Exhibition: Discovering the Civil War
Date: Friday April 30, 2010 - Monday September 6, 2010
Time: 10:00a - 7:00p
Location: The National Archives
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It ended almost 150 years ago, but Americans still discuss, debate, and disagree about the Civil War.
"Discovering the Civil War," takes a fresh look at the conflict through the records left by the participants themselves—letters, orders, maps, telegrams, photographs, and broadsides—that are preserved in the National Archives.
The exhibit invites visitors to consider and ask questions about the evidence found in the records, listen to a wide variety of voices from the Civil War era, and make up their own minds about the struggle that tore apart these United States.
The exhibit will feature fascinating environments and compelling interactives, but what makes the exhibit extraordinary is surprising records. Displayed alongside famous milestone documents will be hundreds of less well-known ones, such as the unratified 1861 version of the 13th amendment, a message from a Southern governor rejecting Lincoln's call for troops to put down the rebellion, and the Constitution of the Confederacy.
All events are free unless noted; reservations are not required unless noted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.