FEE PROGRAMMING

To supplement the standard museum experience the museum offers a variety of fee based programs. Each program is 25 to 30 minutes in length. The first delivery of a program is $50.00 and each additional repetition is $20.00. We cannot guarantee that all programs are available at all times, but we will strive to meet your requests. Two or three programs can be presented simultaneously depending on group size. Recommended for upper elementary and secondary students.

Recommended For Elementary, Secondary Students and Adults

Religion During the War

A docent will lead a presentation dealing with religious life and thought during the mid-19th century. The program will focus on the cultural and religious beliefs at the time of the Civil War as well as the Great Revival of 1864 that swept through both armies.

Civil War Soldier

A costumed docent will display uniforms, weapons, accoutrements and personal items that a Confederate and Union soldier used. The student will gain a better understanding of the soldier’s daily routine, hardships endured and the use of Napoleonic military tactics. Some students may be asked to participate. 

Victorian Dress

Through the use of Victorian clothing, with an emphasis on ladies underpinnings, the story of a Civil War era woman is told. It is not only the story of function, but of social class, sexiness, liberation, suffrage, inequality, frugality and survival. Even though the description sounds heavy, it is a fun and entertaining way of looking at history and looking at ourselves as we learn the origins of customs and practices we still engage today. 

Battlefield Medicine/Doctors & Nurses

At the beginning of the War Between the States medical care was crude and undeveloped. As during any war, huge advancements were made with the introductions of battlefield evacuations, hospitals aboard ships, the pharmaceutical industry, medical record keeping, women nurses as well as many other surprising outcomes. A docent shows how medical instruments were used for the care of the soldier. 

Recommended For Secondary Students and Adults

Leadership Walk

Costumed docent will lead guests through the museum galleries highlighting specific artifacts and principle characters of the conflict. Question and Answers sessions deal with effective leadership displayed during the war. This session has space limitations and is limited to smaller groups. A basic understanding of the Civil War is recommended. 

Mourning Customs

Through the use of Victorian clothing, the custom of Mourning Practices will be explored. Death was a daily occurrence in every American community due to the war, limited medical practices, disease, lack of sanitation, etc. The Victorians viewed death as a “gentle rest” and mourning well was considered a reward for a good life. Thus, the art of mourning became a sub culture which required proper clothing and behavior complete with jewelry, décor poetry manuals as well as superstitions. These customs would last through the early twentieth century and some linger even today.