We are pleased to offer a book talk and signing on July 19, 2025, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 pm with author, editor, and publisher,  Stephen M. Vest. Stephen Vest will discuss his book "George Graham Vest", with a book signing immediately following the book talk. The 2024 Lessons in History program is free to the public. Regular museum admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. About the Book: Although the saying “Dog is man’s best friend,” is well known, the man who originally coined the phrase is less celebrated in modern times. However, in the late 1800s, George Graham Vest was a distinguished attorney and politician widely admired for his skills in oration and debate. George Graham Vest—The Life and Times of Dog’s Best Friend provides a detailed look at Vest, who practiced law in central Missouri, serving in the Missouri House of Representatives, the Confederate Congress, the Confederate Senate, and later the U.S. Senate. He also helped establish Yellowstone National Park. Written by descendant Stephen M. Vest, George Graham Vest is a fitting biography to one of America’s best statesmen, long overdue. About the Author: Stephen M. Vest is the editor and […]

The National Civil War Museum is thrilled to announce the return of our highly anticipated fundraising event, Cocktails and Cannonballs. Please mark your calendars for Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and join us for an evening of history, libations, and lively conversation at one of the nation’s premier Civil War museums. Building on the success of last year’s event, Cocktails and Cannonballs offers a unique blend of entertainment and education. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy specially crafted cocktails while exploring the museum’s extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. The evening will feature live music, exclusive access to exhibits, and a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres. This event is not just about enjoying a great evening—it’s about supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of the American Civil War for future generations. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the museum’s educational programs and preservation efforts. Event Details: Date: Friday, September 19, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Location: The National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, PA Tickets:  $50/member $75/person $125/couple ~ Tickets can be purchased here: bit.ly/CocktailsandCannonballs2025 This is a must-attend event for history enthusiasts and supporters […]

Hero of Ft. Sumter -  The Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson Join us on Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm for this Civil Conversation via ZOOM, featuring author Dr. Wesley Moody and NCWM Education & Program Coordinator - Katie Dick. This online program will delve into the life of a fascinating American hero. We look forward to having you join us virtually. Join here: Civil Conversation: Hero of Ft. Sumter - The Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson About the book As the commander of the US garrison at Fort Sumter in the fateful early hours of April 12, 1861, Robert Anderson (1805–1871) played a critical role in the unfolding of the Civil War. Although his leadership and his courage under fire catapulted him into national recognition, the attack on Fort Sumter was just one chapter in Anderson’s story. That story, told here in full for the first time, offers a unique lens on the development of the US military and the country itself before and during the Civil War. Anderson’s family, harking back to the nation’s founding, included William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame) and Chief Justice John Marshall. His father crossed the Delaware with George Washington. And […]

Join Us for a National Reading of the Names Honoring the United States Colored Troops In Commemoration of Veterans Day and the Grand Reopening of the African American Civil War Memorial Museum, the African American Civil War Memorial Museum proudly announces a Reading of the Names event to honor the United States Colored Troops (USCT) as part of their Grand Reopening celebration and in recognition of Veterans Day. We’re honored to be participating in the National Reading of the Names. During the ceremony, we will read the names of the soldiers from the 8th United States Colored Troops, a regiment raised at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia. This regiment holds special significance for us, as the Museum preserves its original muster rolls, which we plan to display during the event.

The National Civil War Museum Hosts Free Civil War Book Launch: A Sight Never to Be Forgotten - Eyewitness Accounts from Union Chaplains at Gettysburg.  The National Civil War Museum is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Nancy Jill Hale for a special in-person book launch and author talk on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a book signing. This free public event will highlight A Sight Never to Be Forgotten, Dr. Hale’s compelling new work exploring the firsthand accounts of Union chaplains who served during the Gettysburg campaign. Program: A Sight Never to Be Forgotten Civil War chaplains served not only as captains on the regimental field staff, but also as pastors, confidants, spiritual guides, and paternal figures for the soldiers. Many of them willingly shared the hardships of army life and undertook various tasks that would help the men. Some chaplains risked their lives and freedom for the sake of their sense of duty to God and to their regiments. In their accounts, they share the perspective of men whose main concern was the spiritual and moral well being of the soldiers, and these stories, some of which have not yet been shared in […]

Join us for Great Family Fun and it's Free! Prepare for the Civil War Preservation Ball, held on March 21, 2026 and join the Victorian Dance Ensemble for this annual event. There are three opportunities to attend - attend one or all and wear modern clothing. Sunday - January 11, February 8, and March 8 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM To register for the classes, email: PreservationBall@civilwardance.org with dates you plan to attend and names of all attendees. Enrollees will be sent a Civil War Dance Manual. Please visit our website at www.civilwardance.org

Join us for Great Family Fun and it's Free! Prepare for the Civil War Preservation Ball, held on March 21, 2026 and join the Victorian Dance Ensemble for this annual event. There are three opportunities to attend - attend one or all and wear modern clothing. Sunday - February 8, and March 8 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM To register for the classes, email: PreservationBall@civilwardance.org with dates you plan to attend and names of all attendees. Enrollees will be sent a Civil War Dance Manual. Please visit our website at www.civilwardance.org

Join us on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, as we celebrate 25 years of preserving and sharing Civil War history at The National Civil War Museum! Enjoy a Free Day of engaging programs and special presentations between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The day will feature a compelling presentation by Rachael Williams, a stirring appearance by James Hayney as President Abraham Lincoln, and many more anniversary-themed activities for visitors of all ages. Bring your family, friends, and history enthusiasts to help us commemorate this milestone year and experience the Museum in a whole new way—all free of charge. The National Civil War Museum is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Community Free Day on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In honor of this milestone anniversary, the Museum will offer free admission to all visitors for a full day of history, education, and community celebration. Since opening its doors in February 2001, The National Civil War Museum has welcomed visitors from across the nation and around the world, serving as a premier institution dedicated to presenting the full story of the American Civil War. Over the past 25 years, the Museum has remained […]

Meet Ephraim Slaughter: a witness to war, resilience, and community. A 97-year- old veteran whose life asks us to reconsider how we see, hear, and remember. Sankofa African American Theatre Company & Gamut Theatre Group present, in partnership with The National Civil War Museum. EPHRAIM SLAUGHTER: FREEDOM’S WITNESS By Teresa Miller Directed by Sharia Benn PERFORMANCES: February 14 - 22, 2026 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2:30 PM LOCATION: Gamut Theatre Group 15 N 4TH ST Harrisburg, PA, 17101 Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. For More Information: https://www.gamuttheatre.org/sankofa Purchase Tickets Here: https://gtg.vbotickets.com/event/ephraim_slaughter_freedom%60s_witness/164487

Join us on February 26, 2026, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm for a ZOOM Civil Conversation with the author, C. Evan Stewart Click here to register: ZOOM link to William Henry Seward's Quest William Henry Seward’s Quest to Save the Nation During the Secession Winter In the winter of 1860-61, one man, William Henry Seward, Republican Senator from New York (the presumptive favorite for the 1860 Republican nomination for president; defeated by Lincoln on the third ballot), labored mightily to effectuate his plan to save the Union. Because of history’s (and historians’) heavy bias to portray Lincoln as almost a saint (see, for example, Jon Meacham’s “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” (Random House 2022)), Seward’s prodigious efforts have either been ignored, given short shrift, or looked upon as something less than honorable. This short book – based upon original archival research and a comprehensive review of secondary sources – tells the story of Seward’s efforts. Counter-factual history is always an iffy business. But Seward’s “plan” did help to keep the Upper South States in the Union during the months before the president-elect became the president. And had his counsel been followed after March 4th, perhaps the […]