Visit VMCW

Home | Museums and Archives | Virginia Museum of the Civil War | Visit VMCW

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Bushong Farm, and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park provide many opportunities to reflect upon the social and military struggle which changed the course of American history. Walk where VMI Cadets walked on May 15, 1864, and stroll where the Bushong family worked on their farm.

Hours, Directions, and Admission

Explore the Grounds

In 1864 the Bushong farm became a battleground where three generations took shelter in the basement of their home.

Enter the Museum

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War is dedicated to sharing the story of the Civil War in Virginia and the Battle of New Market.

Take a Tour

In addition to year-round self-guided tours, the park offers education-specific programs throughout the year. School group programs are designed around the Virginia Standards of Learning. Adult programs range from explorations of the Bushong Family and their times to the motivations of soldiers North and South.

Self-Guided Adult Tour

This tour provides an overview of the Battle of New Market and the Civil War.

Self-guided tour of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War
Exceptional shopping opportunities at the General’s Store
Field of Lost Shoes, our Emmy award-winning film on the Battle of New Market
Guided tour of the battlefield and Bushong Farm

Be sure to visit the store before you leave the park! The time commitment does not include lunch or restroom breaks. Picnic tables are located on the Park grounds.

Guided Adult Tour

Guided Adult (13+) – $9.00

*Guided group reservations must be made and confirmed at least three weeks’ in advance.

**Rates are for groups of 15 or more paying individuals, and reservations must be made in advance to receive discounted group rate. Call for pricing for groups of fewer than 15.

Student Tours

We currently offer a two-three hour program which fulfills Virginia Standards of Learning requirements. Our program includes a self-guided museum visit, and a guided tour of the battlefield and historic Bushong Farm. Groups have the options to view our 45 minute docu-drama Field of Lost Shoes and experience a live black powder demonstration. The experience provides opportunities to learn about the social and military struggle of the Civil War in Virginia.

Find more details on the hours & admissions page as well as the educator resources page.

Shop the Collection

The General’s Store in the museum has a wide variety of educational and souvenir products to make a lasting memento of your Civil War experience. Don’t forget to look for official Virginia is For Lovers logo items. Whether it’s a book, a historical print, or a child’s toy, the General’s Store has just the thing! Call 540-740-3101 for more information on our museum store or by email at nmbshp@vmi.edu .

You can also shop online for items from the entire VMI Museum System — includes our museum, the VMI Museum, and the Jackson House Museum.

Sketch of Civil War soldier contemplating a letter being written

Research Resources

The VMI Archives — located within Preston Library on VMI’s post (campus) — house significant primary source materials to assist historians and genealogists with their research. For more information about the VMI Archives contact Major Jeffrey Kozak at 540-464-7566, or by email at kozakjs@vmi.edu.