The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley interprets the art, history, and culture of the great valley for which it is named. This regional museum complex in Winchester, Virginia, includes a historic house dating to the eighteenth century, six acres of spectacular gardens, and, a museum designed by internationally recognized architect Michael Graves. Tour the historic house, the six acres of gardens, and the museum galleries.Don't miss the Museum Store during your visit.

"I had a heart for sorrow, and it ached with a ceaseless pang for the country as well as for my own griefs." Cornelia McDonald. You will be joined for lunch at the museum by Cornelia McDonald as she tells her story of what life was like for her and her family during the Civil War. Before the war Cornelia lived a comfortable life in Winchester, Virginia the wife of a successful lawyer and mother of eight children. On the night of March 11, 1862, as the heavy tramp of Confederate marching troops died away in the distance—her husband’s regiment among them—Cornelia McDonald began her diary of events in war-torn Winchester, VA.

Her story of the Civil War records a personal battle of her own—a southern woman’s lonely struggle in the midst of chaos to provide safety and shelter for herself and her children. For Cornelia, history is what happens “inside the house.” She relates the trauma that occurs when the safety of the home is disrupted and destroyed by the forces of war. Her tremendous determination and unyielding spirit in the face of the final collapse of her world is testimony to a woman’s will to preserve her family and her own sense of purpose as a “rebel” against all that she regarded as tyrannical and brutal in war itself. When her presentation is concluded, she will present you with your own copy of her diary.

Next you’ll head to the beautiful Lost Creek Winery. Come join us as we relax in a winery built on a hill that overlooks the owner’s vineyards as well as northern Virginia horse country. When visiting the winery you will be welcomed by a warm family atmosphere and some of Virginia’s finest wines. Unlike most Virginia Wineries, Lost Creek Winery makes their wines completely from their own grapes, so all their wines are truly estate wines. Enjoy the artwork by local artists or shop in the gift shop for local products and wine accessories. Mill about in the spacious tasting room with the sounds of soft music in the background as you are treated to a special wine sampling which will include a variety of cheeses & crackers.

Built nineteen years before the Declaration of Independence, The Fairfield Inn was originally the Mansion House of Squire Miller, an original founder of the town. In the 250 years that have passed, the Mansion House has hosted many famous Americans such as Patrick Henry, nephew of Squire William and Isabella Henry Miller, Thaddeus Stevens, Generals Robert E. Lee & J.E.B. Stuart, Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank and The Eisenhowers. When the Battle of Gettysburg was over, the Confederate Army retreated through Fairfield. General Robert E. Lee and his officers stopped to eat at the Inn as will you! You will dine at one of only five inns in America that have been in continuous operation since the 1700's!

Price will include:
First class motorcoach transportation from the National Civil War Museum
Admission to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (includes guided tour of the house and
self-guided tour of the gardens and self-guided tour of all the galleries, Museum Orientation Film
Glen Burnie House Orientation Film, Lunch in the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Reception Hall)
A special presentation from Cornelia McDonald, Winchester resident during the Civil War
A copy of A Woman's Civil War: A Diary, with Reminiscences of the War
Wine and Cheese Sampling at Lost Creek Winery
Dinner at The Fairfield Inn where General Robert E Lee had dinner during retreat
Tip for driver
All taxes and gratuities.
Price of the tour is: $139.00 per person

A deposit of $75.00 per person will hold your seat. Balance is due no later than March 11, 2008. If paying by credit card, your card will be charged in full upon receipt. Cancellations received 45 or more days before the tour will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 44 days or less before the tour will only receive a refund if either you or the museum fills the open seat(s).

To Register:

Lynn Smolizer
National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park
Harrisburg, PA 17103.

Questions? Call Lynn Smolizer 717.260.1861 x.1108.