An American Turning Point

The MSV marked the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War in 2012 by hosting this remarkable exhibition organized by the Virginia Historical Society. An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia includes more than 200 objects and interactive state-of-the-art audiovisual programs to tell the stories of real Virginians.

The exhibition traveled to the MSV in two parts. The first part of the exhibition featured at the MSV, Surviving War, emphasized the civilian experiences and asked visitors to consider many questions. Who was a traitor and who was a patriot? Why is there a West Virginia? Who freed the slaves?

The second part of the exhibition, Waging War, examined the battlefront, explained how the war was fought in Virginia, and detailed the impact of the war on the home front.

Visit the online exhibition of American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia.