National Museum of the Civil War Soldier

The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Virginia explores the experiences of those who fought in the American Civil War.

National Museum of the Civil War Soldier history

Pamplin Historical Park is located on the site of the “Breakthrough” battlefield and home to the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. On April 2, 1865, the Breakthrough ended the Petersburg Campaign and led to the evacuation of the Confederate capital at Richmond. Spread across 424 acres, the park is host to two museums, four antebellum homes, and a multitude of hands-on experiences dedicated to sharing the stories of the 3 million soldiers who fought in the bloodiest conflict in America.

In its main exhibit, “Duty Called Me Here”, the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier offers an audio guided tour of artefacts, multimedia presentations and dioramas which aim to tell the story of what it was like to be a Civil War soldier. Within the exhibit is a battlefield simulation.

The Pamplin Board Room is another attraction on the site, an 1,120-square-foot interactive exhibit that focuses on the lives of businessmen, Robert B. Pamplin, Sr., and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. The exhibit features a touch-screen kiosk, 13 wall panels adorned with Presidential letters, photographs, books, awards, and news and magazine articles. Family albums and scrapbooks provide visitors with a better understanding of the Pamplins’ dedication to family, history and education.

The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier also commemorates those who fought by way of its Remembrance Wall, with the names of all those who answered the call of duty.

The museum is privately run and has won national and international awards for excellence.

National Museum of the Civil War Soldier today

Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier provides a full day of exploring and learning about the Civil War and life in the antebellum South. The Park includes four museums, four historic buildings, live costumed interpretation, and guided tours of the Breakthrough Battlefield and Tudor Hall Plantation.

Getting to the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier

West of downtown and inside the Pamplin Historical Park, the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier illustrates the hardships faced by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

The entrance is off Boydton Plank Rd/Rte 1.