May Commemoration

160th Anniversary Battle of New Market Commemoration

Saturday May 18 – Sunday May 19, 2024 | 10:00am-4:00pm

The museum and grounds will host numerous living historians who will tell the story of the battle through programs and presentations designed to educate and entertain. Visit with the Society of Civil War Surgeons and delve into the aftermath of battle and the people responsible for caring for the wounded. Handle period fire-arms courtesy of The American Long Arms Civil War Collectors group. Take time to visit the military camps and ask what daily life was like for Civil War soldiers. Explore the home built by Jacob and Sarah Bushong where they sheltered with their family as the heaviest fighting raged outside their door. These and many other activities await you!

We encourage you to spend the day with us, exploring and learning. Picnic tables and large grassy areas are open to those wishing to pack a lunch or enjoy an ice cream from Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Co. Take advantage of the Shenandoah Valley Tourist Information Center inside and see what else you can discover in the Valley.

The Town of New Market is open and ready to welcome visitors to the many shops and restaurants that line the main street. New Market is hosting the Jammin’ Food Fest event in the Community Park from 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. on Saturday May 18th.


Daily Admission Rates

  • Adults (Ages 13+) - $10
  • Youth (Ages 6-12) - $6
  • Child (Ages 5 and under) – Free
  • New Market Residents w/proof of residency (Ages 6+) - $5

Schedule of Events

*Subject to change – please call 866-515-1864 for updates.

Friday, May 17

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Museum and Park open for self-guided tours

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Society of Civil War Surgeons Demonstrations

Saturday, May 18

10:00 a.m. — Artillery Firing Kickoff

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Guided Tour with Infantry Escort

10 – 10:30 a.m. — Union Army Drill and Black Powder Demo

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. — Medical Demo

12 – 12:45 p.m. — Civil War Era Dancing

12 – 12:45 p.m.– Author Terry Barkley speaking on Twilight of the Confederacy: The Alabama Corps of Cadets and the Burning of the University of Alabama—book signing to follow

12:15 – 12:45 p.m. — Artillery Demonstration and Talk

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. — Guided Tour

1 – 1:30 p.m. — Medical Demonstration

1:45 – 2:15 p.m. — Drill with the Confederate Army

2 – 3:00 p.m. Descendants Event

3 – 3:45 p.m. - Author Sarah K. Bierle’s talk “What About The Missing? A New Look at Prisoners of War & the Battle of New Market” – book signing to follow

3:15 – 3:45 p.m. — Civil War Era Rounders Game (Baseball)

3:30 – 4 p.m. — Civil War Era Dancing

3:45 – 4:15 p.m. — Artillery Demo and Talk

5 p.m. — Museum and Grounds Close

Sunday, May 19

10 – 10:45 a.m. — Union Walk to 54th Pennsylvania Monument for Ceremony

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. — Medical Demonstration

11:30 – 11:45 a.m. — Confederate Ceremony at Woodson's Monument

12 – 12:15 p.m. — Cadet Ceremony at Orchard Fence plus artillery firing

12:30 – 1 p.m. — Artillery Demonstration and Talk

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — Bushong Lunch and presentation

1 – 1:45 p.m. — Author Sarah K. Bierle’s talk “What About The Missing? A New Look at Prisoners of War & the Battle of New Market” – book signing to follow

1:30 – 2 p.m. — Medical Demonstration

2 – 2:30 p.m. — Union Army Drill and Black Powder Demo

2:45 – 3:15 p.m. — Drill with the Confederate Army

5 p.m. — Museum and Grounds Close


Programming offered all weekend

  • American Civil War Original Long Arms Collector’s interactive display (closed 12:30pm—1:30pm for lunch
  • Military Camp Life
  • Ration Cooking Demonstrations in the Bushong Summer Kitchen
  • Bushong Farm and House open for self-guided tours
  • Period games at the Bushong Farm
  • Guest Exhibitor - The Shenandoah County Historical Society (Saturday Only)
  • Shopping in the General’s Store

Food Vendors

Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Co.


Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are available at the front desk in the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at 8895 George Collins Parkway, New Market, VA 22844. Adult: $10.00 for ages 13 and over per day; $5.00 for ages 6-12 and New Market residents (w/ID). The park will be open 9:00am -5:00pm.

Yes, ice cream will be available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch and utilize our picnic area. There are several options for lunch in the Town of New Market.  

This event is held rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable.

Leashed pets are permitted on the park grounds and in the parking area. Pets are not permitted inside the museum except for service animals.

Your ticket includes admission to the museum, Bushong house, grounds, and activities taking place at 8895 George Collins Parkway.

A moderate amount of walking is required from the designated parking lot to the concessions, the farm, camps, and to the museum. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Yes. There is handicap parking available in our parking lot. 

Lost items will be kept at the front desk of the museum.

Lost children will be taken to the front desk of the VMCW.  

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