Civil War Naval and Marine Weekend

Get a close up view of the artifacts which impacted Naval and Marine medicine and strategy during the Civil War

On January 18-19, 2020 the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is partnering with the United States Marine Corps Historical Company for a weekend devoted to the history of the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Civil War. Visitors to the Museum will be treated to a special temporary exhibit about the evolving tactics, weaponry, and medical care afloat and ashore during the Civil War. With tables full of original and reproduction artifacts, visitors will have a rare opportunity to get a close look at the items which presented challenges and opportunities for members of the US Navy and Marines during America’s bloodiest conflict.

The exhibit will focus heavily on the Battle of Fort Fisher (January 13-15, 1865). Although the assault by the Federal naval (and Marine) brigade was eventually checked, it diverted the attention of the Confederate defenders allowing Union Army forces to penetrate the defenses and capture the bastion. A moment in Naval history that is often overlooked, the involvement of the U.S. Marines and sailors in the operations against Fort Fisher would lead to paramount lessons learned and have a direct impact on advancements in technology and operational methods that would lead to the shaping of today’s Marine Corps and Naval Services.

The Naval and Marine Medicine weekend is included with admission, and FREE for NMCWM members.

The United States Marine Corps Historical Company is a not-for-profit educational corporation structured and operated as a professional agency established to support the United States Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Their principle objective is to educate the public, and their fellow Marines in the history of the Corps, and function as a high profile public relations tool for the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. In so doing, they continually strive to objectively present the contributions of past Marines, highlight the relevance and impact of their actions on today’s society, and enlighten and motivate this and future generations on the importance of the Marine Corps and its mission.