This program involves the active participation of the entire class as students investigate the daily trials and hardships of a Civil War soldier.

Students will examine similarities and differences between Union and Confederate soldiers, such as their gear, clothing, and equipment. The class will have an opportunity to feel the textures of the fabrics and weight of the gear and to draw their own conclusions of what it may have been like to carry these items during the four seasons of the year.

Students will also examine copies of letters written during the war and discuss the effect the war had on Virginians and the country. They will explore the contributions made by women, slaves, and children, whether they worked side by side with soldiers or helped maintain the homefront.

• This program is best suited for grades 4 and up.
• Suggested group size: 30 students
• This program lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.

Would you like to request an outreach program? Please contact Hailey Fenner, Manager of Digital Learning, at hfenner@VirginiaHistory.org or 804.342.9689.