Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, The Henry Ford presents Discovering the Civil War, May 21 - Sept. 5

Both parts of exhibit to be displayed together in Henry Ford Museum for the first time ever

Dearborn, MI –  Prepare to explore the most extensive display of Civil War records ever assembled from the incomparable holdings of the National Archives, as The Henry Ford presents little-known stories, seldom-seen documents and unusual perspectives with Discovering the Civil War, May 21-September 5. Inside Discovering the Civil War, visitors will be able to consider and ask questions about the evidence; listen to a wide variety of voices; and make up their own minds about the struggle that tore apart these United States. And for the first time, Discovering the Civil War will be presented as one seamless exhibition in Henry Ford Museum. Admission to the museum is free with membership or $15 adults, $14 senior (62 and up) and $11 youth (5-12). Children four and under are free. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or visit http://www.thehenryford.org.

Marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Discovering the Civil War offers visitors the chance to walk in the shoes of researchers in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries and uncovering unexpected events from one of the most pivotal points in our history. Rather than trying to recreate 1860s, this unconventional exhibition creates an environment that allows visitors to see the war through the lens of today’s technology. Touch-screens, interactives and social media tools will reveal Civil War letters, diaries, photos, maps, petitions, receipts, patents, amendments and proclamations in a way never seen before.

Passing over the traditional chronological approach, both sections of Discovering the Civil War are arranged by themes. With in these themes, guests will discover:
  • The original Louisiana ordinance of secession
  • A “substitute book” listing names of men who were paid $300 to replace draftees
  • How Lincoln stopped the execution of a Confederate major
  • Original pension records Emma Seelye, from Michigan, who served in the Union Army as Frank Thompson
  • A telegram from a southern governor rejecting Lincoln’s call for troops
  • Film of the 75th reunion of Battle of Gettysburg veterans filmed by the Army Signal Corps
  • An original Freedmen’s Bureau record documenting thousands of murders and outrages committed against African Americans
  • Innovative wartime patents including a multipurpose device that could serve as a tent, knapsack or blanket
  • The similarities between the Constitution of the Confederacy and the U.S. Constitution
  • The Chinese connection to the Civil War

The exhibition is presented by the Center for the National Archives Experience and supported by the Foundation for the National Archives.

About The Henry Ford 
The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world’s premier history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation. Its mission is to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Its purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate more than 1.6 million visitors annually: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution’s campus and was founded in partnership with The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and Wayne County Public Schools. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.
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