The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia have partnered to create a state-wide online collection of original Civil War manuscripts that still remain in private hands.

The Civil War 150 Legacy Project: Document Digitization and Access focuses on manuscript materials created during the period 1859-1867 that reflect social, political, military, business and religious life in Virginia during the period of the Civil War and the early period of Reconstruction. Citizens are encouraged to bring original family materials to be scanned and included in the project. Items should be flat such as letters, journals, and photos. Three dimensional artifacts like clothing, weapons, or large artwork are not able to be scanned. Scanned materials will be made available on the web via the Library of Virginia web site and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission web site.

CW150 Legacy Project staff will be visiting on Saturday, April 2. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Appomattox Community Center, 220 Community Lane. Appointments are encouraged and a limited number of walk-ins will be accommodated from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as scheduling allows.

To make an appointment, or to ask questions, call 434-352-5996. This event is co-hosted by: Appomattox County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Town of Appomattox Tourism Department, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and the Appomattox County Historical Society.

The CW 150 Legacy Project is a multi-year initiative to locate, digitize and provide world-wide access to the private documentary heritage of the American Civil War era located throughout Virginia. Utilizing Local Sesquicentennial Committees already established by the Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission and through a partnership with the Library of Virginia and a network of statewide connections, the CW 150 Legacy Project will provide individuals an opportunity to have their historic letters, diaries and other collections scanned to preserve their valuable intellectual content.