The Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp has officially selected Edger Enterprises Inc as the construction partner for its highly anticipated new Visitor Center, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and expansion of the historic site.
The Elmira Civil War Visitor Center will serve as a cornerstone of the Camp’s long-term vision to expand genealogical research and public education related to Elmira’s Civil War heritage. The facility will provide dedicated archival space, research workstations, exhibit areas, and meeting space to support historians, students, descendants, and visitors from across the country.
“This is a transformational step for our organization,” said Marty Chalk, Board President of the Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp. “The Elmira Civil War Visitor Center will allow us to preserve critical records, support academic research, and deepen the public’s understanding of this important chapter in American history. We are confident Edger Enterprises is the right partner to bring this vision to life.”
Edger Enterprises was selected following a thorough review process based on experience, reputation, project approach, and commitment to quality craftsmanship. The company brings extensive expertise in construction management and community-focused projects, ensuring the new facility will meet both modern research needs and the historic integrity of the site.
Construction is expected to begin this April with completion predicted in July 2026. Once completed, the Visitor Center will significantly enhance the Camp’s ability to host symposiums, educational programming, and visiting scholars, while strengthening its role as a regional heritage destination that will tell Elmira’s unique story not only as a prisoner of war camp, but also a training/recruiting rendezvous, draft depot and general hospital for Union soldiers.
The Elmira Civil War Visitor Center is part of the organization’s broader public fundraising campaign and strategic expansion efforts aimed at preserving the legacy of tens of thousands of soldiers whose presence has had a significant lasting impact on our local community during the Civil War.
For more information about the project or to support the Visitor Center campaign, visit elmiracivilwar.org. Donations can also be sent to PO Box. Box #681, Elmira, NY., 14902.
