Gettysburg, synonymous with the Civil War, is visited by countless history enthusiasts eager to understand the pivotal moments of the conflict. Yet, beyond the battlefields lies a hidden gem: the Beyond the Battle Museum, an institution that bridges past and present through a refreshingly human lens. This museum offers more than just artifacts; it tells the untold stories of civilians during the Civil War, its lingering aftermath, and how it shaped American society, a testament to the power of education and empathy.
Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, missing, or captured in the Battle of Gettysburg, which was the bloodiest single battle and a turning point of the Civil War. However, beyond the history of the battle, Gettysburg has a rich civilian story that is often overlooked.
During a recent visit to Gettysburg, I learned what the citizens of Gettysburg experienced first-hand during those three days in July 1863.
My visit to Beyond The Battle Museum was complimentary. All opinions are my own.
The Beyond the Battle Museum stands out with its unique approach to preserving the essence of the Civil War. Unlike traditional museums focusing on the battlefield, this institution's impressive collection brings personal stories and objects to the forefront, breathing life into history. It is easy to see why USA Today named it the #1 Best New Museum in 2024.
The minute you enter the museum, you view a striking 12-foot-tall recreation of the Devil's Den rock formation (pictured at top), featuring projection technology that engages visitors and introduces them to the museum and the history of Adams County.
About a third of the way through the museum, Civil War-related exhibits begin, and you learn about local residents who answered the call of duty.
A museum highlight is the interactive and cutting-edge “Caught in the Crossfire” exhibit, which simulates the experience of a Gettysburg family trapped in their home and surrounded by fighting soldiers.
Another treasure is the poignant wall that shows the faces and quotes of young and old civilians who lived through the Civil War and connects visitors directly to the harrowing sacrifices of the families.
A rare artifact on display is an original program from the ceremony where Lincoln visited and gave "The Gettysburg Address." What fascinated me most was that someone had used the program for scratch notes. They obviously had no idea how important the program would become.
The museum’s approach to presenting the Civil War is uniquely empathetic, prioritizing the lesser-known narratives that often go untold.
Through its focus on stories of ordinary people—nurses, civilians, and unsung soldiers—the museum captures the complexity of the Civil War. Visitors come away with a deeper understanding of the impact of war on communities and families beyond the front lines.
Take a comprehensive walk through this uniquely structured museum, which offers a timeline of Gettysburg's rich history from its earliest days to its modern identity. There are twelve galleries of immersive exhibits and stunning artifacts.
Natural History: Understand Gettysburg's landscape before it became hallowed ground. View rock formations, dinosaur footprints, and a meteorite.
Native Americans: Explore the stories of the first inhabitants of the area and their connection to the land.
Frontier Life: Immerse yourself in life on the frontier. Hear the gripping stories of murder, captivity, and colonial land disputes, highlighting the challenges of early settlers.
Revolutionary America (Gettys Tavern): Step into an 18th-century tavern and glimpse the community life of Revolutionary-era Gettysburg.
A Growing Community: See how Gettysburg developed into a bustling town before the war. Learn about the ties to the Underground Railroad, Francis Scott Key, and Thaddeus Stevens.
The Civil War: Witness the key events that turned this small town into a symbol of national conflict. Learn the stories of local soldiers and civilians told through photos, journals, and other artifacts.
The War Comes Home: Learn the intensely personal impact of war on the lives of everyday citizens. Gettysburg is just a few miles from the Mason-Dixon Line. In many cases, it was relative fighting against relative or neighbor fighting against neighbor.
Caught in the Crossfire Experience: Step inside a home trapped between the Union and Confederate armies through a cutting-edge technology immersive reenactment. Feel what it was like to live through the chaos of battle. This is the museum's premier exhibit and was the most impressive room for me. It was very impactful and emotionally moving. As you sit in the darkened room of an 1863 Gettysburg home, you see, hear, feel, and smell what it must have been like for a family in the town of Gettysburg during the war.
The sounds of gunfire, cannons, and shouting are startling as the floor shakes, simulated bullets tear holes in the walls, and lights flash. You overhear the family hidden in their cellar as the war rages outside. They are becoming increasingly anxious and then comes a loud pounding on the front door as soldiers demand entry.
The exhibit has been featured in The Washington Post, USA TODAY, and National Geographic.
The Aftermath: Learn how residents dealt with destruction, death, and disease. I learned about Sallie Myers, a local schoolteacher who took care of wounded soldiers. She later married the younger brother of one of her patients who passed. Tillie Pierce was a teen who also cared for the wounded and later wrote a memoir about her experiences. These are just a few of the stories told. This exhibit helps you understand how Gettysburg recovered and the war's lasting marks on its people.
The Address: Four months after the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln arrived to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery. The exhibits help you reflect on Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and its enduring impact on American values. Be sure to check out the artifacts and watch the Witnessing Lincoln Film.
Preservation and Progress: Witness the efforts to preserve history while balancing modernization.
The Recent Past: Understand Gettysburg's role as a symbol in modern history and politics. Did you know that during World War II, the Gettysburg Battlefield near where "Pickett's Charge" took place was a POW camp for German prisoners? Were you aware that President Eisenhower owned a farm in Gettysburg?
The museum has many Eisenhower artifacts, such as his golf clubs and scorecard from the local golf course, as well as photos of various Presidents who visited Gettysburg over the years. Be sure to take time to watch the Lasting Legacy film.
The museum uses a variety of media to tell the story of civilians in Gettysburg, from interactive elements to emotive storytelling.
Visitors often leave the museum with moving testimonials about their experience. One family shared how the “Caught in the Crossfire” reenactment profoundly affected their understanding of life during wartime. “My children and I walked out of there thinking about what civilians must have endured. It’s hard to imagine the strength it took to find hope in those conditions,” they recounted.
As I visited, the museum didn’t just teach me interesting facts about the war; it made me feel a part of it. The human-centered approach makes this museum a powerful tool for education and connection.
At its core, the Beyond the Battle Museum in Gettysburg is not just a place to learn about history; it’s a place to experience it. By focusing on personal narratives and interactive elements, the museum transforms the Civil War from a distant history to a relatable, profoundly human story.
The Beyond the Battle Museum offers an experience you won’t forget.
Be inspired, educated, and moved. Plan your visit to the Beyond the Battle Museum and discover the untold stories that continue to shape the American spirit.
Plan to spend between 90 minutes and two hours at the museum.
The museum is wheelchair and ADA-accessible. They also have a gift shop featuring books, souvenirs, and locally made goods.
Beyond the Battle Museum
625 Biglerville Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Hours vary by season. Currently, they are open daily from 10 AM - 5 PM
Check the website for hours before planning your visit.
General Admission - $15 + tax
Seniors (65+) - $14 + tax
Veterans - $14 + tax
Youth (grades K-12) - $10 + tax
Adams County Residents - $13 + tax
Children 5 and under - Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Active Duty Military - Free
Free on-site parking
Jennie Wade House: Jennie was the only civilian killed during the battle. Costumed guides lead tours of the home where Jennie Wade died.
Children of Gettysburg, 1863: This is a very hands-on experience geared to families that centers on the stories of children during the Civil War.
Shriver House Museum: Learn about the Shriver family who lived in a restored 1860 house overtaken by Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg.
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Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance travel writer. She resides in Pennsylvania and travels all over the country searching for some adventure and a touch of luxury to inspire others to travel, visit that museum, enjoy a new experience, and eat delicious food.