Immerse yourself in the experience

During living history programs, Fort Ward Museum offers visitors the opportunity to meet and converse with reenactors portraying Union and Confederate military and civilians and life in the 19th century. Most reenactors welcome questions about their activities, equipment and clothing, but strive to stay within the character they portray. Living history presentations give visitors insight into Civil War drills and camplife, as told from a first or third person point of view.

Dress for the weather

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and bug repellant are recommended for outside activities. On especially warm days, water bottles are a good idea - there are no vending machines or snack bars on the premises.

Supervising children

Living history events offer kids a means of seeing camp life activities, but campfires and various pieces of military equipment can present a problem if children get too close. Please be aware of safety considerations and know where your child is at all times. Also, please be mindful that loud noises from artillery and guns might frighten young children.

Pets

With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the Museum. Pets may be brought to the surrounding Fort Ward Park, and there is a designated dog exercise area within the park. Owners might consider leaving their pets at home on reenactment days when the loud noise from artillery fire and muskets, plus the bustle of activity, can be unsettling.

Cameras and video equipment

Taking pictures is a fun way to preserve your memories of a visit to Fort Ward. Cameras are welcome outside in the historic area, and may be used in the Museum with staff permission. For safety considerations during reenactments, photographers are asked to respect the boundaries of roped off areas.