For immediate release: February 29, 2024

Saturday, March 30
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free 

Fort Ward Museum invites all history enthusiasts, families, and curious minds to step back in time and witness the often-overlooked stories of women during the Civil War. In recognition of Women's History Month, the event titled "Civil War Women’s Day" will take place on Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about the dress, skills and contributions of women during the Civil War from historical interpreters who will present on-going talks, displays and demonstrations.  Women’s roles on the home front, in camp, and on the battlefield will be explored.  Among the featured topics will be soldiers’ aid societies and relief efforts that were typically launched by women to support both armies during the war.  The theme of women who disguised themselves as soldiers will be portrayed by interpreters in Union uniform who will explore the challenges experienced by the hundreds of women who served in the army.  Learn how women and girls supported the war effort through industry and craft, and pursued new work roles, from the home and farm to the city and factory.  Displays include 19th-century tableware, and a hands-on opportunity to learn about the everyday clothing of women and girls.    

Interactive Exhibits and Activities

Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the past with hands-on activities such as making ladies' fans and patriotic cockade ribbons for children.

Weather-Dependent Outdoor Event

Please note that the event is weather-dependent, and attendees are encouraged to check for updates in case of any changes.

Highlights Include:

• Soldiers’ aid societies and relief efforts
• Women’s roles on the home front, in camp & on the battlefield
• Civil War-era women’s clothing
• Kids can make a ladies fan or patriotic cockade ribbon

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the west end of the City of Alexandria. The Museum and Historic Site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city's role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serves as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic

For media inquiries please contact Susan Cumbey at FortWardMuseum@alexandriava.gov 703.746.4848.

For more information or for reasonable disability accommodation, contact FortWardMuseum@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4848, Virginia Relay at 711.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/5562