Cover Page

Table of Contents

Introduction

Executive Summary

Interpretation of
the Civil War

Accomplishments
to Date

Review of Current Conditions

Future of Civil War Interpretation

Projected Future Work

Obstacles to Success

Addenda

There is good advantage in viewing the Civil War sites as a collection of sites with similar goals. The value of collective thinking can benefit all those involved. In working towards improved interpretation at the Civil War sites the desired products and suggested improvements in the previous section are affected by several outside factors. Any major change in the presentation of programs and the replacement of media will require funding. Some progress in this area has been made at several Civil War sites through the Fee Demonstration Program. In FY 98-99 16 Civil War sites received $1,503,895 that was directed at media replacement. In addition to funds for media replacement, the number of available staff at Civil War sites has a direct effect on the ability to deliver messages to the public. Another factor not to be taken lightly are the differing opinions and points of view on the telling of the Civil War story held by the visiting public.

McLean House (surrender site),
Appomattox Court House NHP

In 1961, at the outset of the Civil War Centennial, Oscar Handlin observed that, “Again and again, Americans have come back, in their thinking, to the Civil War. Their persistent fascination with that great conflict reveals that it has become a symbol, to which significant meanings adhere. Yet now, a full century after the event, it is still difficult to make out the character of that symbol. Every mention of the War touches off deep emotional responses; why the responses should be so sensitive after the lapse of so long a time is by no means clear.” Forty years after Oscar Handlin penned those words, the immediate emotional public response to the war continues to limit the public discussion of the event. As the National Park Service develops and implements the products outlined in this report, it will explore the “character” of the war in a manner that interweaves cause, course, consequence for the education and inspiration of the visiting public while fostering an intellectual environment that encourages the broadest discussion of the issues.

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/ICWS/icws_obst.htm