Museum culture in Washington DC!

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

Why Visit?

Embark on a profound journey back in time at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, a treasure trove of Civil War history located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The museum, a centerpiece of American heritage, offers an immersive look at the pivotal battles of 1863 and the iconic Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln.

Starting the Day

Begin your visit early to make the most of the comprehensive exhibits. The museum is accessible by car, situated off Baltimore Pike, with plenty of parking. Upon arrival, head to the Visitor Center to pick up a map and schedule a licensed battlefield guide for an enriching personal tour.

Main Attractions

1. Film and Cyclorama:

Start with the introductory film, "A New Birth of Freedom", narrated by Morgan Freeman, which sets the stage for your visit. Following the film, experience the mesmerizing Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive 360° painting depicting the fury of Pickett"s Charge, enhanced with light and sound effects.

2. Museum Exhibits:

Explore the museum"s 12 galleries, which feature artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations detailing the battle"s timeline, significant figures, and broader Civil War context. Noteworthy items include General Robert E. Lee"s headquarters tent and a vast collection of firearms and personal items from the soldiers.

Walking the Battlefield

Post-museum, take a self-guided or guided tour of the battlefield. Stand on Little Round Top, walk through the hauntingly serene Soldiers" National Cemetery, and see the spot where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Practical Tips

- Visit duration: Plan for at least 4 hours to fully appreciate all offerings.

- Best visit times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

- Accessibility: The center is fully accessible, offering rental scooters and wheelchairs.

Finish your tour with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices that shaped the nation during those three days in July 1863.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Shriver House Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a journey back to the 1860s with a visit to the Shriver House Museum, a meticulously restored 1860 home that offers a compelling glimpse into the civilian life during the tumultuous era of the American Civil War. Located in the historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this museum stands as a testament to the Shriver family"s experience during the war.

Getting There

The Shriver House Museum is easily accessible by car and is located at 309 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg. For those arriving from major cities, Gettysburg is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Baltimore and Washington D.C., and about 2 hours from Philadelphia. Parking is available in town, and the museum is a short walk from several public parking areas.

Touring the Museum

Begin your visit with a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides dressed in period attire, who bring history to life as they recount the personal stories of George and Hettie Shriver and their children. As you move through the four floors of the home, including the Confederate sharpshooters" nest in the attic, you"ll see original or period-appropriate furnishings that give a profound sense of what life was like during the war.

Noteworthy Features

- The meticulously restored saloon and ten-pin alley, originally built by George Shriver, provide a unique perspective on 19th-century entertainment.

- Pay special attention to the bullet holes still visible in the attic, silent witnesses to the fierce fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Planning Your Visit

Tours generally last about an hour and are offered from March through November. It"s advisable to check the museum"s website or call ahead for tour times and any special events. After your tour, take time to explore the rest of historic Gettysburg, which is replete with shops, eateries, and numerous other Civil War museums and attractions.

A visit to the Shriver House Museum offers more than just a history lesson; it"s an immersive experience into the personal stories that shaped the era.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a profound journey through American history at the Gettysburg National Military Park, a site pivotal to the outcome of the Civil War and a testament to the nation"s resilience and unity. This immersive tour not only echoes the echoes of 1863 but also offers a deep dive into the country"s heritage through meticulously curated exhibits and memorials.

Starting Point: Visitor Center

Begin your exploration at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Accessible via Baltimore Pike, this hub provides comprehensive resources including maps, tour schedules, and tickets. Don"t miss the film “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman, which sets the stage for the historical context of the war and the Battle of Getturg.

Key Attraction: Cyclorama

Next, marvel at the Cyclorama, a breathtaking 360-degree painting that dramatically captures the fury of Pickett"s Charge on the battle"s final day. Standing in the center of this painted panorama, accompanied by a sound-and-light show, you feel as if you"re standing in the middle of the battlefield.

Field Exploration: Battlefield Tour

Step outside to explore over 1,000 monuments and cannons scattered across the battlefield itself. Opt for a guided bus tour or a self-guided walk. Key stops should include Little Round Top, the site of a crucial Union defense, and the solemn Gettysburg National Cemetery, final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Gettysburg Address.

Wrap up: Ranger Programs

Conclude your visit by attending one of the park ranger-led programs. These talks and walks provide deeper insights into specific aspects of the battle, personal stories of the soldiers, and broader discussions on the war’s impact on the nation.

Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park offers not just a tour, but a poignant reminder of sacrifice and unity, crucial to both past and present America.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Gettysburg Heritage Center

Why Visit?

Embark on a gripping historical journey at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, located in the heart of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Perfectly positioned to offer an immersive prelude to the epic Battle of Gettysburg, this museum provides a rich narrative of both the town and the battle"s profound impact on its residents.

Getting There

The Gettysburg Heritage Center is easily accessible by car and is a pivotal starting point for any Gettysburg visit. Located at 297 Steinwehr Avenue, it"s a short drive from major cities like Washington D.C. (approximately 1.5 hours) and Baltimore (about 1 hour). Parking is available onsite, making it a convenient first stop.

Your Visit

Begin your tour by exploring the museum"s array of exhibits and artifacts that delve into the civilian experience during and after the battle. Engage with interactive displays that tell a lesser-known narrative of the 1863 conflict through the eyes of Gettysburg citizens. Discover personal stories through artifacts, dioramas, and 3D programs that bring the harrowing three-day battle to life.

Don"t Miss

- The Battle of Gettysburg Room: Experience the strategic movements of both Union and Confederate forces across a detailed map, enhanced by a sound and light show.

- The Aftermath Gallery: Learn about the reconstruction of the town and the establishment of national cemeteries.

Interesting Facts

- The Heritage Center is not just a museum; it’s a storytelling hub that captures the civilian perspective, a unique angle not commonly found in other Civil War museums.

- The museum"s location was once a strategic point during the battle, offering insights right where significant events occurred.

Conclusion

The Gettysburg Heritage Center not only educates but deeply moves its visitors by connecting them personally to the echoes of history. It’s an essential visit for anyone eager to understand the full scope of the Gettysburg story.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.