We started off with a viewing of the film about the VMI cadets, basically recapitulating the above, although with more emphasis on several of the cadets' personalities and histories.
After that, we walked down the ramp to the main part of the cirular museum. It's on two levels. On the top level, in balcony fashion, is a concise history of the American Civil War created in photographs, maps, and some dioramas.
The centerpiece of the Hall of Valor, a Confederate battery in action. Note the upper level balcony that circles the main hall.
The bottom level is more interesting. The center piece is a life-size artillery crew servicing a cannon. It makes for a dynamic visual effect. It also gives you an idea how much space a single cannon can occupy.
More Photos of the cannon crew (very slow: 250K)
A number of GI Joe-sized dolls model uniforms.
Around the cannon are a number of display cases with a variety of ACW artifacts, including various coats and uniforms, weapons, and equipment. Off to the right is a small nook running a film. A large terrain map of the area, looking much like the one back at Rockfish Gap, highlights the area.
Jumbo Uniform Photo (extraordinarily slow: 517K)
This is not exactly a big museum, and the circular space leaves lots of open space, and the admission price was a tad steep considering the limited space and artifacts. However, as a private institution, I can certainly understand the economics behind it.
Uniforms and Generals Plaque Photos (very slow: 277K)
More Battle of New Market: 1864
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