Gettysburg Museum of History
#5 in Best Things To Do in Gettysburg
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- 5.0Value
- 3.5Facilities
- 3.0Atmosphere
History buffs with an interest in everything from ancient civilizations to the Civil War to world leaders will likely love perusing the exhibits at the Gettysburg Museum of History. Inside this intimate museum in central Gettysburg, you'll find more than 4,000 artifacts from various historical periods. Noteworthy items include a Confederate flag used at the First Battle of Bull Run, former President Abraham Lincoln's wallet, an Egyptian mummy head, a dining set that belonged to Saddam Hussein and a footstool owned by Adolf Hitler.
Previous museumgoers praised this small museum's knowledgeable curator and variety of artifacts, though some felt that a few of the items were not significant enough to keep in the collection. Others appreciated the property's lack of an entrance fee and highly recommend visiting the on-site shop, which sells authentic historical items, such as Civil War bullets, presidential campaign memorabilia and coins from ancient Rome.
The Gettysburg Museum of History can be found on Baltimore Street within walking distance of must-see attractions like the Shriver House Museum, the Jennie Wade House and the Gettysburg Diorama & History Center. The property does not have a parking lot; however, metered street parking is readily available in the area. During the summer, the museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while in winter, the property is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance is free. Visit the Gettysburg Museum of History website to learn more.
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2 of 10#1 Gettysburg National Military Park
Bordering the southern end of downtown Gettysburg, the roughly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park is a must for history buffs, especially those with an interest in the Civil War. It was here that Confederate troops clashed with Union soldiers for three days in July 1863, resulting in a decisive victory for the North. But this key win for the Union came at a cost: More than 51,000 soldiers on both sides died, were wounded, went missing or were captured, making this conflict the bloodiest battle of the war.
Today, Gettysburg National Military Park welcomes visitors keen on learning more about the Civil War through exhibits, ranger programs, guided tours and special events. Some of the park's most noteworthy sights are as follows:
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