center as he shares these remarkable pieces with you.