We appreciate the opportunity to work with your class to meet Virginia history Standards of Learning. We would like to assist you in getting the most out of your study of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley.

Resources

• Teacher Packet
• Pre-Visit Work Sheet
• Post-Visit Work Sheet 

The Ghost Cadet

Many schools throughout the country are reading Ghost Cadet, an award-winning historical novel based on the experience of cadet William Hugh McDowell at the Battle of New Market. More about William McDowell

Student Group Tours

We currently offer a two-three hour program which fulfills Virginia Standards of Learning requirements.  Our program includes a self-guided museum visit, and a guided tour of the battlefield and historic Bushong Farm.  Groups have the options to view our 45 minute docu-drama Field of Lost Shoes and experience a live black powder demonstration. The experience provides opportunities to learn about the social and military struggle of the Civil War in Virginia. A minimum of 3 full weeks’ notice is required for all guided group tours. For more information contact us at hebertsm@vmi.edu or (540) 462-6371.

DID YOU KNOW?

Civil War Body Armor

Atwater Armor Company

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This Civil War body armor was made by the Atwater Armor Company of New Haven, Connecticut. Ironically armor like this was not provided to the troops by the Federal Government, but it was sold in the field by traveling merchants called Sutlers. This armor weighs almost 10 pounds and was designed to be worn over the wool uniform. Besides being very hot to wear, it also cost the soldier $13 dollars, which equated to a month’s pay. This set of body armor was taken off the body of an unfortunate Union soldier at the Battle of Port Republic by VMI Alumnus—Captain Joseph Carpenter. It is one of three surviving sets of the armor.

 

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Grades K – 12

SOLs: K.1a, K.1e, K.1g, K.2a, K.2b, K.3, K.4, 1.1a, 1.1d, 1.1g, 1.6b, 2.1a, 2.1d, 2.1e, 2.1g, 3.1a, 3.1d, 3.1e, 3.1g, VS.1a, VS.1b, VS.1c, VS.1d, VS.1e, VS.7a, VS.7b, VS.7c, USI.1a, USA.1c, USI.1d, USI.1e, USI.1f, USI.1g, CE.1a, CE.1f, VUS.1a, VUS.6e, VUS.6g, VUS.7a, VUS.7c, GOVT.1a, GOVT.1f

FOR TEACHERS

• Guided Student (4-12) - $7
• Guided Student (13-18) - $9
• Adult Chaperones - $9

*A minimum of three full weeks advanced notice is required for all group bookings.

**Rates are for groups of 15 or more paying individuals, and reservations must be made in advance to receive discounted group rate. Call for pricing for groups of fewer than 15.

*** We request 1 chaperone for every ten students, and schools will receive 1 free chaperone for every ten students.