About this Exhibit

“Get me a Michigan Regiment… quick!” –General Philip Kearny

Although no battles occurred on state soil, Michigan residents played a crucial role in the American Civil War, from the first shots at Fort Sumter, South Carolina until the final surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. Not all Michiganders were in favor of going to war, but when the war came, thousands of Michigan men and women willingly stepped forward to help secure the Union.

This traveling exhibition from the Detroit Historical Society features 10 free-standing kiosks, each of which examines a different theme regarding Michigan’s role in the war. Over 60 artifacts and photos give the visitor insight into the ordinary and extraordinary lives that helped shape the history of the United States.

Dimensions:

  • Kiosk base – 43” x 24” x 8”
  • Glass panel height – 70”
  • Intro kiosk banner height – 75.75”

  • Full exhibition - $2,250 /per 3 months
  • Partial Exhibition – Price to be determined based on quantity of kiosks being rented. $350 per kiosk/ per 3 months.

Request Exhibition

The 10 kiosks of Michigan in the Civil War each feature a different theme:

  • Michigan in the Civil War
    Governor Austin Blair ensured Michigan contributed more than its fair share to the Union cause, securing the state’s lasting Civil War legacy.
  • Women in the Civil War
    While they couldn’t be soldiers, Michigan women fought hard on the home front, and sometimes on the front lines. Be it as a nurse, spy or business owner, the roles women played were critical to the war effort.
  • The Iron Brigade: MI 24th Infantry
    The stalwart soldiers of the Michigan 24th Infantry suffered more losses than any regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg, but were instrumental in stopping the northward Confederate advance.
  • Unsung Heroes: Engineers and Mechanics
    The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics waged war by building up Union infrastructure, and sabotaging that of the Confederacy.
  • The Civil War in the News
    Advancements in printing technology, the electric telegraph and special correspondents allowed news of the war to reach home faster than ever before.
  • A Soldier’s Life
    The 90,000 Michigan men who served in the Civil War sought to maintain some semblance of their life at home. Games, instruments and letters were invaluable during the countless hours of camp life.
  • United States Colored Troops
    Though unable to enlist at the beginning of the war, African American soldiers composed about 10 percent of entire Union army by the war’s end. Some gave up their safety in Canada to return and fight.
  • The Music Makers
    Music was an indispensable tool for both the Union and Confederate Armies. It was integral to boosting morale and issuing orders in the din of battle.
  • Post War: the Grand Army of the Republic
    Camaraderie flourished at local G.A.R. posts, where veterans could catch up with fellow soldiers. The group became a massive political influence in the years following the Civil War.
  • Monuments to the Civil War
    The Civil War had a profound effect on the nation, and it is remembered in many ways, including the monuments erected in communities across the country.  
  • Pontoon bridge

    Pontoon Bridge Construction over Tennessee River, 1863.

  • Sarah Edmonds

    Sarah Edmonds, 1860s.

  • Recruitment flyer

    Recruitment flyer, c. 1862.

More Traveling Exhibits