Civil War Tour at Fort Collier

As part of the McCormick Civil War Institute’s ongoing partnership with the Fort Collier Civil War Center, MCWI’s director Jonathan Noyalas will conduct a special tour on Saturday, Sept. 16, “‘The Scene as I Remember It’: Reflections on Experiences at Fort Collier During the Civil War,” in observance of the 159th anniversary of the Third Battle of Winchester.

The tour, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., will explore various personalities, soldiers, and civilians, connected to Fort Collier. The tour will last approximately 75 minutes. The event is free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required.

159th Anniversary Commemoration of Battle of Cool Spring

Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute will commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Cool Spring with a special walking tour, “Never to be Forgotten”: Reflections on the Battle of Cool Spring at the University’s River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield (1400 Parker Lane, Bluemont, VA).

Tour with Prof. Jonathan A. Noyalas focus on the histories of individuals engaged at the battle and how what occurred along the banks of the Shenandoah River on July 18, 1864, changed them. The tour will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Event is free and open to the public. No pre-registration required. Questions: jnoyalas01@su.edu or 540-665-4501.

Family Living History Weekend at Cedar Creek Battlefield

Join us for this FREE living history on Saturday June 18th or Sunday the 19th, from 10am-5pm, for a weekend of family friendly programs and activities hosted by living historians. Our costumed living historians will host photography workshops, cooking demonstrations, muster in new recruits and practice drill, talk about the life of the average soldier and their equipment, have Civil War medicine displays, play period games and tell stories about life as a civilian during the American Civil War, cavalry with their horses will talk about the important roles of horses during the war, and much more!

Activities will begin in the morning and continue throughout the day. While visiting, be sure to stop in to our free museum where scavenger hunts and prizes await!

We recommend making a day of it by packing a picnic to enjoy while overlooking the Valley, hiking the trails, and visiting our Partners at the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Though there are many family focused activities, everyone is welcome!

Guided Tour of Cedar Creek Battlefield

Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation will be hosting a weekend of Guided Driving Tours of the Cedar Creek Battlefield to benefit the restoration of the historic Heater House!

Tour participants will meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time at 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, Virginia 22645. Please wear boots or sturdy shoes. The tour will go on in the event of rain (have an umbrella or rain coat handy), but may be postponed or rescheduled in the event of severe weather (registrants will be notified by email in the event of a postponement or rescheduled tour).

As this tour is conducted caravan-style, four wheel drive vehicles are recommended but not required. Ride sharing will be highly encouraged to reduce the number of cars participating in the tour route (pending COVID related restrictions or guidelines). Registrants may also elect not to ride share.

All proceeds from this tour series will directly support the historic Heater House as we continue into Phase II of its preservation and restoration after a recently completed extensive historical study of the structure.

Saturday, April 30, 10AM to 12:30PM
Saturday, April 30, 2PM to 4:30PM
Sunday, May 1, 10AM to 12:30PM
Sunday, May 1, 2PM to 4:30PM

Battle of Cedar Creek in a Box Program

Park Ranger Shannon Moeck gives an interactive talk about the Battle of Cedar Creek using props and the surrounding landscape features.

All National Park Service ranger programs are free. Talks and tours may be cancelled in severe weather. Allow yourself time to find parking.

Meet on the front lawn of Belle Grove (336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown)

Tour of Second Winchester Battlefield (McCann Property)

Guided Tour of the McCann Property at Second Winchester led by historian Scott Mingus
(Saturday, September 25, 2021, 2:30pm)

The first-ever opportunity to tour the McCann Property, which was at the heart of the climactic action during the Second Battle of Winchester (fought on June 13-15, 1863). The tour will be led by Scott Mingus, co-author (with Eric Wittenberg) of The Second Battle of Winchester: The Confederate Victory that Opened the Door to Washington.

The tour is free, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

More info and registration:
www.shenandoahatwar.org/tour-of-mccann-property-second-winchester-battlefield

The Bell House Guided Tour

A guided tour of the Bell House, the c. 1810-1811 Winchester landmark that was at the center of Winchester’s wartime and postwar story. The home includes Bell family furnishings and collections which have been passed down for generations, including the famous case clock that was stopped by the concussion of Union artillery fire during the Third Battle of Winchester. Free. The tour will begin at the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum before the group walks the short distance to the Bell House. Free.

Pre-registration is not required. This tour is hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

For more information, call 540-542-1145 or email info@svbf.net.

McCormick Civil War Institute Fall Seminar

“We Shall Have Graveyards at Every Door”
The Lower Shenandoah Valley’s Border Region during the Civil War

While portions of the Shenandoah Valley such as Winchester experienced frequent occupations by Union and Confederate armies, communities to its south such as Stephens City and Middletown experienced the conflict differently. Situated in the lower Shenandoah Valley’s border region these communities oftentimes sat in a “no-man’s land.” This fall the McCormick Civil War Institute will explore military operations in this border region, operations of irregular troops in the swath of territory between Stephens City and Cedar Creek, and how civilians living in these communities—those who supported the Union, those who favored the Confederacy, and enslaved and free blacks—confronted and coped with the reality of living in a place in a constant state of flux.

Schedule

10-10:30 a.m. Check-in at Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia
10:30-11:30 a.m. Welcome and lecture by Prof. Jonathan A. Noyalas “Like the Letting Out of Waters”: The Lower Shenandoah Valley on the Civil War’s Eve
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch at Shenandoah University’s Allen Dining Hall (lunch included with registration)
12:30-4:30 p.m.: Caravan tour of sites including Stephens Run, Nieswangers, Locus Hill, Hull’s Store, Miller’s Mill, Kercheval House Site, St. Thomas Chapel, Jenkins’ cabin, and others.

Registration fee of $25 covers the cost of morning lecture, handouts, lunch, and afternoon guided caravan tour. Carpooling is required for the afternoon tour as mass transportation will not permit access to certain sites. Please use the registration link at the top of this page to register. Space is limited so register early!

Questions about registration can be directed to Prof. Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu or phone 540-665-4501.

Fall Semester Seminar & Tour

African American Civil War Trails Marker Unveiling

Join us for the unveiling of a new Civil War Trails marker.

There will be a short ceremony to mark the occasion, with remarks from local dignitaries and community members.

The event will take place on the north side of the City Hall building (15 N. Cameron Street), on the grounds near the cannon.