Discussions around what caused the Civil War can often lead to division.
The American Civil War Museum’s new exhibit, “The Impending Crisis,” explores differing viewpoints from across the nation in pre-Civil War America, providing a dynamic and immersive view of events, people and circumstances that led to what is arguably the most pivotal point in the history of the country.
“What we hope to do in the exhibit is give our audience a chance to explore the subject a little deeper,” said Robert Hancock, director of collections and senior curator. “It’s a contentious subject even today. From an academic standpoint there’s really no debate to be had, it was about slavery. What we attempt to do is try to give the information that will help the audience understand why and how.”
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The exhibit takes audiences through the complicated subject matter with care, providing more than just facts and dates, “The Impending Crisis” presents history through the voices of those who lived it.
“We try to let them speak for themselves. As an institution we like to look at history as history sees itself. Not through a 2024 perspective, but why did people in the South for instance secede? What was the root cause?” said Hancock.
There are many interactive components throughout the exhibit. The first greets audiences at the entrance, inviting them to answer the question, “What caused the Civil War?” Another poses questions about escaping through the Underground Railroad. Would you stay or go? Could you leave your family behind? Maybe you have a newborn child?
Quotes from enslaved African Americans as well as abolitionists and slave owners cover the walls of the exhibit, painting their fears and harsh realities.
The exhibit doesn’t shy away from the brutality of slavery, and a pair of shackles sit at its entrance. Another artifact is a minute book from the First African Baptist Church, established in the 1840s. The book lists the names of enslaved members and their owners, showing the dynamic of the social makeup in Richmond at the time.
The Impending Crisis delves into the topics of faith, race, politics and patriotism. Curators say the research took years and the final product took seven drafts before it was ready to showcase.
“We try to make it accessible to everyone no matter their knowledge of history,” said Dr. Rob Havers, president and CEO of the museum.
The American Civil War Museum is dedicated to exploring the causes, course and consequences of the Civil War through a more personal lens by focusing on people and perspectives.
The Impending Crisis opens to the public on Saturday.
The American Civil War Museum is located at 480 Tredegar St., and tickets to the museum are $9-$16.
For more information, call (804) 649–1861 or visit acwm.org.