PETERSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. is expanding his compilation of Civil War memorabilia with an agreement to acquire the Wiley Sword Collection, one of America’s most significant collections of Civil War items in private hands, in January 2015. More than 1,000 historical documents and a number of artifacts join Pamplin’s expansive art collection and will be housed at Pamplin Historical Park, cementing the site as one of the most important repositories of Civil War articles, information and experiences.
“Pamplin Historical Park is a destination for all Americans intent on learning and experiencing our nation’s beginnings,” said Pamplin. “The addition of the Wiley Sword Collection further deepens our understanding of the day-to-day trials faced by Civil War soldiers, fostering a greater sense of appreciation for the bravery and sacrifices exhibited by ordinary men and women in a challenging time.”
Amassed by award-winning author, historian and collector Wiley Sword, the graphic compendium of original Civil War letters paints a personal and dramatic picture of one of the most turbulent times in American history. The unpublished documents are accompanied by unique objects of interest, including weapons, artwork and uniforms, some of which are associated with well-known figures and important events. Installed at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, the acquisition will enrich the visitor experience by augmenting the narratives, interactive exhibits and authentic relics currently on display.
“Wiley Sword collected documents and artifacts that tell stories,” explained A. Wilson Green, executive director of Pamplin Historical Park. “These letters are not just routine manuscripts signed by famous figures, but glimpses into the past that weave a rich tapestry of the human dimension of the Civil War.”
Pamplin established Pamplin Historical Park in the early 1990s after a Civil War battlefield preservation group alerted him that a tract of land belonging to his ancestors during the Civil War in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, could be purchased and preserved. Since 1994, the park has undergone a number of expansions to reach its current size of 424 acres, with more than five miles of trails, four museums and four antebellum homes.
Recognized as America’s leading historical preservationist, Pamplin – with the Pamplin Foundation – owns one of the largest collections of Civil War photographic images, artifacts and historical documents in private hands. Much of the collection can be found at the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at Pamplin Historical Park.
In addition to collecting Civil War historical materials, the Pamplin International Collection of Art & History contains more than 100,000 objects illuminating the artistic heritage of China, the Native Americans, Europe and America.
About Pamplin Historical Park
One of “Virginia’s Best Places to Visit,” according to the Travel Channel, and designated as a National Historic Landmark, Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a 424-acre Civil War campus located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, offering a combination of high-tech museums and hands-on experiences. The park has four world-class museums and four antebellum homes. It is the site of the Petersburg Breakthrough of April 2, 1865, and hosts America’s premier Civil War participatory experience, Civil War Adventure Camp. For more information, please call 804-861-2408 or visit www.pamplinpark.org.
About Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr.
Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. has earned eight degrees – including two doctorates – in business, economics, accounting, education and theology. He has been honored nationally as a businessman, philanthropist, ordained minister, educator, historical preservationist and author of 16 books and comic books, including two book-of-the-month club selections. Pamplin’s business interests include media (Portland Tribune and 25 community newspapers), textiles, construction and agriculture. He has been awarded many honorary degrees and featured in national magazines, in newspapers and on television. He has served on presidential and state commissions, and he has been chairman of the board of trustees for three colleges. Dr. Pamplin is widely recognized as America’s leading historical preservationist and foremost diversified entrepreneur.
For more information about Pamplin’s preservation efforts, visit www.pamplincollection.org.
