Horace G. Hill
Fredericksburg, VA – December 31, 2025 – The Fredericksburg Visitor Center, in partnership with Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, will present In Search of Rest, a compelling new exhibit on display January 2 through February 1, 2026. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
In Search of Rest chronicles the efforts of Francis Abner Hill, a private citizen from New York, who undertook a determined search following the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness to locate and recover the remains of his younger brother, Lieutenant Horace Gilbert Hill. Through deeply personal correspondence and firsthand accounts, the exhibit explores themes of family, loss, and devotion during the Civil War.
The exhibition features original letters, diaries, and photographs provided by Nancy Rosin, a descendant of the Hill family, combined with research conducted by volunteer Steve Morin. Together, these materials bring an intimate perspective to this wartime story.
Steve Morin has volunteered with Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park since 2016 following a 30-year federal career. His work has included transcription, research, and interpretive support, earning him a nomination for the NPS Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. His lifelong interest in Civil War history, sparked during childhood visits to the Fredericksburg battlefield, continues to shape his contributions today.
Volunteering at the Parks
Volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Through research, interpretation, and public programming, volunteers like Steve help connect visitors with the park’s rich and complex history.
“Our volunteers are absolutely essential to the work we do,” said Ashley Ranalli, Volunteer Coordinator, Tribal Liaison, and Community Ambassador for Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park. “They bring passion, dedication, and countless hours of service that help us preserve these stories and share them in meaningful ways. Exhibits like In Search of Rest are a powerful example of how volunteer research and collaboration allow us to deepen the public’s understanding of the human experiences behind the history.”
Opening Reception
The public is invited to an opening reception on First Friday, January 2, from 5–7pm at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. At 5:30pm, Beth Parnicza, NPS Supervisory Park Ranger and Chief of Interpretation, will interview Steve Morin, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the research process and the collaboration that brought the exhibit together. The program highlights the dedication, discovery, and partnerships that made the exhibit possible.
Exhibit Details:
- Exhibit: In Search of Rest
- Dates: January 2 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Fredericksburg Visitor Center Exhibit Room
- Admission: Free
- Opening Reception: Friday, January 2, 5–7pm
- Special Program: Interview with Steve Morin at 5:30pm, Friday, January 2
For more information, visit fxbg.com or contact [email protected].