The National Civil War Museum

A few weeks ago there was a break in the wintry weather one Friday, so I decided we all needed a change of pace. We put the books aside and went on a field trip to The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. It is an excellent museum that portrays both sides of the Civil War. There are tons of very life-like wax figures throughout the museum in an array of life-size vignettes that depict various aspects of the war. As we had the place to ourselves, E. enjoyed moving several rooms ahead of us and playing "Night at the Museum" where the figures came to life! Caleb, Ben and I moved at a much slower pace taking in the displays, exhibits and videos scattered throughout. The museum really does do an impressive job of presenting the Civil War from many different perspectives - in fact, they such a good job at portraying what war is like that my heart was a bit heavy by the end of the tour with the thought of what men do to one another in the midst of battle.

I love this photo. It does such a good job of capturing the boys' true personalities. You'll see Ben half-scowling and half-smirking - he doesn't particularly care to have his photo taken. And Caleb and Eli are up to their usual antics of bantering and enjoying one another . . .


I took a photo of this display as I found it fascinating the way they combined a mural with actual weaponry. . .


This was an old print framed of Lee and Jackson in which I loved the pen and ink detail . . .


And just a few of the many life-like wax figures . . .