Civil War Day Camp

Monday July 7 – Friday July 11, 2025
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 7-11, 2025, from 9 a.m. until noon. Daily snack and souvenir will be provided. 

Registration is now open: Printable Day Camp Registration Form

Limited to 30 Campers.

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

*3 day minimum.

John Pelham and the Shenandoah Valley – Program & Book signing  

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
2 - 4 p.m.

Join author and historian Sarah Kay Bierle at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park for a presentation and book signing. Her newest book "Glorious Courage: John Pelham in the Civil War" will be available for purchase.

Discounted early bird admission rate available.

A discounted admission rate of $8 per adult is only available to those that have preregistered, a non-refundable payment due at time of registration. Registration is open from July 8, 2025 – Aug. 9, 2025, and can be made by calling 540-740-3101 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. (The regular admission rate of $12 per adult is available to those who do not pre-register.)

Confederate artillerist John Pelham fought many of his most famous battles outside the Shenandoah Valley, but some of the pivotal moments of his military experiences started in this key Virginia location. From 1861 until his death in 1863, Pelham commanded the Stuart Horse Artillery. His gallops in and out of the Shenandoah Valley give opportunity to explore regional history within biographical and Civil War artillery stories. Come explore the bustling days of 1861 as Pelham arrived in Harpers Ferry, just weeks after leaving West Point. Note the turning of the seasons and examine two important military movements that launched from the Shenandoah Valley: the Chambersburg Raid of 1862 and the Loudoun Valley Campaign. Then consider if the Shenandoah Valley was the backdrop for young Pelham and serious romance. In this new program, historian Sarah Kay Bierle will take you on a journey along the backroads of Shenandoah Valley history and through unique accounts from the life of "Gallant Pelham." 

Spirits of New Market

October 11, 2025
6 – 8 p.m.

Explore the battlefield after hours and step back in time with our annual lantern tour program, "Spirits of New Market," as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of those whose lives were impacted by the Battle of New Market. You'll follow your guide on a lantern-lit tour of the Battlefield encountering living historians portraying the soldiers, townsfolk, and Bushong family. While interacting with the characters, you'll be able to lend aid to the wounded, ask questions and experience the Battlefield in a whole new way.

Event Rates: $10 per adult (ages 13 and older) $6 per youth (ages 6-12) Children 5 and under are free, $5 for New Market residents (ages 6+) with proof of residency.

Each walking tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers approximately ½ mile over grass and gravel.

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War as we celebrate the holiday season at the museum, battlefield, and Bushong Farm! Explore the museum and make take home crafts, enjoy festive treats, and see a special Christmas film. Take a step back into 1859 and visit the Bushong family as they cook, sing, and tell stories in anticipation of a special Christmas visitor.

Event tickets go on sale Dec. 6, 2025 at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Event prices are $10 per adult (ages 13 and older) $6 per youth (ages 6-12), Children 5 and under are free, $5 for New Market residents (ages 6+) with proof of residency. Bring two non-perishable canned food items to benefit our local food pantry to receive $1 off your ticket price. 

All event tickets are only valid the day of the event.

COMING SOON!

Miss Elizabeth Bushong’s Birthday Tea

February 2026 – Details coming Fall of 2025!