Discovering the Civil War

Fall 2011-Spring 2012

Tuesday, February 14, 2012    4:00-6:00PM
Maurice Wallace, Duke University 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012    6:00-8:00PM
James Oakes, City University of New York 
Discovering the Civil War presents the most extensive display ever assembled from the incomparable Civil War holdings of the National Archives, and takes a fresh look at the Civil War through little-known stories, seldom-seen documents, and unusual perspectives. The exhibition, which marks the 150^th anniversary of the War Between the States, is presented by the Center for the National Archives Experience and the Foundation for the National Archives.

Discovering the Civil War allows visitors the chance to join researchers in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries, and uncovering unexpected events in Civil War records of the National Archives. The exhibition features letters, diaries, photos, maps, petitions, receipts, patents, amendments, and proclamations that all become powerful tools which offer new insight into a conflict that still touches our lives.

This unconventional exhibition combines great treasures with engaging touch-screen interactives and incorporates social media tools in a physical environment inspired by 21st century research. Rather than trying to recreate 19th century settings, these interactives let visitors see the war through the lens of present-day technology. Instead of following a more-traditional chronological approach, the exhibition is arranged by such themes as, “Spies and Conspiracies,” “Prisoners and Casualties,” “Emancipation,” “Global War,” and “Raising Armies.”

The Humanities Research Centeris pleased to collaborate with The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies on a series of public lectures, which will break the boundaries of our conventional understanding of the scope of the war and its contemporary impact.

We also wish to thank United Airlines for supporting this exhibition.