History Day

Saturday, March 21, 2026
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy a day of fun, exploration, and learning at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War! This discounted event offers a variety of hands-on activities for all ages. Join the Army and learn to drill, enjoy 19th-century games and activities, watch the Emmy-award winning film, Field of Lost Shoes, take a guided tour through the battlefield, learn 19th-century foodways, sheep shearing, and much more.

Visit our partner agency booths and pick up classroom information about Valley ecology, and history. Visit the General's Store for a great selection of books and other items to further your educational goals as well as souvenirs of your visit. Come and have fun for the day and make memories for a lifetime!

The discounted admission rate of $5.00 per person (ages 4+) is ONLY AVAILABLE to those that have preregistered payment due at time of registration. Registration is open from Feb. 23 - March 18, 2026.

Register Online | Printable History Day Registration Form

Admission rates at the door are $12.00 for adults (ages 13+) and $7.00 for youth (ages 4-12). Contact the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at 540-740-3101 or nmbshp@vmi.edu for more information.

162nd Battle of New Market Guided Tour

Friday, May 15 — 9 a.m. to noon
8895 George Collins Parkway, New Market, VA 22844

This event is limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration is required.

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park is excited to announce that noted Civil War Historian and Tour Guide, Aaron Siever with Aaron’s Civil War Travels LLC will be onsite to offer an in-depth guided tour on the Battle of New Market for the 162nd Anniversary of the event.

Aaron’s vast knowledge of the war has led him to provide multiple programs with Civil War Roundtables and the Blue and Gray Education Societies Civil War 101.  He has produced videos on many battles such as Vicksburg and Gettysburg. His video series also puts a focus on little known areas of importance such as slave quarters, mills, small battles and other often forgotten sites.

Join Aaron as he provides a comprehensive program taking participants to multiple locations in and around New Market, exploring troop movements, and hearing the accounts of the battle in the words of the soldiers who were there. The tour includes a visit to the Bushong Farm, "Bloody Cedars", and Field of Lost Shoes where the famous VMI cadet charge took place.

The cost of the tour is $30 per person and includes access to the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at the tour’s conclusion plus 15% off any purchase in the museums General’s Store. The tour will last approximately three hours from 9 a.m. to noon. Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and walking shoes. You may bring a camp chair if you like. Tour will include walking on the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and driving personal vehicles to the nearby sites. Participants are encouraged to carpool.

Registration opens April 1, 2026. Payment due at time of registration. To register or for additional information on this tour please contact Virginia Museum of the Civil War at 540-740-3101 or by email at nmbshp@vmi.edu.

162nd Battle of New Market Commemoration

Saturday,May 16 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join us as we remember the Battle of New Market that raged across Jacob Bushong’s farm and the soldiers that struggled there. Special emphasis will highlight the role of the Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute that were asked to fill a gap in the Confederate battle line and helped to turn the tide of the battle.

Activities and cooking demonstrations at the Bushong Farm, military drill, live black powder demonstrations, and camp life. Special guests the Society of Civil War surgeons will conduct multiple medical demonstrations over the course of the weekend.

Details and a schedule of events will be posted as the event draws near.

Civil War Day Camp

Monday, July 13 – Friday July 17, 2026
9 a.m to noon

Is your kid a history buff? Do they love hands-on learning? Are you looking for an educational and exciting opportunity for your child? All of these are great reasons to sign up for the Civil War Day Camp at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Open to children ages 7-12; this program has something for everyone. Each camp day will focus on a different theme. Find out what Civil War life was like for Confederate and Union soldiers, VMI Cadets and civilians on the home front. Play the games they played. Eat the food they ate. Drill like they did. Walk in history's footsteps at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War Day Camp at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park!

Day camp will run July 13-17, 2026, from 9:00am until 12:00pm. Daily snack and souvenir will be provided.
Registration opens in March!

Limited to 30 Campers.

$25 per day. Sign up for all five days and save $25.*

*3 day minimum.