PHOTOS BY PENELOPE M. CARRINGTON
S RES NG CO OF RY RA LIB
Battle of Gettysburg
Free. Registration required. What it means to be American and the issues surrounding membership, identity, belonging, and exclusion continue to occupy and divide us today. How have the concept of citizenship and the rights of citizens evolved? Author Amanda Frost explores the impact that the American Civil War had on the citizenship of individuals — from those formerly enslaved to Confederate leaders.
ACWM Board of Directors chairman Dan Stoddard recognized the contributions of the evening’s honorees, former CEO Christy Coleman, former Foundation President Waite Rawls, and founding Board chairman Edward Ayers.
Celebrating Our Journey A First-Year Anniversary
T The 2021 Symposium: Most Pivotal Decisions Exact dates, times, and speakers TBA. When the American Civil War started, no one could anticipate how long it would last or what the outcomes would be. Both unanticipated events and deliberate choices altered the course of the war throughout its four years. From enslaved people seeking freedom, to the decisions of military commanders on the field, and the actions of politicians on the home front, explore significant decisions that changed the course of history. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
he journey to celebrate the first anniversary of the American Civil War Museum’s grand opening proved to be a few months longer than anticipated, but it finished with a “pandemically correct” virtual event on September 14. The event celebrated not only the anniversary, but also the successful completion of the years-long capital campaign. It also honored three principle leaders and visionaries who made the new museum possible: Dr. Edward L. Ayers, Christy S. Coleman, and S. Waite Rawls. Generously sponsored by Dominion Energy, A Sharper Palate, Historic Linden Row Inn, and RVA Tuk Tuk Tours and, coordinated by Museum Events Manager Christi Connors, the evening featured a blend of live speeches and presentations with pre-recorded videos about the Museum’s collections and exhibits. Justin Reid, Director of Community
Technicians from Seagram’s Systems Audio Visual tackled the technical challenges of livestreaming an event that featured live and recorded segments.
Initiatives at Virginia Humanities, hosted the event. Dr. David W. Blight of Yale University (and a longtime friend of the Museum) delivered a keynote address from his office in New Haven and answered live questions from Dr. Ayers. A recording of the anniversary celebration is forthcoming. Be sure to follow our monthly e-newsletter for updates. T H E A M E R I C A N C I V I L WA R M U S E U M 9
