In the Changing Gallery

Discovering the Civil War, landmark exhibition from
Washington D.C.’s National Archives on view until Sept. 1, 2013

The National Archives holds millions of records, both Union and Confederate. Discovering the Civil War draws on these through letters, diaries, photos, petitions, and patents to give visitors a chance to walk in the shoes of scholars in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries, and uncovering unexpected events from this pivotal point in our nation’s history.

The exhibit is divided into 12 thematic areas that combine great original treasures, engaging touch screen interactive, and social media tools, all selected to illustrate the breadth of the conflict and to ask, "How do we know what happened?"

The Tennessee State Museum will be the only stop in the Southeast of an unprecedented tour of Discovering the Civil War and the display of the Emancipation Proclamation, the document that altered the course of U.S. history and dramatically changed the lives of African-Americans by proclaiming freedom for millions of slaves.

The exhibition includes many original treasures and several important documents which will be on public view for the first time.

The Discovering the Civil War exhibit, which will continue well beyond the Emancipation Proclamation’s viewing, is the culmination of 150 years of analysis, interpretation, and opinion on the Civil War through lesser-known stories and perspectives. Many items on display never have been publicly exhibited. Highlights include the original copy of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery along with South Carolina’s 1860 declaration of secession.

"It is an incredible honor for Tennessee to host the Emancipation Proclamation, a document whose significance to the history of this country, and this region in particular, cannot be overstated," according to The Honorable Bill Haslam, governor of the Volunteer State. "This delicate manuscript represents America’s recognition that all are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we invite people from across the Southeast and the nation to see and celebrate with us the moment our country officially became the land of the free."

Discovering the Civil War was created by the National Archives and Records Administration and the Foundation for the National Archives.

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