Events and Activities

Military Day

Military Living History Day

Saturday, March 23, 10 am to 4 pm

Meet living historians representing soldiers and civilians during the major military conflicts in American history, from the Revolutionary War through Operation Desert Storm. Historic interpreters will be in uniform and will display unique artifacts and touchable objects, including weapons and other military equipment.

Special talks are planned throughout the day:

“Surgeon, Soldier, Patriot: The Life of William Fleming” at 10 am. Born and educated as a doctor in Scotland, William Fleming immigrated to Virginia and became a noted physician and statesman. He fought alongside George Washington and Andrew Lewis, served as a surgeon throughout the Commonwealth, and became the third Governor of Virginia. Learn about his storied life and surviving legacy. Talk presented by Garrett Channell, the Salem Museum’s Director of Education and Archives, and a Revolutionary War living historian. 

“That Awful Spring: The Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, May 5 – May 21, 1864” at 12 noon. Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign set the tone for the fighting that would take place in Virginia during the end of the American Civil War. Grant’s Overland Campaign would result in nearly 90,000 casualties in only 52 days of fighting. That Awful Spring overviews the first two engagements in this important chapter of Civil War history and examines the impact they had on the soldiers who suffered through them. Talk presented by Alex Burke, the Salem Museum’s Assistant Director and Civil War scholar.

“Crisis in Europe: How the World Got to World War II” at 2 pm. Between the aftermath of World War I and the global effects of the Great Depression, Europe was facing harsh conditions by the end of the 1930s.  Join historian John Long as he explores the causes of World War II, and how these conditions in Europe built-up to the start of the War in 1939. John Long is the Director of Education at the National D-Day Memorial.

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In preparation for this significant anniversary, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) is encouraging programming to commemorate the Revolution. This talk is a VA250 event.

Hands-On History Saturdays

Join us each week for Hands-on History Saturdays! On Saturdays from 10-4, visitors will get the chance to pull on curators’ gloves and hold a piece of history in their hands. Come see, up close, artifacts that are not often on display. A new theme every month!

  • Sun - Mon: Closed
    Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Sun - Mon: Closed
    Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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