Celebrating Our First-year Anniversary

The 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.

(Title photo) 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.