SIEGE MUSEUM 804-733-2400
Fax: 804-861-0883 www.petersburg-va.org
244 N. Market St., Petersburg, VA 23803
DIRECTIONS: I-95 North take Washington Street (Exit 50D), turn left onto Washington, rt onto Sycamore down into Old Town, turn left onto Old Street, left onto Market, left onto Bank Street, left into parking lot of Siege Museum.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Siege of Petersburg greatly affected the lives of its residents. Lavish lifestyles in the years just prior to the Civil War gave way to a bitter struggle for survival. The men were gone--some never to return--and food was in short supply. Corn became "coffee" and blackberry leaves "tea." A chicken cost $50 (in Confederate dollars). The story of how the people of Petersburg lived before, during and immediately after the Civil War is eloquently told in the Siege Museum, located in the Exchange Building, built in 1839 as a commodities market.
A 20 minute film, narrated by Joseph Cotten, is shown every half hour. Joseph Cotten was a native of Petersburg and a famous film star. The film tells of the significance of Petersburg prior to the Civil War and captures beautifully the historic importance of Petersburg during the Civil War.
PARKING: 13 wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
TYPES OF PATHS: Paved sidewalk and driveway around facility do not have steep grades requiring assistance for persons in wheelchairs.
ENTRANCE: Persons in wheelchairs have a level entrance located in rear of museum. Front entrance has 15 steps 8 in. in height. Glass Doors, 72 in. wide, easily open out with wide clearly marked grab handles located 34 in. above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Ground floor near rear entrance. Doors are 36 in. wide, and open in. No turns to enter. Accessible stalls have 33 in. wide doors opening out, and handrails. Wheelchair accessible toilet is 19 inches high with room for lateral transfer. Sink height is 33 in. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions.
ELEVATOR: Wheelchair accessible elevator. If rear elevator is used, press button and tour guide comes in elevator, opens door and assists if necessary to instruct in self guided tour.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: Wheelchair accessible phone.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing disabilities, there is amplified movie sound which can be made louder for all attending.
For guests with visual disabilities, there are documents in large print on non-glossy surface.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accept cash or check. Open 10-5 daily. Admission fee.
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