The Museum & Grounds

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In addition to the museum and farm, miles of battlefield walking trails offer breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Begin your exploration of the battlefield at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Artifacts and dioramas convey the story of Virginia in the Civil War. Features of this museum include: the slab glass mural wall by artist Ami Shamir; the Emmy award-winning film, “Field of Lost Shoes”, the Robert Raeburn Civil War Art Gallery and the Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms.

Beyond the museum and Bushong Farm, two, one-mile walking trails offer breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

All park areas are easily traversed over relatively flat, grass-covered ground, and are within an easy walking distance of the museum. Allow two hours to explore the grounds and facilities.

The Museum

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War presents exhibits on the entire Civil War with special emphasis on the war in Virginia. The signature engagement is the Battle of New Market, where 257 cadets from the Virginia Military Institute played a major role.

Learn more about the museum

Artistic rendering of the museum building

The Jacob Bushong Farm

In 1864 the Bushong’s fertile wheat fields became a battleground. Three generations of the family took shelter in the basement of the main house as the VMI cadets literally ran around their home and into the orchard.

Explore the farm and house

VMI Cadet Cenotaphs

In 2006, the original gravestones of the six Virginia Military Institute cadets who died at the Battle of New Market and had been interred at VMI were transferred to the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in 2006 and serve today as cenotaphs.

Learn more about the cadets

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS LOVEwork

This Civil War-themed LOVEwork located at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park is constructed from iconic imagery from the American Civil War. The “L” and the “O” are literally from cannons. The “V” is made from Signal Corps flags and are always in motion. The flags are kinetic and remind us of communication which is done every day across our visitor desk and through our tours and programs. The “E” is fashioned from the same familiar rough-cut lumber found on our bank barn.