‘Seizing Freedom’ at the Civil War Museum

Published 12:33 pm Thursday, February 9, 2017

“Seizing Freedom” will be presented during during Family Day, Saturday Feb. 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the American Civil War Museum/Museum of the Confederacy in Appomattox.

“What did freedom mean to enslaved African American people during the American Civil War? What did they do to gain that freedom? What role did education play in ensuring their freedom? These questions and others will be explored through family-friendly storytelling, crafts, hands-on activities and special presentations,” event organizers said in a press release.

According to the release, at 1 p.m., Appomattox pastor and genealogist Alfred Jones will launch his new website, “The Appomattox Black Civil War Legacy Museum.” He’ll discuss his work to uncover information about the experiences of free and enslaved African Americans during and after the Civil War.

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“At 2 p.m. the museum will host a panel discussion about education, freedom and desegregation in Central Virginia during the 20th century. Panelists will share first-hand accounts about the U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled against ‘separate but equal’ school systems, and how they were personally affected by Virginia’s Massive Resistance program against school integration.”

All programs are included with museum admission. Youth ages 17 years old and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

The museum is located at 159 Horseshoe Road in Appomattox. For more information, call (434) 352-5792 or visit online at ACWM.org.