Opening July 2026
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On the subject of Reconstruction in the aftermath of the American Civil War, writer and civil rights activist W.E.B. Dubois wrote in 1935, "Nations reel and stagger on their way; they make hideous mistakes; they commit frightful wrongs; they do great and beautiful things. And shall we not best guide humanity by telling the truth about all this, so far as the truth is ascertainable?"
The goal of all of Atlanta History Center's exhibitions is to guide people with the truth. We believe in clear, thoughtful communication that stimulates curiosity while being straightforward on the facts. This goal is a central focus of our reimagined and expanded Civil War era experience, slated to open in the summer of 2026.
More Perfect Union: America’s Civil War Era will focus on telling the broader story of the Civil War era, before, during, and after the war, through deeply researched narratives and never-before-seen artifacts. The new exhibition moves beyond traditional military history to explore the full scope of the era. It challenges visitors to ask: Who was included in the promise of American democracy? Who was excluded? And what does the legacy of that struggle mean today?
This new exhibit also allows us to share with you one of the most comprehensive Civil War collections in the world. Many of the artifacts we’ll have on display that we’ve acquired in the past 30 years will be shown to the public for the very first time, and we’ll be using new technologies to unlock their stories, from immersive films to digital timelines and interactive mapping tools. These rare and powerful artifacts include an 1856 Republican banner, a calling card from General Sherman, shackles from the Middle Passage of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the battle flag of the 127th U.S. Colored Troops.
More Perfect Union offers a deeper, more inclusive, and truth-centered understanding of America’s Civil War. It will challenge myths, confront difficult truths, and offer visitors an invitation to not just look back, but to reflect on how history informs the present and future.
More information coming soon!