Throughout the year Civil War lectures, changing exhibits, preservation workshops, bus tours and living history events encourage learning about this important period in American history. Check the calendar for a full schedule of upcoming events.

Yearly events may include:

• Civil War Women's Day (March)
• Tours in honor of Armed Forces Day (May)
• Civil War Camp Day (June)
• Tours in honor of Veteran's Day (November)
• Civil War Christmas in Camp (December)

The Civil War period comes to life at Fort Ward’s special events which feature historic interpreters in Civil War attire and living history demonstrations. Living history programs provide a close-up look at soldier life and an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of daily life in a typical Union fort in the Defenses of Washington. At Civil War Camp Day, visitors observe camp life, watch soldiers drilling and parading, and meet and talk to soldiers and civilians in camp. At the annual Christmas in Camp holiday program, living history interpreters, both soldier and civilian, period decorations, and a Civil War period Thomas Nast Santa Claus are featured.

Information for Reenactors

"The popular Civil War Christmas in Camp program returned to Fort Ward Museum Dec. 9 featuring reenactors in winter camp settings and period Christmas decorations."
Learn more in Christmas in Camp, by Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet, December 14-20, 2023.