News Release

Civil War to Civil Rights Art Contest

News Release Date: January 31, 2022

Contact: Elizabeth Parnicza, 434-352-8987 x227

Civil War to Civil Rights: Legacies of Appomattox Art Contest

The American Civil War Museum, Carver-Price Legacy Museum, and the National Park Service are pleased to announce the “Civil War to Civil Rights: Legacies of Appomattox” Art Contest. As part of this year’s Commemoration of the Surrender and Freedom Day, Appomattox County students in grades 3-12 can submit art connected to the legacy of the events of April 1865. All entries must be submitted by March 18, 2022, and details for submission can be found on the included entry form.

All students in grades 3-12 living in Appomattox County are eligible to enter the contest. Students will be broken into three categories based on grade level, and each age group will be paired with one of the partner organizations for submissions. A panel of three judges will select winners from each category and for an overall Best in Show top prize of $100. Each site will display submitted artwork in conjunction with the annual Commemoration of the Surrender and Freedom Day, April 8-12, 2022. 

Contestants will engage with the resources and stories of the partnership sites. The contest’s primary goal is to generate deep, personal connections and reflections on the significance of the Civil War’s symbolic end, emancipation in this region, and the following struggle for civil rights. Students in grades 3-5 will work directly with Appomattox Court House National Park. Students in grades 6-12 will partner with the American Civil War Museum, in conjunction with Carver-Price Legacy Museum, to access resources about the Reconstruction and Civil Rights eras. Together these museums and historic sites share local and national stories that shaped our nation’s and our community’s futures.

For more information, see included Contest Instructions and Entry Form, or go to https://acwm.org/learn/legacies-of-appomattox-art-contest. 

Share your thoughts and inspiration on your social media pages and don’t forget to include #APXartcontest!

About the American Civil War Museum: The American Civil War Museum explores the Civil War and its legacies from multiple perspectives through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and education resources. ACWM has locations in Richmond and Appomattox, Virginia.

About the Carver-Price Legacy Museum: The Carver-Price Legacy Museum, Inc. is committed to preserving our Rosenwald building and celebration our heritage from slavery to the present, from Civil War to Civil Rights, and to Unity for all people.

About Appomattox Court House National Historical Park: On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the end of the nation's largest war and the beginning of emancipation in this region. The stories of Appomattox Court House go far beyond the final significant battles of this nation's Civil War. Learn more at www.nps.gov/apco.