The National Civil War Museum Expands Women’s Exhibit, Honoring the Critical Roles of Women in the Civil War
The National Civil War Museum is proud to announce the expansion of its Women’s Exhibit, highlighting the diverse and essential contributions of women during the American Civil War. The newly added interpretive panels will debut on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the courage, resilience, and impact of women both on and off the battlefield.
The expanded exhibit explores the many ways women shaped the war effort, often at great personal risk and against societal expectations. Featured themes include:
In the Hospitals
Women played a crucial role in medical care, tending to sick and wounded soldiers in hospitals and through volunteer efforts. Sally Tompkins, known as the “Angel of the Confederacy,” managed a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, achieving the lowest mortality rate of any military hospital due to her strict sanitation measures.
In Secret
Women also served as spies for both the Union and the Confederacy, exploiting gender stereotypes to gather intelligence. Elizabeth Van Lew, a staunch Union supporter in Virginia, led one of the most successful spy rings of the war. Meanwhile, Confederate spy Rose O’Neal Greenhow used her Washington, D.C., social connections to pass along critical information before her arrest and exile.
On the Homefront
With many men away at war, women managed businesses, farms, and households. They worked in textile and munitions factories, sewed uniforms and flags, and organized aid societies. However, these roles came with dangers—tragic explosions at the Allegheny Arsenal (1862) and Brown’s Island Ordnance Factory (1863) claimed the lives of many female workers.
In the Camps
Women directly contributed to military life as laundresses, seamstresses, and cooks, many of whom were formerly enslaved individuals seeking economic independence. Their work, though grueling and poorly paid, was vital to maintaining the armies.
On the Battlefield
While rare, some women disguised themselves as men to fight alongside soldiers. These remarkable stories of bravery underscore the lengths women went to in order to actively participate in the war. This expansion reflects the National Civil War Museum’s commitment to sharing the untold stories of the Civil War. We invite the public to join us on May 3, 2024, to celebrate the unveiling of these new additions and explore the extraordinary contributions of women during this pivotal time in history.
Special Presentation: “Clara Barton – Red Cross Angel” by Award-Winning Actress & Smithsonian Scholar Mary Ann Jung
As part of the celebration, join us for a special interpretive presentation by Mary Ann Jung as she portrays Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The program will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, in our education gallery. This special event is free of charge, though regular admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries.