For immediate release 
Contact:  Lynn Smolizer 717-260-1861 Ext. 1108

 THE NATIONAL CIVIL WAR MUSEUM
          ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL HISTORICAL BUS TOUR

 Harrisburg, PA (December 4, 2007) - The National Civil War Museum will sponsor a chartered bus trip to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley on April 22, 2008.  Travel from Harrisburg with The National Civil War Museum to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and explore a museum, a historic house, a six-acre garden, a winery, a visit from a figure from history and more!

The first stop on the trip will be the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  This museum complex includes the historic Glen Burnie House, which dates to the eighteenth century, six acres of spectacular gardens, and a museum designed by internationally recognized architect Michael Graves.  Cornelia McDonald, author of a published, personal diary, will join the luncheon at the museum as she relates the trauma that occurred when the safety of the home was disrupted by the forces of war.  The group will then head to the beautiful Lost Creek Winery, where visitors can mill about in the spacious tasting room and be treated to a special wine sampling, which will include a variety of cheeses & crackers.

The Ensemble will also display original photographs, newspapers and Victorian jewelry from members' collections.  Other displays will include a gift box sent to soldiers by civilians and a period tabletop Christmas tree, with homemade ornaments.  Museum guests will also have an opportunity to try on reproduction Civil War era clothing.

The last stop on the trip will be the Fairfield Inn.  Visitors will dine at one of only five inns in America that have been in continuous operation since the 1700's and will have the option of eating the same meal that General Robert E. Lee at the Inn.

The price of this tour is $139.00 per person and includes first class motorcoach transportation from The National Civil War Museum, admission to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, museum orientation film, Glen Burnie House orientation film, a guided tour of the Glen Burnie House, a self-guided tour of the gardens, a self-guided tour of all the galleries, lunch in the Reception Hall, a special presentation from Cornelia McDonald, 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, tip for driver, and all taxes and gratuities.

The National Civil War Museum is an educational 501(c)(3) institution dedicated to preserving Civil War history, located in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, PA.  The Museum's seasonal hours of operation are: Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is open 7 days a week April 1 through Labor Day.  Admission to the Museum is $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, and $6.00 for students.  For more information, please call 717.260.1861, or visit the Museum's website at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.  

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