Largest Civil War Museum to present a balanced view of the Civil War is now
an Affiliate of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution

(Harrisburg, PA) The National Civil War Museum announced today it has joined the network of Affiliate organizations of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Affiliations program allows its partners the opportunity to have greater access to the collections and educational resources of the Smithsonian.

"The National Civil War Museum is extremely pleased that such a prestigious institution has recognized the quality of our Museum, collections, and exhibits," said David Patterson, chief executive officer. "We greatly look forward to utilizing this association to further improve our displays and public offerings. This relationship will provide the Museum special access to Smithsonian expertise and vast collections, which will greatly enhance our educational initiatives. We hope that future visitors, surrounding communities, and Civil War enthusiasts will view this affiliation as a grand step towards raising our national status and visibility," added Patterson.

"The National Civil War Museum," said Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations, "takes a thorough look at the Civil War era, and provides the visitor with a profound experience of those times. Their collections, scholarship, and programs complement those at the Smithsonian. As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches, it is important that all history organizations share their resources to help Americans better understand this past. We are proud to partner with The National Civil War Museum."

Smithsonian Affiliations, a collections based program, facilitates the long term loan of artifacts and enables Affiliates to incorporate Smithsonian collections in more than one format, allowing for alternative means of exhibiting the Institution's more than 136 million object collection. Smithsonian Affiliates may integrate Smithsonian artifacts and collections in their exhibitions, their educational initiatives and their research programs.

In addition to borrowing objects from the Smithsonian's collections, many Affiliates offer programmatic resources from the Institution for curriculum development in local schools, lectures, traveling exhibitions, workshops, study tours and other programs. The Smithsonian also shares its staff expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibition development.

About Smithsonian Affiliations
Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program which develops long-term partnerhsips with museums, educational and cultural organizations to make Smithsonian Institution resources more widely available. Smithsonian Affiliations collaborates with Affiliates to enrich communities with Smithsonian scholars, collections, public programs and professional development opportunities. More information about the Smithsonian Affiliations program and current active Affiliates is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.

About The National Civil War Museum
Opened in February 2001, The National Civil War Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated solely to the American Civil War. It is the largest Civil War museum that addressed the war from both the Northern and Southern perspective, and from both a military and civilian perspective. The Museum protects some of the nation's treasures, including General Robert E. Lee's personal Bible, and more than 24,000 artifacts, documents and photos, worth an estimated $20 million. Admission to the Museum is $8.00 for adults, with reduced rates for children, seniors and families. The Museum offers complimentary ample parking. For more information, please call 717.260.1861, or visit the Museum's website at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.