So long, farewell . . .

I've had so much fun in Richmond, but it's time for me to say goodbye. I've learned about the Civil War's causes, course, and legacies from the three unique perspectives of war's Union, Confederate, and African American participants in a way I never knew before. I can't wait to tell my family and friends about this, and hope that you will take the time to add The American Civil at Historic Tredegar to your list of places to see as you plan your next vacation! It's worth the drive to Richmond to see this museum, especially as we begin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (or Sesquicentennial - can you even say that?)

You'll be hearing from me soon. Next stop . . . the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia.

I helped book group tour and student group appointments today. All of the Center's programs are compatible with both Virginia's and the the nation's Standards of Learning. Learn more about the programs here!

Home Front gallery

I also had the chance to visit the exhibit's Home Front gallery to learn more about the changing roles of women, African American slaves, and children. Many women became the heads of households, managed farms, and took over businesses once their husbands left to serve as troops. Some even took on jobs as cartridge rollers and assembled weapons for the war while others served as spies! Children's roles changed as well and their daily chores and other responsibilities increased as well. This exhibit panel discusses "Surviving Loss." Nearly every family, whether North or South, lost a family member or friend as a result of the war by 1864. Every day materials also found new uses! For example, did you know that carpet threads were used to replace yarn for socks and paper, normally used for letters or newspapers, was used as wallpaper? I learned so much today!

Casting Image

This photo shows a reproduction print of the famous painting "Casting of a Brooke Gun," by Jack Coggins, showcasing the interior of the Tredegar Gun Foundry and what it would have looked like during the war. Today, the Foundry is home to the Center's exhibit In the Cause of Liberty.

I also sat on the Brooke gun. 14 of these were cast at Tredegar between September 1861-March 1862.

Hydro-power

Here's another shot of me and Tredebear near the overshot water wheel that used to power the site.

I made a new friend . . .Tredebear!

My new friend, Tredebear, took me for a tour of the historic Tredegar Iron Works while in Richmond, VA. This site, with its 1861 Gun Foundry, was the nation's fourth largest producer of iron for the Confederate states during the war. The production included everything from railroad ties and munitions to the iron plating for the CSS Virginia otherwise known as the USS Merrimack (you know, from the March 9, 1862 Civil War Battle of Hampton Roads or the Monitor vs. Merrimack?) Here we're sitting on one of the historic industrial relics - the cupola furnace.

Emancipation Proclamation - Part 2

Here's the artifact I mentioned . . .

Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation was a powerful document - written in stages . . .did you know that? I watched a short film in the Center's exhibit, In the Cause of Liberty, where I learned more than I ever knew about the "EP." Then, I had the chance to view a version of it in an artifact case nearby!

Common Soldiers

Today I learned about the Common Soldier. Dressed in a hot, heavy, woolen uniform, the historic interpreter showed me how to properly march and hold a rifle musket. I even got to hold one of my own (just a toy, though.) What the soldiers ate, how they lived, what they wore, and how they fought were all things I learned more about. It was no easy life, walking hundreds of miles across battlefields. . . Whew! I'm tired just thinking about what those men sacrificed to secure liberties for our country.

Treasures at Tredegar

What a view! After quite a journey, I arrived safe and sound in Richmond, Virginia. My hosts at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar let me take a nap to refresh myself before I began to learn about this unique historic site. This photo shows me with Jenny Didas, my host and personal tour guide and educator. We're standing along the James River in downtown Richmond, just across the street from the Center! You can feel the river breezes as you walk along the Center grounds . . .it's a great way to cool down from the southern heat and humidity! Be sure to visit my blog this week to learn more about my visit and about the American Civil War Center! Or, click here to see more photos of my visit in Richmond.