History Comes Alive in Culpeper County F By Lee Langston-Harrison A fun-filled activity for very young children is the “WeeOnes” program. Children from infant to 5 years old are encouraged to attend with their favorite adult. Stories, games, snacks, and a hands-on activity are part of this hour-long educational event. The museum facility features four major galleries. In 2013 the focus in over half of the galleries is 1863, the 3rd year of the American Civil War. The Sesquicentennial of the Civil War (2011-2015) is being commemorated in a variety of ways, from traditional exhibits and displays to a flip chart-style time line that covers the nation while focusing on “what’s what and who’s who” during 1863. The Town of Culpeper, considered by many historians as the “vertex of war” because of its central location on roads, rivers and rail lines, saw more military action than any other town during the Civil War. By 1863, this region was laid waste, and the “starving times” were upon the citizens. Visitors to the Culpeper Museum can learn firsthand how the war affected those who stayed at home – children, women, slaves, and the growing number of wounded and sick soldiers sent home to recover from the ravages of war. Come to Culpeper and commemorate the struggles, heroism, and life-long lessons learned from the Civil War. During the summer of 2013 the Culpeper Museum is participating in the “Blue Star Museum” (BSM) program with thousands of other facilities across America. Active service men and women and their immediate families are permitted into a BSM free of charge upon presentation of a military ID card. Culpeper Museum’s goal is to entertain, educate, and entice guests to explore the vast history of Culpeper – and while doing so, help teach about many aspects of our heritage. For more information about the museum programs, visit www.culpepermuseum.com, or call (540) 829-1749. Lee Langston-Harrison, the executive director of The Museum of Culpeper, has been a museum professional for 36 years. This is her third directorship since grad school but her first in Virginia. rom 250 million year old dinosaur tracks to Native American wares to Civil War military hardware , Culpeper County contains a lot of history! Families can now revel in all the fun at the Culpeper Museum. There is much to enjoy, like the “KidsKorners” located in every gallery, which give families the opportunity to interact with the exhibits by creating personalized dinosaurs, grinding corn for meal like the Indians did, dressing like American Colonists, playing period games, and exploring a Civil War soldier’s tent. The adjacent lush lawn is filled with picnic tables for quick lunches, and convenient parking puts guests walking distance to historic downtown Culpeper. Camp Culley Day Burgundine House, part of The Museum of Culpeper, decorated as a period tavern. pe Museum of Culpe 2013 • Issue 4 r Piedmont Family Magazine 13