Virginia Museum of the Civil War

The museum focuses on the Civil War in Virginia with artifacts, photos, and dioramas. The May 15, 1864 Battle of New Market is featured. Be sure to catch the Emmy award winning film, Field of Lost Shoes (2000) in the museum theater, the Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms and the impressive Robert Raeburn Civil War Art Gallery.

The museum was dedicated in 1970 as a monument with its metal drum-like rotunda and stylized rifles leaning against it. Inside is a red carpet representing sacrifice and a graceful ramp signifying the forward motion of the VMI Cadets charging up Bushong’s Hill.

The Museum Features

  • The Stained Glass Mural Wall by Artist Mr. Ami Shamir
  • The Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms
  • The Robert Raeburn Civil War Art Collection
  • Field of Lost Shoes in the museum’s theater - watch docudrama
  • Original artifacts from the Bushong Family
  • Original artifacts from VMI and Battle of New Market


Side by side photos of museum hallway and Artist at War the Robert Raeburn Civil Ware Art Gallery sign

Photograph of view from inside the museum viewing the battlefield in winter.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders