More Perfect Union: Inside the Atlanta History Center’s Ambitious Civil War Exhibit

In its centennial year, the Atlanta History Center is unveiling its most ambitious exhibit to date, “More Perfect Union: The American Civil War Era.” A second exhibit, “Hard Hand of War: Soldiers, Weapons, and Mass Production,” will open this winter. Thanks to a $16 million investment and decades of research and collection development, the newest exhibit will open to the public on July 10. 

The latest exhibit is an expansive, nuanced retelling of the history of the American Civil War and Reconstruction–and a deep dive into American identity. 

“This exhibition reflects Atlanta History Center’s commitment to presenting history in an evidence-based way,” said Sheffield Hale, president and CEO of Atlanta History Center. “Rather than offering a simplified narrative, “More Perfect Union” uses Atlanta History Center’s extensive collection to put the story of the Civil War era into the words of the people who lived through it, across many different experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to create space for learning, reflection, and a deep understanding of how this period shaped the nation.”

The immersive, multimedia exhibit is in the newly renovated DuBose Gallery, one of the first spaces visitors encounter after walking through the atrium. The exhibit is not just a dull rendition of history, but rather an evocative, engaging experience chock-full of authentic artifacts. One of the highlights of the exhibition is Frederick Douglass’ landmark speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” narrated by an actor overhead. 

Deep into the exhibit are interactive digital maps, narrated letters from Confederate and Union soldiers, photographs, political cartoons and pamphlets that showcase the deep ideological division among Americans during the Civil War. 

“Some of the most powerful moments in “More Perfect Union” come through deeply personal items and firsthand accounts,” said Pola Changnon, chief content officer at Atlanta History Center. “We want “More Perfect Union” to be an experience that feels immersive and emotionally resonant while remaining grounded in historical evidence.” 

A wagon that traveled down West Paces Ferry Road in the Civil War.

127th U.S. Colored Troops Flag Regimental flag associated with the United States Colored Troops. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, nearly 180,000 African American soldiers served in the Union Army, helping secure both Union victory and freedom for millions of enslaved people.

U.S. Army Shelter tent Shelter half carried by Corporal Charles E. Smith of the 32nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Smith recorded his wartime service directly onto the fabric, creating a unique personal record of his Civil War experience, including service during the Atlanta Campaign.

Photographic Views of Sherman’s Campaign, George N. Barnard Published by war photographer George N. Barnard, Photographic Views of Sherman’s Campaign contains scenes of Major General William T. Sherman’s Civil War military operations in Georgia and South Carolina. The 61 prints in the collection capture the aftermath of the siege of Atlanta and follow Sherman’s March to the Sea. Atlanta History Center’s volume was the personal copy of General Sherman, signed in 1886 by his son Philemon.

Freedman’s Camp Flag American flag that flew over a refugee camp for formerly enslaved men, women, and children on Craney Island, Virginia, in 1862-1863. The camp was one of hundreds that provided shelter and support for individuals seeking freedom behind Union lines.

Field Hospital Flag Rare U.S. Army hospital flag used to mark military field hospitals behind the front lines. Flags like this helped medical personnel and ambulance drivers locate treatment areas during some of the war’s bloodiest campaigns.

Ezra Brooks U.S. Colored Troops Knapsack Knapsack carried by Private Ezra Brooks of the 8th United States Colored Troops. Brooks served from 1863 to 1865 and carried this pack at the Battle of Olustee, Florida, and during the Petersburg-Richmond campaign in Virginia.

Ezra Brooks U.S. Colored Troops Knapsack Knapsack carried by Private Ezra Brooks of the 8th United States Colored Troops. Brooks served from 1863 to 1865 and carried this pack at the Battle of Olustee, Florida, and during the Petersburg-Richmond campaign in Virginia.

“What to the American Slave is the Fourth of July”, Frederick Douglass Original 1852 printing of Frederick Douglass’ famous speech, first given on July 5 that same year, which came to bear the title of its central question: “What to the American Slave is Your Fourth of July?” No one had ever expressed the fundamental contradictions of the American Experiment in clearer terms.

Confederate Frock Coat Bloodstained frock coat of Pvt. Benjamin H.G. Schumpert, a young Confederate soldier killed at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia in 1863. A bullet struck Shumpert in the head, killing him instantly. His cousin recovered the body and the coat.

Civil War Lt Uniform Coat, trousers, and hat worn by 1st Lt. George Young of the 143rd New York Volunteers during the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 20, 1864. Young was wounded while delivering orders during the battle and suffered complications from the injury that would claim his life in 1909.

1863 Children’s Board Game “The Guerrillas” was an 1863 children’s board game. Priced at 50 cents, the game pitted a “Band of Guerillas” against the “Garrison of the Fort.” It was one of many “pleasant home amusements” based on “characters or events of the present war” available in Northern states.

1856 Boxford Fremont Club Banner Political banner made in Boxford, Massachusetts supporting Republican presidential candidate John C. Frémont during the 1856 election. The banner reflects growing national tensions over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War.

78th Illinois Regiment Drum Hand-painted bass drum carried by New York native William A. McKinzie of the 78th Illinois Infantry during the Atlanta Campaign, including the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. The drum was presented to McKinzie by fellow soldiers in 1864 and is among the rare surviving musical instruments used during the Civil War.

Additional historic artifacts include the Confederate flag that flew over Atlanta during the city’s surrender, a personal copy of Photographic Views of Sherman’s Campaign, the battle flag of the 127th U.S. Colored Troops bearing the words “We Will Prove Ourselves Men,” and even a wagon that traveled down West Paces Ferry Road during the war. 

“When Turning Point” opened in 1996, it represented an important step forward in how museums interpreted the Civil War,” said Gordon Jones, senior military historian and the lead curator of “More Perfect Union.” “But over the past 30 years, we’re now in a completely different world. It’s not just the evolution of our scholarship and collections, but we also have a new audience that is looking to understand how we got to our present moment. And to understand American history, you really have to understand the American Civil War.”

Atlanta—and Buckhead in particular—was the stage for pivotal Civil War battles that decided the fate of the nation. It is often difficult to reconcile the violence of those historic clashes with the familiar streets we call home today. Through these newly expanded exhibits, the Atlanta History Center vividly brings this history to life, offering a profound opportunity for visitors to engage with and learn from our collective past.