What to do and see in Greater Gettysburg, Greater Gettysburg: The Best History Museums

April 20, 2022 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in Greater Gettysburg, United States including Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Shriver House Museum, Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg Heritage Center, Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, Civil War Tails At the Homestead Diorama Museum, Battlefield Military Museum, Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, Hall of Presidents & First Ladies, U.S. Christian Commission Museum.
Restaurants in Greater Gettysburg

1. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-338-1243 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,610 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

"A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets and shuttle bus to Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from Visitor Center. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, USA Today Top 10 Places to Visit, AAA Gem. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival online and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Admission fee for Cyclorama, Film and Museum. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free.

Reviewed By conimaries - Pennsylvania, United States

I strongly recommend starting your Gettysburg experience by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor’s Center. If you choose to do anything, I strongly recommend the Film, Cyclorama and Museum combination. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, paints a wonderful picture of what led up to the Civil War, the Battle at Gettysburg, and how our country has evolved (although it’s clear to see the parallel between what was going on in 1863 and what is going on in 2019). And Morgan Freeman has way of narrating that just pulls you in. After the film, you are invited to view the Cyclorama which is the most beautiful, yet saddening, image of the Battle at Gettysburg. I won’t tell you all about the image because they’ll tell you about it when you get there, but suffice to say, it’s a must-see! The museum was full of historical information, photographs, and memorabilia. If you like museums, you could spend hours there. I, am not a museum person. I like to walk through them, look at the displays and take photos, but I don’t typically read the placards or take a lot of time in them. The statute of Abraham Lincoln is just outside the main entrance and you can obtain tour information at this location. They also have a Gift Shop/Book Store which is a great place for souvenirs and historical materials.

2. Shriver House Museum

309 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2602 +1 717-337-2800 [email protected] http://www.shriverhouse.org/
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 831 reviews

Shriver House Museum

You may know what happened on battlefield...but do you know what happened to the families and their homes in town? The Shriver House Museum is an award-winning Civil War museum dedicated to the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is told through the eyes of the Shriver family, whose ancestors settled in the area in the 1700s. While George Shriver served in the Union army, his wife, Hettie, was worried about the safety of their daughters, Mollie (5) and Sadie (7), as well as their home. When soldiers filled the streets of Gettysburg, Hettie (27) chose to take her children back to her family's farm three miles south of town, by Big Round Top; where she thought they would be out of harm's way. Hettie could not know she jumped from the frying pan into the fire or that her unoccupied home would offer the Rebels an outstanding view of Union ground. It was quickly commandeered by Confederates to set up a sharpshooters' nest in the attic. Today the Shrivers' home appears much the same way it did when it was built in 1860, just a few months before the Civil War began. Guides in period dress recount the harrowing story of the Shriver family's experiences as you walk through their home - from the Confederate sharpshooters' nest in the attic, through their finely-appointed home, to Shriver's Saloon in the cellar. The story of George Shriver was not well-known until 1996 when his house, which sat abandoned for nearly 30 years, was painstakingly restored to its original appearance. Today the Shrivers' story is one of the most intriguing stories told when it comes to the civilian aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Reviewed By Y3151VZjamesp - Waldorf, United States

Was a great tour, it showed how the battlefield was also in the city and how it affected the civilian population. If you are there for the history it is definitely a place you have to stop.

3. Jennie Wade House

548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2605 +1 717-334-4100 http://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/gettysburg-tours/jennie-wade-house/
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,500 reviews

Jennie Wade House

The Jennie Wade House is a guided tour with the guides in period clothing taking you through the home where the only civilian killed during the battle of Gettysburg was tragically lost. As the story unfolds the guides take you room to room following the path of the family on July 3rd 1863. Tour has been modified to adhere to Social Distancing protocol as well as shields have been installed. Be respectful and wear a mask for the safety of our staff and guests.

Reviewed By MichelleBauer1124

I always assumed this was named the Jennie Wade house because she owned it, I had no idea the actual history behind it. Our tour guide gave us a great tour and to be able to experience walking through a house that the Civil War soldiers were in and all the history surrounding it was amazing.

4. Gettysburg Heritage Center

297 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2815 +1 717-334-6245 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgmuseum.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 470 reviews

Gettysburg Heritage Center

Discover... The Town, The People, Their Stories. Bordering the Gettysburg National Military Park battlefield, the Heritage Center is an educational and entertaining museum for families and tour groups of all ages. Learn what the Battle of Gettysburg meant to the people who lived here during the war. Utilizing artifacts, historical documents, interactive displays, and 3-D productions, visitors will gain a better understanding of the events that took place in the town before, during and after the battle. Find out how the people reacted to the invasion of the town - freeze, flee or fight? Hear accounts of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in a time when their home was in turmoil. Located in the lobby of the Gettysburg Heritage Center is one of the largest and extensive gift stores. Offering a wide selection of books, apparel, gifts, collectibles, games & toys, replica weapons and much more! There is something for everyone at the Gettysburg Heritage Center!

Reviewed By AimeeB472

This is absolutely one of the best museums in Gettysburg - and definitely one for the whole family! The interactive exhibits tell the story of the battle in a unique and interesting way with video, 3-D images and immersive exhibits like the cellar experience that are both educational and entertaining. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and this is definitely one of the best gift shops in all of Gettysburg. There is something for all here - from the serious historian to the youngest family member - everyone will enjoy their visit to this experience!

5. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center

111 Seminary Rdg, Gettysburg, PA 17325-1718 +1 717-339-1300 [email protected] http://www.seminaryridgemuseum.org
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 598 reviews

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center

Start Your Gettysburg Journey at the Heart of the First Day’s Fighting. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center is located on Seminary Ridge along the National Park Service's auto tour route. 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.

Reviewed By 229eyeg

We wanted to do this on day one but couldn't fit it into our schedule. Ended up doing it last and it was prefect. Take the cupola tour - the view is amazing. It gives a 360 degree view.

6. Civil War Tails At the Homestead Diorama Museum

785 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2611 +1 717-420-5273 http://www.civilwartails.com
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Civil War Tails At the Homestead Diorama Museum

Reviewed By jolthax

Ruth and Rebecca Brown have created the most wonderful and thoughtful dioramas depicting key moments in the American Civil War using their signature cat figures. The Brown sisters have created a unique dialogue that civil war enthusiasts will appreciate, using the accessibility of cute, fuzzy creatures, the dioramas tell a difficult story of political and social turmoil, and the harsh realities of war. The level of detail, accuracy and the sheer scale of work they have put into each diorama is frankly unparalleled. You will be in awe of the dedication these two have shown in their work.

7. Battlefield Military Museum

900 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7083 +1 717-334-6568 http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Battlefield Military Museum

Reviewed By eos410 - Monongahela, United States

What can I say, we have to go there every time we visit Gettysburg; which is about twice a year. If you love military history, either one era or all of them, this is a stop you must make!! And if you get a chance to chat with the owner, take a moment and learn something. He’s a plethora of knowledge and the kindest soul we’ve ever met ❤️

8. Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station

35 Carlisle St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-1802 +1 717-334-0655 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/gettysburg-lincoln-railroad-station
Excellent
47%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 186 reviews

Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station

Reviewed By CFofLL - Fredericton, Canada

We enjoyed our visit to this small museum. The docent on duty was very knowledgeable about this building and it’s role in the battle and it’s aftermath when President Lincoln visited. there are interesting photographs, maps and memorabilia from that era. Well worth a visit.

9. Hall of Presidents & First Ladies

789 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2611 +1 717-334-5717 http://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/hall-of-presidents.php
Excellent
22%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
9%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 147 reviews

Hall of Presidents & First Ladies

Featuring The area's only complete wax collection of American Presidents and their first ladies as well as a beautiful gift shop. The Hall of Presidents is located across the street from the Gettysburg Tour Center and next to the main entrance of the National Cemetery. It is incredible to be able to see what our Presidents really looked like and to hear the words attributed to them as if the words came from the very lips of the figures themselves.The Hall of First Ladies present authentic 1/3 size reproductions of the First Ladies in their inaugural gowns.

10. U.S. Christian Commission Museum

242 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2334 +1 717-339-0339 [email protected] http://www.usccgettysburg.org/
Excellent
20%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

U.S. Christian Commission Museum

U.S. Christian Commission Museum / Jennie Wade Birthplace home, c. 1820. This is the first museum in America to tell the story of faith and courage from the civil war battlefields by a group of heroes that served the troops with bibles and bandages. The home is period furnished and a period attired guide will take you on a journey with documented accounts and artifacts, that will add to your understanding of the civil war and the battle of Gettysburg. Group Programs Available. Chapel Services on Sunday at 10am. Visit the website for hours and events.

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