6th Annual Breakthrough Car Show
2025-05-10 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join in the fun of this automotive extravaganza. Experience the sights and sounds of elegant autos from yesteryear to the technologically advanced super cars of today at the historic Hart Farm, which is part of Pamplin Historical Park located near Petersburg, Virginia. The Breakthrough Car Show is open to all makes, models and years of vehicles and anyone can bring out their ride and participate in the show.
The first 150 registered show vehicles receive goody bags and dash plaques. Pre-register your single vehicle by May 2, 2025 for $15.00 or vehicle registration is $20.00 per vehicle thereafter and at the show.
Show day registration begins at 8:00 am. Participant’s Choice judging will result in over 60 awards. The award presentation will take place at 2:30 pm. Spectator parking and show admission is free. A reduced “day of show only” Pamplin Historical Park admission will be available for those who want to explore the 424 acres of battlefields, historic homes, museums and more.
Vendors will have food, drinks and more throughout the day. Everyone can take part in a silent auction, door prizes and more.
Rain date is May 11, 2025. All proceeds from this event benefit Pamplin Historical Park. This event is in partnership with Car Club Council of Central Virginia.
Located near Petersburg, Virginia, Pamplin Historical Park is about 30 minutes south of Richmond and is convenient to both Interstates 95 and 85 and US Highways 1 and 460. Pamplin Historical Park is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Thanks to the following Gold Level sponsors; Bank of Southside Virginia, Gary’s Automotive Again, Hale’s Electric Service, Southside Electric Cooperative, Strosnider Chevrolet, VA Cars and Carts, Virginia Motorsports Park and the following supporting sponsors; Advance Auto Parts (Dinwiddie), AutoMeter, AutoZone (Colonial Heights), Brother’s Pizza, Crossroads Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, EATON Detroit Spring Inc., Food Lion, Grease Monkey Garage, Griot’s Garage, Dalton Watson Fine Books, JEGS, J. C. Taylor Insurance, Lincoln Electric, Moss Motors, Motorbooks, National Parts Depot, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts (Dinwiddie), Hatchette Book Group, Stoner Car Care, Texas Roadhouse, Top Flight Automotive, and Tractor Supply Company.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show flyer.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show registration form.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show non-food vendor application.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show food vendor application.
Click here for sponsor benefits and information.

Memorial Day Weekend Remembrance
2025-05-24 09:00 - 2025-05-26 17:00
The park will be open for walk in visitation Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through May 26 with special activities only being held on Saturday, May 24th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Programming on Saturday only, will include a presentation by U.S. Army SSG Gualavisivega, who will share the role of Mortuary Affairs today with a display of artifacts. Park Staff honors those who’ve fallen with a special presentation and tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield and, Bill Stallings will speak on the sacrifices of the United States military in the Korean War, while sharing a display from that conflict.
The viewing of “War So Terrible” which follows two Civil War soldiers, Benjamin Franklin Meyers of the Union and Andrew Jackson Stewart of the Confederacy, will be available for viewing, in the Battlefield Center.
This special Pamplin Historical Park Memorial Day remembrance is sponsored by the Bank of Southside Virginia. The Park is open May 24 through 26 and the special programming will take place on Saturday, May 24th only. Daily admission for adults is $15, seniors (65+) $12.00, children (6-12) $8, and children under 6 free.
Free admission is offered for all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen. This offer is only available on May 24-25, 2025 to active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen with proper ID, which includes a Department of Defense photo ID or DD Form 214. Military veterans who separated before retirement can bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, as identification of service.

Cry Liberty! Dinwiddie County Musters for the American Revolution
2025-06-14 09:00 - 17:00
Join the Park as we commemorate the muster of over 500 militia men from Dinwiddie County, Virginia who answered the first call at Dinwiddie Courthouse in June of 1775. After forming an active Committee of Correspondence in protest of the Intolerable Acts, before the events of Lexington and Concord, Dinwiddie residents rose to join the patriot cause for liberty. We also celebrate the 250th U.S. Army birthday of June 14, 1775, before the Declaration of Independence was signed and Flag Day.
The day’s program schedule will offer an encampment with American Revolutionary War soldiers throughout the day. They will provide a mock militia enlistment and drill with wooden stick muskets for the young and young at heart. A weapon and camp life demonstration will be offered as well.
A ceremony will include speakers; Dinwiddie County Supervisor and veteran William Chavis, U.S. Army Fort Gregg-Adams Garrison Commander, Colonel Richard J. Bendelewski, VA250 Commission Executive Director, Cheryl Wilson. The ceremony includes a color guard from Fort Gregg-Adams and a cannon fire salute.
Actor and historian, Charles Wissinger will portray Patrick Henry and offer a talk on the life of the founding father and present his “Liberty or Death” speech. Live acoustic patriotic music will also be performed by the Harken Back String Band. Additional living history includes 18th century crafts and trades displays and a related documentary film will also be offered for viewing.
All activities are included with general public regular daily admission.
Free admission is offered for all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen. This offer is only available on June 14, 2025 to active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen with proper ID, which includes a Department of Defense photo ID or DD Form 214. Military veterans who separated before retirement can bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, as identification of service.

Independence Day Celebration
2025-07-04 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for an Independence Day Celebration as Pamplin Historical Park will offer multiple activities and programs throughout the day.
Families will enjoy musket and cannon fire demonstrations. A “Load-in-Nine-Times” program will begin at 10:00 am and highlight the types of weapons used in the Civil War to include a demonstration of the loading and firing of muskets. A “King of Battle” program will follow to which will begin with a presentation on artillery and it’s role on the battlefield. The presentation will conclude with a firing demonstration of a cannon at the park’s re-created fortification exhibit.
Author and historian John Settle will present The Virginia Line in the Southern Campaign at 1:00pm, where he will highlight the stories, battles and journeys of Virginia Continental Line soldiers in the American Revolution from his book. Mr. Settle teaches U.S. History at Nandua Middle School in Accomack County, VA. He received his B.A. in History at Bridgewater College at Bridgewater, VA. Mr. Settle was a military interpreter at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation from 2019 to 2022. Mr. Settle has written for the Fluvanna County Historical Society and has worked with that organization in other research projects. The research of Mr. Settle is focused on the military experience of the regular troops and the militia of Virginia during the American Revolution and the campaigns they were involved in.
A guided tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield will take place at 2:00pm. The April 2, 1865 battle saw the U.S. Army’s 6th Corps of 14,000 men successfully assault the Confederate defenses, and breakthrough to lift the 292-day siege of Petersburg. This forced the Confederates to evacuate both Petersburg and their capital city Richmond. Seven days later, the surrender took place at Appomattox. Multiple stories of valor will be shared from the battle, and a display of artifacts at the park’s Battlefield Center include a combatant’s Medal of Honor. Additional programming includes, living historians portraying soldiers who will share why they fought and explain the equipment and camp life of the men during the Civil War.
Dinwiddie County, Virginia is home to a great amount of American history to include that of the American Revolutionary War. Dinwiddie County residents formed a Committee of Correspondence and several militia units were raised in Dinwiddie County. Many of these men went on to serve in Virginia state and Continental Army formations throughout the war. Others such as merchants, supported the army through supplying food and materials or played other vitally important roles in the fight for independence.
All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission. This event is sponsored by the Bank of Southside Virginia.
This event is a part of the VA250 celebrations taking place across Virginia, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War for independence. Established in 2020 to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) aims to form a more perfect union by educating Virginians about their history and civic duty and sharing diverse narratives that capture Virginia’s complete story and role in shaping the nation.

World War II 80th Anniversary Weekend
2025-08-23 08:00 - 2025-08-24 17:00
This 80th anniversary living history event brings to life the experiences of fighting abroad and the war on the home front during World War II. Guests will have the chance to learn from living historians portraying soldiers who fought in WWII and about different aspects of a soldier’s life including weapons, signals and communications, and tactical demonstrations. Impressions will range from U.S. Army and Marines to those of British and Russian allies. Civilian living historians will portray goings on at the home front and USO activities stateside. Demonstrations will include medical, cooking, weapons and a military uniform and civilian fashion show. A special tactical demonstration will be performed on Saturday afternoon to illustrate the art of fire and maneuver. Throughout the weekend visitors can experience the VA250 Mobile Museum and compare and contrast the soldiers, sailors and marines of the American Revolution to those of World War II, as we commemorate the 250th Birthday Anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission.
Partner museums to include; MacArthur Memorial, U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, U.S. Army Ordnance TSF, U.S. Army Women’s Museum, and the Virginia War Memorial will have displays and more for visitors to see and experience. Presentations by authors and historians will be throughout the weekend. Actor and historian Charles Wissinger will portray Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Lieutenant Audie Murphy and share his amazing story.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet and hear about the adventures of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Audie Murphy (portrayed by actor/historian Charles Wissinger) who was an American soldier, actor and song writer. He is widely celebrated as the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II, and has been described as the most highly decorated enlisted soldier in U.S. history. Murphy received the Medal of Honor for valor that he demonstrated at age 19 for single-handedly holding off a company of German soldiers for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France in January 1945, before leading a successful counterattack while wounded.
Other presenters include Al Barnes, Virginia National Guard who will present “U.S. Army 29th Division in World War II,” Jennifer Cottle, MacArthur Memorial will present “The End of WWII and the Occupation of Japan,” Ali Kolleda, U.S. Army Fort Lee Museums, will present “U.S. Army Chaplains in World War II” and Colin Romanick, Pamplin Historical Park will present “Divided Loyalties: Germany’s Foreign Volunteers.”
The weekend schedule is below.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Living history camps and displays open to public
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM USO Children’s Craft Activities: WWII Coloring Book & The Roosevelt’s Scottie Dog “Fala” make & take home item at Freedom Garden (Diana Campbell)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Children’s Obstacle Course Training Activity – Freedom Garden
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM US Army Quartermaster, Ordnance TSF, Transportation, Women’s Museums displays at NMCWS alcove off of rotunda
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Virginia War Memorial display at NMCWS alcove off of rotunda
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM Viewing of Virginians at War: D-Day: Invasion at Normandy in Education Center
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM “U.S. Army 29th Division in WWII” presentation by Al Barnes in Education Center
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM 1940s fashion show at Education Center
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM “Lieutenant Audie Murphy” presentation by Charles Wissinger (First Person) in Education Center
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM WWII Weapons demonstration at Fortification Exhibit
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM “Jewish Army Chaplains in WWII” presentation by Alexandra Kolleda (AME/U.S. Army Museums) in Education Center
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Viewing of Virginians at War: Battle of the Bulge in Education Center
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM Coordinate reloading of participant equipment and partner displays
Sunday, August 24
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM Safety inspection of living history and demo areas
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Park Opening, Closing, Cleaning — standard operating procedures
Follow event program below:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Living history camps and displays open to public.
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM USO Children’s Craft Activities: WWII Coloring Book & The Roosevelt’s Scottie Dog “Fala” make & take home item at Freedom Garden
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Children’s Obstacle Course Training Activity – Freedom Garden
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MacArthur Memorial display at NMCWS alcove off of rotunda (power required)
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM Viewing of Virginians at War: D-Day: Invasion at Normandy in Education Center
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM “Divided Loyalties: Germany’s Foreign Volunteers” presentation by Colin Romanick in Education Center
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM 1940s fashion show at Education Center
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM “The End of WWII and the Occupation of Japan” presentation by Jennifer Cottle (MacArthur Memorial) in Education Center
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM WWII Weapons demonstration at Fortification Exhibit
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM Viewing of Virginians at War: Battle of the Bulge in Education Center
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Coordinate reloading of participant equipment and partner displays
Alexander F. Barnes was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and grew up in an Air Force family. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974 and then joined the Army National Guard in 1977, retiring as a Virginia Army National Guard chief warrant officer in 2004. He retired from the US Army at Fort Lee in July 2015 after 30 years of service as an Army Civilian including deployments in Desert Storm, Bosnia, and Kuwait. He has a master’s degree in Anthropology and has authored or co-authored nine US Military History books. He is currently serving as the Command Historian for the Virginia National Guard.
Ali Kolleda is the education specialist for the Fort Lee Army Museum Enterprise, which includes the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, the U.S. Army Women’s Museum, and the Ordnance Training Support Facility. Her background is in collections management and public history, and as a museum professional her goal has been to fill gaps in the historic narrative by diversifying collections and programming. She has a master’s degree in Public History from James Madison University and has been working in Army Museums for 13 years. Ms. Kolleda has presented at the Society for History in the Federal Government, the American Association for State and Local History, the Virginia War Memorial, and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and is credited on several government and private publications, including The SixTripleEight documentary, outlining the service of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in the European Theater during World War II.
Jennifer Cottle is a Museum Attendant and Museum Specialist working with the MacArthur Memorial and the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Since becoming a staff member, she has worked with material in the museum collections to help share the stories of the thousands of Allied civilians interned in the Philippines during WWII with the public through virtual outreach and education programs. Jennifer graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Anthropology in 2014 and worked in the field of archaeology for several years before joining the staff at the MacArthur Memorial. She is currently pursuing a M.A. in Public History and plans to incorporate the food history of the WWII internment camps into her capstone project.
Colin Romanick is the current Executive Director of Pamplin Historical Park and has worked in the museum field for over 20 years in the areas of education, finance and marketing. He is a graduate of Christopher Newport University where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. Romanick worked for the City of Newport News, Historic Services Division for 13 years. During that time he conducted educational programs, tours and assisted in the acquisition of artifacts for the Virginia War Museum. Romanick is a published author and contributing writer of numerous historical articles for various periodicals. Prior to joining Pamplin Historical Park, he has worked as an educator for the US Army Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee and conducted tours at historic Endview Plantation and Lee Hall Mansion in Newport News, VA.
Children are invited to experience a World War II training obstacle course and enjoy craft activities to include World War II coloring books and making a take home project of the Roosevelt’s Scottie Dog “Fala.”
World War II, which was fought between 1939 and 1945, cost an estimated 85 million casualties both military and civilian worldwide. The United States military casualties amounted to 416,800. While many were thankful for the surrender in Europe on May 8, 1945 the war in the Pacific raged on and was far from over. The battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during the first half of the year gave a glimpse of the carnage awaiting invasion forces set to strike the Japanese home islands. A planned Allied invasion on the island of Kyushu was set for November 1st. There 500,000 Japanese troops were in position and another 6 million were under arms or able to be called into service. This invasion did not come to pass. The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced Imperial Japan to accept an unconditional surrender. The terms were accepted on August 14, 1945 and a formal document signing ceremony took place aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2nd.
This event is held in partnership with Bank of Southside Virginia.

Roundtable: The Curious Case of the Confederate Coat
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00
Join Richard Lewis who will present on September 4. 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Mr. Lewis will share the “Cloaked in Mystery: The Curious Case of the Confederate Coat.”
Could it be that familiar and seemingly mundane studio images of Civil War generals hold a long-forgotten hidden secret? A wrinkle in a sleeve sent Richard Lewis on a six-year research project that resulted in two articles in Civil War Times magazine and revealed a fascinating surprise. Not everything is as it seems in Civil War photography, even in pictures of well-known figures. Join us as Richard presents a lively and fun PowerPoint taking us step-by-step through his discoveries and enabling audience members to play “history detective” along with him.
Richard Lewis is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and a graduate of Louisiana State University where he studied Civil War history under Pulitzer Prize-winner Dr. T. Harry Williams. He retired as the Director of Public Relations for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, served on the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Commission and the board of Civil War Trails, and currently volunteers at Richmond National Battlefield Park
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month (except for the months of June, July and August) at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.

Paranormal Investigation
2025-09-13 18:00
Join Commonwealth Researchers of the Paranormal (C.R.O.P.) for an exclusive investigation of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.
Come investigate with us on September 13th at Pamplin Historical Park, featured on Season 3 of Travel Channel’s Portals to Hell. Explore the Breakthrough Battlefield of America’s Civil War where hundreds perished in the battle that ended the Siege of Petersburg on April 2, 1865; visit the Tudor Hall plantation house built in 1812; and investigate museums with thousands of Civil War artifacts.
We do not recommend this event for children under the age of 16. There will be quite a bit of walking involved, please prepare accordingly.
This event is limited in space. Reserve your tickets early!
Check-In will begin at 6PM at Pamplin Historical Park’s Education Center, 6523 Duncan Road, Petersburg, VA 23803.

Roundtable: The Battle of Dinwiddie Court House
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00
Join Jerry Netherland who will present on October 2. 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Mr. Netherland will share the “The Battle of Dinwiddie Court House.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month (except for the months of June, July and August) at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.

2025 Symposium Optional Tour
2025-10-17 08:30 - 17:00
Join Pamplin Historical Park’s Zachary Pittard, Director of Education & Interpretation and Aaron Stoyack, Park Ranger, for a tour examining “United At What Cost: Petersburg in War and Peace, 1781 and 1865.” Follow the events and visit sites from the 292-day Civil War siege of Petersburg, while hearing contrasting stories at the locations from the American Revolution. Explore the numerous events, government and civilian roles and the ending cost of peace ending both the Civil War and American Revolutionary War.
The tour will leave from the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at Pamplin Historical Park promptly at 8:30 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. Stops will include the City Point, Centre Hill Mansion, Wallace House, Poplar Lawn, Edge Hill, Fort Gregg, Sutherland Station and others along the way. A box lunch will be provided (included in your registration fee). Reservations are required and space is limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Full payment is due upon registration. Refunds will be issued, minus a $10 administrative fee, through September 26, 2025. No refunds will be issued after that date.
Open a printable version of the 2025 optional tour registration form by clicking here. You can also call (804) 861-2408 and register M-F, 9AM – 5PM.
Reservations and pre-payment are required and space is limited. The cost per person is $139.00 or when purchased with the full symposium, $129.00 per person.

29th Annual Civil War Symposium: 1865 A Year of Reckoning
2025-10-17 09:00 - 2025-10-19 17:00
The conference will be held on Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Pamplin Historical Park’s Education Center in Dinwiddie, Virginia and will feature presentations from seven outstanding historians: A. Wilson Greene, Harold Holzer, William Marvel, Dr. George Rable, Dr. Brooks D. Simpson, Dr. Craig Symonds and Dr. Brian Steel Wills.
For more information or to register, call a reservation specialist at 877-726-7546. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Download a printable flyer and registration form by clicking here.
The Symposium begins at 6:00 pm with a Welcome Reception for all attendees at Pamplin Historical Park’s Education Center, located at 6523 Duncan Road, Petersburg, VA.
Park Members pay $339 per person and non-members pay $379. The price includes all lectures, the Friday night reception, two mid-morning coffee breaks, two lunches, and the Saturday night banquet.
*Not a member, but interested in joining? Click here or call Member Services, 877-726-7546 .
Speakers & Topics:
A. Wilson Greene
Beefsteak Raid
Harold Holzer
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural and Final Weeks
William Marvel
The Decline and Fall of the Army of Northern Virginia
Dr. George Rable
What Hath the War Wrought? Northerners and Southerners Face the Future in 1865
Dr. Brooks D. Simpson
Olive Branch and Sword: Ulysses S. Grant’s Road to Appomattox
Dr. Craig Symonds
General Joseph Johnston’s Surrender
Dr. Brian Steel Wills
Two Confederates Face the End: Nathan Bedford Forrest and Robert E. Lee

Voices from the Shadows: Edgar Allan Poe Edition
2025-10-24 18:30 - 2025-10-25 20:00
Costumed guides portraying “agents of death” with Edgar Allan Poe portrayed by actor and historian Charles Wissinger will lead participants by candlelight on a spine-chilling tour through the historic park. At each stop, guests will encounter scenes from Poe’s works, bringing to life poetry from the master of suspense. These portrayals will recount their stories and share some of the more macabre and spirit-filled folklore from the past.
Tours will be accompanied by sights and sounds that heighten the senses while breaking the silence of the night. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, the naturally haunting atmosphere of Pamplin Historical Park gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Park and battlefield after dark. “Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.” – Edgar Allen Poe.
This event is offered on Friday, October 24 and Saturday October 25 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required to ensure a spot on the tour. Admission is $17.50 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-12. The minimum recommended age for this nighttime tour is six years old. Flashlights are recommended for all tour participants. Call 804-861-2408 for reservations and directions.
Visit Evenbrite.com today to reserve your space and purchase tickets for this limited availability event!.

8th Annual Breakthrough Trail 5K
2025-11-01 07:30 - 13:00
This annual event is a partnership between the Park and Tri-Cities Road Runners. The race will take place on historic Civil War battlefield trails starting and finishing at the Hart Farm located at 6915 Duncan Rd., Petersburg, VA 23803. The race course will guide participants through the Civil War Breakthrough Battlefield trails which ended the 292 day siege of Petersburg featuring a beautiful landscape with original earthworks from the decisive battle. Participants will enjoy the safety of a course run entirely on trails with no motor vehicle traffic.
Top adult overall male and female finishers and top youth finishers, in each age group, will receive awards. The start time is at 9:00 am and race day registration is open from 7:30 am to 9:00 am. Runner and walker registrations postmarked by October 10, 2025 are $30.00 adults and $10.00 youths with a guarantee of a t-shirt. Thereafter and race day, registration is $35.00 adults and $15.00 youths with no t-shirt guarantee.
All registrations include a Park admission. register online today at RunSignUp.com. Payments can also be mailed to 5K Breakthrough, 6125 Boydton Plank Rd., Petersburg, VA 23803. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
Thank you to our sponsors Bank of Southside Virginia and Southside Medical Center.
Click here to register online at RunSignUp.com today!
Click here for a downloadable and printable registration form.
Click here for an event course map.
Call (804) 861-2408 for additional information.

Roundtable: Gettysburg's Southern Front
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00
Join Mr. Hampton Newsom as he presents on November 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Mr. Newsom will share ”Gettysburg’s Southern Front.”
The three-day Battle of Gettysburg took place between July 1 and July 3, 1863 in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was fought between the Union and Confederate and is considered the turning point of the American Civil War. The battle is also recognized as the most costly battle in American military history with over 50,000 combined casualties.
While General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was committed to an invasion of Pennsylvania, US Major General John Adams Dix led 20,000 Union troops on an assault against Richmond, Virginia. Union General-in-Chief Henry Halleck sensed and opportunity and ordered Dix to attack Richmond. On July 1863, Dix would move on both Bottom’s Bridge and Crump’s Crossroads in an effort to disrupt Lee’s lines of communication and threaten the Confederate capital. Newsome will explore these events, which took place on the same day as Confederate General Longstreet’s massive assault at Gettysburg, and ended with a different outcome than the Battle of Gettysburg.
Hampton Newsome is a retired attorney who lives in Arlington, Virginia. He is an editor of Civil War Talks: Further Reminiscences of George S. Bernard and His Fellow Veterans. Hampton Newsome is the author of several books on the Civil War including Richmond Must Fall: The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, October 1864, published by Kent State University Press in 2012 and recognized as a best book of the year by the Civil War Monitor magazine; and The Fight for the Old North State: The Civil War in North Carolina, January-May 1864, which was published in 2019 by the University Press of Kansas and received the Emerging Civil War Book Award and the Richard Barksdale Harwell Award from the Atlanta Civil War Roundtable. His most recent title is Gettysburg’s Southern Front: Opportunity and Failure at Richmond. Also published by University of Kansas Press, this new book has received the Edwin C. Bearss Book Award for Outstanding Scholarship from the Chicago Civil War Roundtable as well as the Emerging Civil War 2023 Book of the Year.
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month (except for the months of June, July and August) at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information. The meeting is held at the park’s Education Center located at 6523 Duncan Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23803.

Veterans Day Observance
2025-11-08 09:00 - 17:00
Join Pamplin Historical Park as we offer living-history, demonstrations, displays, and Pamplin Historical Park is offering free admission during Veterans Day Observance, Saturday, November 8, to all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen.
Pamplin Historical Park will offer multiple programs throughout the weekend, to include; Civil War, World War I and World War II living-history, displays, a musket program and Breakthrough Battlefield tour. Pamplin Historical Park is offering free admission during Veterans Day weekend, on Saturday, November 8 to all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen.
All visitors will have the opportunity to explore the 424-acre park to include the Breakthrough Battlefield which on April 2, 1865, resulted in the evacuation of both Petersburg and Richmond. The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier has a collection of over 6.000 artifacts and special digital devices provide audio and images at over eighty locations through out the park. Additional interactive displays will bring the soldier’s experience to life and visitors can follow the stories of thirteen “Soldier Comrades” from the Civil War in the award-winning exhibit “Duty Called Me Here.”
The free park admission during the Veterans Day weekend activities, Saturday, November 8, includes all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen. This offer is only available to active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen with proper ID, which includes a Department of Defense photo ID or DD Form 214. Military veterans who separated before retirement can bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, as identification of service.
All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission. This event is held in partnership with The Bank of Southside Virginia.

Paranormal Investigation
2025-11-22 18:00
Join Commonwealth Researchers of the Paranormal (C.R.O.P.) for an exclusive investigation of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.
Come investigate with us on November 22nd at Pamplin Historical Park, featured on Season 3 of Travel Channel’s Portals to Hell. Explore the Breakthrough Battlefield of America’s Civil War where hundreds perished in the battle that ended the Siege of Petersburg on April 2, 1865; visit the Tudor Hall plantation house built in 1812; and investigate museums with thousands of Civil War artifacts.
We do not recommend this event for children under the age of 16. There will be quite a bit of walking involved, please prepare accordingly.
This event is limited in space. Reserve your tickets early! Visit Eventbrite.com today to register.
Check-In will begin at 6PM at Pamplin Historical Park’s Education Center, 6523 Duncan Road, Petersburg, VA 23803.

Roundtable: Virginia's Own Fire Eater - Edmund Ruffin
2025-12-04 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker Kenneth Bage as he shares the “Virginia’s Own Fire Eater: Edmund Ruffin.”
Bage will share the life of Edmund Ruffin, American planter. politician, scientist and activist for secession of the slave Southern states from the United States. Ruffin served in the Virginia Senate from 1823 to 1827 and published works in support of states’ rights and the protection of chattel slavery. This earned Ruffin the notoriety of being one of the so-called Fire-Eaters prior to the Civil War. After eleven southern states declared independence from the United States in 1861, Ruffin enlisted as a Confederate soldier and served until wars’ end in 1865. Ruffin was additionally known for for his agricultural pioneering work in soil productivity, which included crop rotation and studies on correcting soil acidity. In recent years, Ruffin has become known as “the father of soil science” and his writings have been influential in soil conservation.
Mr. Kenny Bage is a local business owner, retired police officer, and a graduate of Saint Leo University. He is a member and leader in almost twenty historical, hereditary, and civic organizations to include: Sons of the American Revolution, Colonial Heights Historical Society, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the current president of the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable.
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

Roundtable: Opium Slavery: The Civil War, Veterans, and America’s First Opioid Crisis
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker Dr. Jonathan Jones as he shares the “Opium Slavery: The Civil War, Veterans, and America’s First Opioid Crisis.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

Roundtable: The Battle of Franklin
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker Andrew Gallagher as he shares the “Twilight of the Confederacy: The Battle of Franklin.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

Annual Celebration Gala
2026-02-27 18:00 - 21:00
Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is hosting its Annual Celebration Gala. Park members and invited VIPs are invited to RSVP by February 25, 2026 and the general public wishing to attend can purchase a Park membership starting at $45.00 any time prior to the event or at the door. The evening will feature a State of the Park address by Executive Director Colin Romanick, who will be joined by Tom Gilmore of the American Battlefield Trust and Kenny Bage of the Breakthrough Battlefield Foundation to discuss 2026 and the future plans for the park. The popular silent auction will return with door prizes, live music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with beer and wine. Guests will also be invited to explore the award-winning Duty Called Me Here exhibit.

Roundtable: Dr. Mary Walker, The Little Lady in Pants
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker Matt Farina as he shares the “Dr. Mary Walker: The Little Lady in Pants.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

Medal of Honor Observance Tour
2026-03-25 09:00 - 12:00
Caravan driving tour. Bring your own vehicle and follow along. Meeting at the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. Departing at 9am

Park Member? Please call for your reservation (804) 861-2408, ext 103
“In the final days of the Petersburg siege, Union soldiers fought with dogged determination against their southern opponents and end the Civil War. It was in these conditions that valor became the daily expectation rather than the exception.”
“From Lewis Farm to Namozine Church, ‘Five Days of Valor’ traces the stories of five Medal of Honor awardees and the battles of their citations. Join our staff in a driving tour of these fields of honor and the exceptional actions of those who fought on it.”

Visit Evenbrite.com today to reserve your place and purchase your tickets.

161st Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Weekend
2026-03-28 09:00 - 2026-03-29 17:00
Join us as we remember the 161st Anniversary of the Breakthrough Battle which ended the Petersburg Campaign and forced the Confederate withdrawal from Richmond.
The Park is hosting a full weekend schedule of activities and programs for walk-in visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to drill with the troops, see artillery and infantry demonstrations with Civil War reenactors who will fire muskets and cannons. Visitors can experience a “Defend the Works,” on the actual Breakthrough Battlefield with reenactors and artillery providing all of the sights and sounds of battle.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield, where attendees can walk in the footsteps of soldiers from the April 2, 1865 battle. Throughout the weekend park visitors can tour military encampments near the battlefield and explore the historic Tudor Hall Plantation, which features dwellings and stories of the enslaved, a kitchen, barns, live animals and Tudor Hall.
SCHEDULE—ADJUST FOR 2026 SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 28, 2026
10:00 AM Confederate Infantry Demonstration
11:00 AM King of Battle
12:00 Noon Federal Infantry Demonstration
1:00 PM Special Ceremony with guest speakers and exciting news
2:30 PM Infantry Demonstration
3:00 PM King of Battle
Sunday, March 29, 2026
11:00 AM Infantry Demonstration
1:00 PM Defend the Works: Combined Arms in the Siege of Petersburg
2:00 PM Guided Breakthrough Tour

Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Driving Tour
2026-04-02 09:00 - 13:00
“Let the Sixth Corps Rest: The Other Federal Offensives on April 2nd” caravan Driving Tour. Bring your own vehicle and meet at the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. Departing at 9AM
Pamplin Park is proud to conduct a caravan driving tour of the key engagements on April 2nd, 1865 that did not involve the gallant VI Corps. Park historians will bring to life the critical battles that brought an end to the siege of Petersburg, illustrating how the events of April 2nd were part of a grand offensive in which every Federal Corps on the Petersburg front was involved.. The tour will begin promptly at 9:00 am and depart from the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier located at 6125 Boydton Plank Road, VA 23803. Carpools are highly encouraged. Guests will visit the site of Fort Mahone, Fort Gregg, Sutherland Station, and where the V Corps saw combat on Church Road. These events culminated in the Confederate evacuation of Petersburg and Lee’s surrender one week later. The tour will end at approximately 1:00 pm.
Visit Eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets today! Park Member? Call to make your reservation, (804) 861-2408, ext. 103

Roundtable: The Civil War Sacrifice of Somerset County, Pennsylvania
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker Jerry Ankeny as he shares “The Civil War Sacrifice of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

Roundtable: John Taylor Wood and The Rebel Horse Marine
2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00
Join speaker J. Michael Moore as he shares “John Taylor Wood and The Rebel Horse Marine.”
The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.
This is an in-person event.

7th Annual Breakthrough Car Show
2026-05-09 10:00 - 15:00
Join in the fun of this automotive extravaganza. Experience the sights and sounds of elegant autos from yesteryear to the technologically advanced super cars of today at the historic Hart Farm, which is part of Pamplin Historical Park located near Petersburg, Virginia. The Breakthrough Car Show is open to all makes, models and years of vehicles and anyone can bring out their ride and participate in the show.
The first 150 registered show vehicles receive goody bags and dash plaques. Pre-register your single vehicle by May 1, 2026 for $15.00 or vehicle registration is $20.00 per vehicle thereafter and at the show.
Show day registration begins at 8:00 am. Participant’s Choice judging will result in over 60 awards. The award presentation will take place at 2:30 pm. Spectator parking and show admission is free. A reduced “day of show only” Pamplin Historical Park admission will be available for those who want to explore the 424 acres of battlefields, historic homes, museums and more.
Vendors will have food, drinks and more throughout the day. Everyone can take part in a silent auction, door prizes and more.
Rain date is May 10, 2026. All proceeds from this event benefit Pamplin Historical Park. This event is in partnership with Car Club Council of Central Virginia.
Thanks to the following Gold Level sponsors; Bank of Southside Virginia, Dinwiddie Dental, Gary’s Automotive Again, Hale’s Electric Service, Petersburg Area Regional Tourism, Southside Electric Cooperative, Strosnider Chevrolet, VA Cars and Carts, Virginia Motorsports Park and the following supporting sponsors; Advance Auto Parts (Dinwiddie), AutoMeter, AutoZone (Colonial Heights), Brother’s Pizza, Charles City County, City of Colonial Heights, Food Lion, Grease Monkey Garage, Griot’s Garage, Dalton Watson Fine Books, JEGS, J. C. Taylor Insurance, Lincoln Electric, Moss Motors, Motorbooks, National Parts Depot, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts (Dinwiddie), Prince George County, Hatchette Book Group, Texas Roadhouse, Top Flight Automotive, TriboTex, and Tractor Supply Company.
Located near Petersburg, Virginia, Pamplin Historical Park is about 30 minutes south of Richmond and is convenient to both Interstates 95 and 85 and US Highways 1 and 460. Pamplin Historical Park is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show flyer.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show registration form.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show non-food vendor application.
Click here for a downloadable and printable version of the show food vendor application.
Click here for sponsor benefits and information.

Memorial Day Remembrance
2026-05-25 09:00 - 17:00

Independence Day Celebration
2026-07-04 09:00 - 17:00

World War II Living History Weekend
2026-08-22 09:00 - 2026-08-23 17:00
This World War II anniversary living history event brings to life the experiences of fighting abroad and the war on the home front during World War II. Guests will have the chance to learn from living historians portraying soldiers who fought in WWII and about different aspects of a soldier’s life including weapons, signals and communications, and tactical demonstrations. Impressions will range from U.S. Army and Marines to those of British and Russian allies. Civilian living historians will portray goings on at the home front and USO activities stateside. Demonstrations will include medical, cooking, weapons and a military uniform and civilian fashion show. A special tactical demonstration will be performed on Saturday afternoon to illustrate the art of fire and maneuver. All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission.
Partner museums will have displays and more for visitors to see and experience. Presentations by authors and historians will be throughout the weekend.
World War II, which was fought between 1939 and 1945, cost an estimated 85 million casualties both military and civilian worldwide. The United States military casualties amounted to 416,800. While many were thankful for the surrender in Europe on May 8, 1945 the war in the Pacific raged on and was far from over. The battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during the first half of the year gave a glimpse of the carnage awaiting invasion forces set to strike the Japanese home islands. A planned Allied invasion on the island of Kyushu was set for November 1st. There 500,000 Japanese troops were in position and another 6 million were under arms or able to be called into service. This invasion did not come to pass. The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced Imperial Japan to accept an unconditional surrender. The terms were accepted on August 14, 1945 and a formal document signing ceremony took place aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2nd.
