Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War

Newport News, Va. – Living history demonstrations, lectures and re-enactments will offer a glimpse into Civil War life, as Newport News, Va., commemorates the war’s sesquicentennial through 2015!


Experience the “Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend” at The Mariners’ Museum, held annually in March to mark the anniversary of the historic clash between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. It was March 8, 1862, when the CSS Virginia destroyed the USS Cumberland and the USS Congress in a battle that showed the supremacy of iron over wood. The following day, the Union ironclad Monitor met the CSS Virginia in a battle that – though fought to a draw – changed the very nature of naval warfare worldwide. The 2012 weekend observance, to be held March 9-11, will feature living history encampments and demonstrations, 19th century music and games, amateur radio station W4M, plus more! www.marinersmuseum.org. 

While at The Mariners’ Museum, take time to tour the USS Monitor Center. One of the premier Civil War attractions in the country, it’s the perfect place to re-live the Battle of Hampton Roads. Walk the deck of a full-scale replica of the USS Monitor, try your hand at maneuvering a sailing frigate, and build your own virtual ironclad at the USS Monitor Center.

The Mariners’ Museum is also presenting a special lecture series throughout 2012 focusing on the Civil War. Topics include “Launching a Ship, Launching a Sanctuary” on Jan. 28; “African-American Sailors on the USS Monitor” on Feb. 18; “The Battle of Drewry’s Bluff” on May 19; “The Monitor and the Appomattox Raid” on June 23; “Heat, Mosquitoes, and a Gouty Captain: The Ironclad Life on the James” on Aug. 11; and “The Monitor at the Washington Navy Yard” on Oct. 20. www.marinersmuseum.org.

The 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Peninsula Campaign will be held at Endview Plantation in Newport News the weekends of April 14-15 and April 21-22. The first weekend will feature a living history program, where soldiers will re-create the beginning of the Warwick-Yorktown Siege, preparing fortifications and showing what life was like in the trenches outside of Yorktown. The following weekend, see the sights and hear the sounds of a Civil War battle as hundreds of re-enactors converge on Endview to recreate battles fought 150 years ago. Enjoy talks, demonstrations, battles and camp life. www.endview.org.

Also being held at Endview Plantation in 2012 are “Children’s Civil War Camps,” which are planned for June 25-28 and July 23-26. Students 8 to 13 can learn about America’s rich military heritage, teamwork and leadership skills. Experiences include camp life, drills, battles and basic soldier’s equipment. www.endview.org.

Finally, don’t miss the Civil War van tours departing from Lee Hall Mansion. Topics include “Defending the Southside” on March 17; “In the Steps of Robert Sneden” on April 7; “Battle of Williamsburg” on May 19; “The Seven Days Battles” on June 16; and “Stuart’s Ride Around McClellan” on July 21. www.leehall.org.