Civil War Book Group: The Record of Murders and Outrages: Racial Violence and the Fight over Truth at the Dawn of Reconstruction by William Blair

Welcome to the Civil War Book Group!After years of conflict over the institution of slavery, the Civil War would be the turning point that set the course of the United States into the 20th century and beyond. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we explore th......More

Welcome to the Civil War Book Group!After years of conflict over the institution of slavery, the Civil War would be the turning point that set the course of the United States into the 20th century and beyond. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we explore the meaning of the Civil War and how the past has shaped who we are today through a diverse selection of narratives, novels, and histories. In partnership with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. For May: The Record of Murders and Outrages: Racial Violence and the Fight over Truth at the Dawn of Reconstruction by William BlairMeet at Fredericksburg Library Branch (1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg)Though the Civil War officially ended in 1865, the violence wrought by war did not cease. Historian William Blair dives into the immediate aftermath of the Civil War and the accounts of violence that confronted Black Southerners and Union troops. This book grapples with how the federal bureaucracy managed these reports within a highly charged political atmosphere where many people just wanted the war to be over. Watch a lecture with William Blair with the Virginia Museum of History and Culture: The Record of Murders and Outrages, LectureLearn more about the Civil War Book Group...

Meet at Fredericksburg Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401)

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

Saturday, May 24, 20258 pm - 11 pm Note: Our staff is working on planning the luminaria event and details are subject to change.WhereThe cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washingt......More

Saturday, May 24, 20258 pm - 11 pm Note: Our staff is working on planning the luminaria event and details are subject to change.WhereThe cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide free shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued accessible hangtags or license plates will be available in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center lot at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard.About the LuminariaJoin us for the 29th annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Visit the cemetery between 8 pm to 11 pm to experience the luminaria. This event is free to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, May 25th.During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the soldiers.The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias.A separate commemorative observation will be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th.Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard, however, those wishing to attend the luminaria may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg T

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).