Humanities Council’s traveling exhibition, ‘Born of Rebellion: West Virginia’s Statehood and the Civil War,’ on display in Bluefield

PRESS RELEASE:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Humanities Council’s flagship traveling exhibition, Born of Rebellion:  West Virginia Statehood and the Civil War, is now on display at the Paine Gallery at the Bluefield Arts  Center from now until February 3. Hours and information are available at www.barcwv.org. 

This comprehensive, large-scale experience covers sectional tensions within Virginia preceding the Civil  War, the violence and chaos of the war surrounding West Virginia’s formation and the difficult  aftermath as the new state struggled to forge its destiny during Reconstruction. Born of Rebellion explores this tumultuous and complex era from a wide range of perspectives, including politicians,  common soldiers, women and African Americans. Not simply a story of war and politics, Born of  Rebellion conveys the complexities and pitfalls that accompanied West Virginia’s arduous journey to  separation from Virginia. 

“It has been such a pleasure working with Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation to get Born of  Rebellion in Mercer County for the holidays,” said Council Program Officer Kyle Warmack. “The Paine Gallery is a perfect display space for the exhibit, and we hope its time here provokes discussion about  this part of West Virginia’s experience during the war and our journey to statehood.” 

For more information about Born of Rebellion, visit wvhumanities.org and click “Traveling Exhibits”  under the Programs menu. For more about the Paine Gallery, its hours of operation and other visitor  information, please contact the Bluefield Arts & Revitalization Corporation at (304) 589-0239. 

The West Virginia Humanities Council, an independent nonpartisan nonprofit, is the state affiliate of the  National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council is supported by the NEH, the State of West  Virginia and contributions from the private sector. The purposes of the West Virginia Humanities Council  are educational, and its mission is to support a vigorous program in the humanities statewide in West  Virginia.