American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar — Attraction in Richmond

I’ve got to give this place 1 star based on an experience I had about a year ago. I’ve lived in Richmond for nearly 10 years; have visited the museum and Browns Island often. One morning I was in a very unfortunate situation where I was on a walk at Browns Island and began experiencing a true medical crisis and realized my phone was dead. My car was quite a bits away. I decided to walk towards the museum which had not opened yet for the morning. I politely stood a good bit away from the entrance and saw an employee coming from the parking lot and heading to the door and asked in the kindest way “hello, sorry to bother you… do you work here? Do you have a phone charger or know if anyone inside has one? I can give you my phone if you know if anyone is able to charge it inside”

She said “I’ll go in and check”. A few minutes later a security guard comes out and tells me I frightened the employee and to leave the property and I’m being trespassed… I told him I was having medical emergency begged for him to take my phone inside and bring it out. He walks me over to the event drop off and tells me to wait an hour and he’ll come out and get my phone and charge it for me. Waited an hour nearly having a seizure and was left with no help. I was really confused because I had been in the museum countless times over the years, I desperately just needed my phone charged and was really polite to the employee and security officer. I have been afraid to return in chance I’m truly trespassed and would be arrested.

Thankfully some pedestrians passing by found me laid on the sidewalk and got me help, it was just inhumane the way they dismissed me, told me they felt threatened by me asking to charge my phone and spent the time escorting me off and to never step food near the building again. Then a week later my father visits Richmond and they let him in to take a dump in the bathroom… it’s been on my mind for the past year and the pedestrians seemed disturbed by the...

Having grown up in the South, I have seen my share of Civil War museums. In fact, there is one less than five miles from my own home in Missouri. To me, the Tredegar site was very striking. However, the number of items on display was lacking. The graphics used in several areas for reading used font too small, or with not enough contrast. Banners that were festively hung from the rafters had writing on them so high up, the words were impossible to read. Some graphics had been scraped and could not be read. Overall, it was a good experience, but did not meet my expectations from those who recommended it. I look forward to seeing the second 'White House' nearby, and Appomattox. Compliments to the welcoming staff who were most gracious. I was also impressed with the very large selection of books for purchase about this time in our history, as well as replicas of period items for sale. Very nice. Tredegar is right by the river, which is another plus. A great example of how our country harnessed natural energy for manufacturing. Virginia had so many families divided by loyalties to conflicting sides. My suggestion is to include the threads of those family tapestries. Four stars only here, because there are thousands of relics available for use in display. As a marketer by trade, I would suggest expanding the items and leave the flashy graphics for another time. The 'bars' with facts that guests were encouraged to pull were unwieldy and out of place. Our nation deserves a bit more effort on this particular National Park. We went in a weekday and practically had the place to ourselves. That...

A gem, a must see! The area is simply beautiful with much to see and to experience! A well curated history museum with an educational mission that’s organized and arranged chronologically. The exhibits are historically accurate, and cultivated a deeper understanding of social and economic struggles and successes. We arrived late into the area and thought we’d have to miss out but discovered that had a special event that evening. “Wine Down Wednesday” entry, free beverage of choice, w bar, free appetizers, and a wonderful group of musicians completing the thoughtful aesthetics and the overall sensory experience. The museum also provides a complementary Audi tour which I highly recommend to add more depth and richness to exhibits. The event was akin to a Charity Event where I would have expected to pay for to attend. This after hours, small group experience was the same cost as their regular admission and parking was free. I highly recommend you to 1) add this museum to your “must see” list 2)follow them on social media and look for future events 3) If a scavenger hunt is offered, do it, if you don’t want the opportunity to win the gift bag, you will learn a some fun facts 4) check nearby concert calendar to plan for parking 5) If I was local I would explore their membership options. They offer benefits including free admission, discounts on events, and more. I would attend every event! Great job! What a wonderful, memorable and...