The Collection
The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum features a nationally recognized collection of over 3,000 Civil War artifacts. These items such as weapons, tools, and accoutrements were all a part of a soldier’s life and help connect us with their experiences. Learn about the war through the technology of rifles and ordnance. View special items in the collection such as the Diary and Bible of Robert S. Bell, a Confederate soldier who lived behind the courthouse in the preserved Bell House, a stove top from ‘Selma’ (the home of U.S. Senator James Mason which was destroyed during the war), early soldier ID tags, and many more unique personal items.
Items from the Collection
Below is just a small sample of the impressive volume of Civil War artifacts that are on display at the museum. This collection illustrates the common life of a soldier by connecting us with the items that made up a large part of their daily experience.
U.S. Army cartridge box and a selection of bullets, belt buckles, and breastplates
Bulletproof vest plates
A reproduction of an advertisement for bulletproof vest
The Diary and Bible of Robert S. Bell
Sidearms and pistol bullets
Stove top which likely came from the Winchester home of U.S. Senator James Mason
Confederate Currency from Winchester and elsewhere
Civil War Identification Tags
Sabers
Bayonets
Artillery display
Sibley stove (center), haversack (left), and various camp items
Stirrups, bridle bits, and saddle ornaments