For the first time in 70 years, the Shirley House — sole surviving structure from the Civil War era within the boundaries of the Vicksburg National Military Park — will be open for public tours as it is rededicated Wednesday at a ceremony and reception from 3 to 5 p.m.

The speaker will be U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

The Shirley House has been restored through funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.