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159th Commemoration of Surrender and Freedom Day
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate the 159th anniversary of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant and Freedom Day (April 9) with special anniversary programs and activities from April 8-14, 2024.

The weeklong commemoration will include guided walks and talks, living history programs and demonstrations, family activities, firing demonstrations, and more. The event kicks off on Monday, April 8 with a special presentation on astronomical events during the Civil War by Liberty University Professor Dr. Daniel Schmidt. Other highlights include a Friday evening program on the African American legacies of Appomattox, a Saturday morning unveiling of a new highway marker honoring the legacy of the United States Colored Troops at Appomattox, and a commemorative first- person living history event on Saturday evening. This event is followed by lighting of luminaries to celebrate emancipation in Appomattox.