News Release

History at Sunset Summer Series 2025

Cannons near Fort Morton

Pat Schmidt/NPS

News Release Date: April 25, 2025

Contact: Eric Schreiner, [phone]

Contact: Jerry Netherland

PETERSBURG, VA – Petersburg National Battlefield is excited to announce the return of its History at Sunset program series for a fourth season. Offered in partnership with the Petersburg Battlefields Foundation, these free programs provide unique experiences at different sites of the Petersburg battlefield. Programs will be held on the third Saturday of each month, beginning in May and running through August. Programs will start at 6 PM last 60 to 90 minutes. Participants should be prepared for a small amount of walking and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water. All programs are free and open to the public. Changes or cancellations will be announced on Petersburg National Battlefield’s website and Facebook.

May 17: Beyond the Headstones: A History of Poplar Grove National Cemetery
Join a Park Ranger to explore how a quiet place once known as Flower’s Farm became Poplar Grove National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 6,000 soldiers. This program includes a walking tour through the cemetery and the stories of the individuals whose lives and deaths shaped a nation. Meet at Poplar Grove National Cemetery, 8005 Vaughn Road, Petersburg.

June 21: The Assault on Fort Gregg
Before dawn on April 2, 1865, a Federal attack broke the Confederate lines at Petersburg. By the afternoon, only Forts Gregg and Whitworth stood between the swarms of U.S. troops and the city. Join a ranger to discover more about the chaos and ferocity of this final attack of the Petersburg campaign. Meet at Confederate Fort Gregg at Stop 4 on the Western Front Driving Tour on 7th Ave near the intersection of Simpson Road in Petersburg.

July 19: “Believed They Would Capture the Whole Brigade”
Join us to learn about Weisiger’s Virginia Brigade during the Second Battle for the Weldon Railroad. After a successful flank attack by Mahone’s improvised division on August 19, 1864, Weisiger’s brigade faced the imminent threat of being surrounded by Union reinforcements from the IX Corps. Discover whether Weisiger’s rearguard was able to hold long enough for Mahone to withdraw his troops. Meet at Flank Road Athletic Field, 1555 Flank Road, just west of Johnson Road.

August 17: Creating a Park on a Battlefield
Explore the transformative historical eras and the people who have shaped this land into a park, from the time before and during the Civil War to the present and into the future. This will involve a caravan driving tour through the Eastern Front. Meet at the Eastern Front Visitor Center - 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg.