Civil War Sesquicentennial
UNDERSTANDING OUR PAST, EMBRACING OUR FUTURE
Virginia is the first state in the country to form a special Commission to plan for the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. The State Commission began its work in 2006 and is well underway to creating a framework for a memorable commemoration of the conflict. The Sesquicentennial period will run from 2009 (the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry) through 2015 (the sesquicentennial of General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox).
The State has chosen as the Sesquicentennial theme "Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future." Official events and programs will celebrate diversity and inclusiveness in telling the stories of the Civil War that will include the perspectives of African-Americans, the Union and the Confederacy.
As part of its statewide efforts, the Commission has asked all counties and municipalities to form local sesquicentennial planning committees.
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History answered the Commission's call in the spring of 2008. What began as a museum initiative has now been sanctioned by Danville's City Council as the official planning committee for the city. This local committee is comprised not only of Museum staff but also interested area residents, Danville's tourism department, the Chamber of Commerce, Danville Public Library, the Blue and Gray Education Society, the Anne Eliza Johns Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the 18th Virginia, Company B re-enactors, Staunton River Battleground, Averett University, Danville Community College, Route 58 Partnership, and the Danville Historical Society.
UPCOMING EVENTS in 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
3:00--5:00 pm at Averett University
William Davis, Speaker
Director of Programs for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies,
Professor of History at Virginia Tech & Award Winning Author
Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22, 2012
History on the Lawn
18th Virginia Infantry Encampment
Saturday, April 21, 2012
10:00 am--2:00 pm at DMFAH
Digitization of Civil War Documents Project
Sunday, April 22, 2012
9:30 am
Civil War Period Worship Service
Conducted by Rev. Tom Fowler
Saturday, May 19, 2012
3:00–5:00 pm at DMFAH
A Victorian Tea
OTHER PLANS
The Danville Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee has formed several subcommittees to work on various aspects of the local commemoration. Among the subcommittees are ones that are revamping and enhancing the Danville Museum's permanent Civil War exhibit, Between the Lines: Danville 1861-1865, and the interpretation of the historic Sutherlin Mansion, the Last Capitol of the Confederacy. Other subcommittees are planning special community events, lectures, programs, historic interpretations, and traveling museum exhibitions.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US?
We are always looking for folks who would enjoy helping the Museum plan for the Sesquicentennial. If you would like to join us in planning for the Sesquicentennial, please contact the Museum at 434-793-5644.