Events

Upcoming Events

159th Anniversary Battle of New Market Commemoration

Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21, 2023

10 a.m. - 4 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.

Featuring special demonstrations and lectures by:

The Society of Civil War Surgeons & The American Civil War Original Long Arms Collectors

Activities Include:

Live black powder and military drill demonstrations
Live artillery demonstrations
Guided battlefield tours
Period cooking and civilian life programs
Period dances
Hands-on period Civil War weapons
Medical demonstrations (Friday-Sunday)

Daily 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.

Call 866-515-1864 or e-mail nmbshp@vmi.edu for more information.

159th Commemoration event schedule

Civil War Day Camp

Monday, July 10 – Friday, July 14, 2023.

9 a.m. - 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 10-14, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon. Daily snack and souvenir will be provided.

Registration opens in March
Limited to 30 Campers. Register early
$25 per day. Sign up for all five days and save $25.*
*3 day minimum.

Jacob Bushong’s Birthday Party

Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

It’s Jacob Bushong’s birthday! Friends and family are coming to help celebrate the day with a lawn party at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. And you are invited!

Join our living historians on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for games, activities, and special treats!

This is a free event.

Spirits of New Market

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023

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. 2, 2023

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. Stop by the military camp and see how soldiers celebrated Christmas far from home in 1864.

Event tickets go on sale at 10:00am on Dec. 2, 2023 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 of your ticket price.

ALL EVENT TICKETS ARE ONLY VALID THE DAY OF THE EVENT.