Triangle, VA -  The Civil War is coming to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in a big way. The Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, a 53' expandable tractor-trailer filled with immersive exhibits about the war in Virginia, will be in the Museum parking lot July 27 - 30.  The Museum will also host history chats and family day events centered around the Marines in the Civil War.

The Civil War 150 HistoryMobile is an interactive "museum on wheels" that draws together individual stories from all over Virginia from the perspectives of those who experienced it-young and old, enslaved and free, soldiers and civilians.  The HistoryMobile gives visitors an opportunity to imagine and better understand the human experience of the war both on the battlefield and on the home front.

From the heart-rending last letter written by a dying son to his father after being injured at Spotsylvania in 1864, to touch-screen computers that invite visitors to consider "What Would You Do?", to an overheard conversation between husband and wife considering the great risks and great rewards of fleeing to freedom, the HistoryMobile presents the stories of loss, gain, and legacies of the Civil War throughout Virginia.  The exhibit will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

The Civil War history doesn't stop in the parking lot.  The NMMC gives visitors yet another perspective on the war, that of the Marines who fought on both sides.  A highlight of Civil War exhibit is the sledge from one of three sledgehammers Marines used while repealing John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.   Visitors also come face-to-face with Cpl John Mackey, the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. On Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m. there will be an in-depth discussions of the Marines' role in the Civil War with Dr. Charles Neimeyer, director of the Marine Corps History Division.

Young Museum visitors will learn about the Civil War and battlefield medicine with activities and crafts during Family Day on Saturday, August 11 from noon to 3 p.m.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, Va.  The Museum, which opened November 10, 2006, brings to life the U.S. Marine Corps' rich history and honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of all Marines.  It is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Christmas.  Parking and admission are free.

For more information on the National Museum of the Marine Corps, call 703-784-6107 or visit www.usmcmuseum.com.