Museums
There’s enough to keep a person busy for days
(Each underlined title is a link to the company’s website)
National Military Park Museum/Visitor Center
With 22,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum features relics of the Battle of Gettysburg and personalities who served in the Civil War, inter-active exhibits, and multi-media presentations that cover the conflict from beginning to end as well as describe the Battle of Gettysburg and its terrible aftermath.
David Wills House
The home of Gettysburg attorney David Wills was the center of the immense clean-up process after the Battle of Gettysburg and where President Lincoln put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address, the speech that transformed Gettysburg from a place of death and devastation to the symbol of our nation's "new birth of freedom."
Gettysburg Heritage Center
Guests will witness the Battle of Gettysburg from two unique perspectives – the civilians who lived in the town of Gettysburg, and the soldiers on the battlefield. Take a step back in time to see the reality of war, and hear the stories of the people who called Gettysburg home.
Jennie Wade House
Just 20 years old at the time of the Battle, Jennie was kneading dough in the kitchen when a rifle bullet pierced two doors and claimed her life. Guides in period attire who are well-versed in the history of the home have enthralled visitors with passionate retellings of the tragedy that befell young Jennie and her family.
Seminary Ridge Museum
Three floors of exhibits connect individuals and groups to the dilemmas which led to the Civil War, provide a powerful and personal view of the battle's first day, and show the work of one of the battlefield's largest field hospitals. A must see is the building's famous Cupola. Stand where Brigadier General John Buford and his staff stood on the morning of July 1, 1863, as the Battle of Gettysburg began.
Beyond the Battle Museum at the Adams County Historical Society
Embark on a thrilling journey through time featuring the true stories of civilians caught in the crossfire of the Civil War's deadliest battle.
Shriver House Museum
Travel back in time with a guide in period attire as you walk through the Shrivers’ meticulously restored 1860 home to learn the other side of the story - the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg. Connect to the past while you listen to the story of George, Hettie, Sadie (7) and Mollie (5) unfold as you move from room to room to appreciate what life was like before, during, and after the Civil War.
Gettysburg Diorama
Only at the Gettysburg Diorama can you see the entire 6,000-acre battlefield at one time. With over 20,000 hand painted soldiers, horses, cannons and buildings, the diorama includes a thirty-minute light and sound show of the three-day battle of Gettysburg from the first shot fired to the last moments at the high water mark of the Confederacy. Sit back and watch as the three days of battle play out before you.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much needed respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.