Our Visit to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum

In May of 2023, we traveled once again to Gettysburg, and one of the goals that we had was to stop at the newly opened Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum. Marianne has been following the progress of the Adams County Historical Society as they built this new museum for their collection.

As mentioned, Marianne has been following the progress of the build for this new museum in Gettysburg, and their grand opening coincided with one of our visits to Gettysburg, so we took a morning (after breakfast at the 1863 Hotel, of course) to ride up to the new museum and check out the collection. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED.

The museum is well-organized and has rare artifacts we haven't seen before. Excitement grew with each corner turned, from a chair that was actually on the platform during the "Gettysburg" Address to a simulation where you could sit inside a house and experience what it was like to live in Gettysburg during the battle.

Inside the simulation, what it was like to be a citizen of Gettysburg during the battle—witness this experience yourself by watching our YouTube video below.

We definitely intend to stop back at the museum to see if anything has changed since our last visit, and we highly recommend that you take some time and check it out for yourself.

About the Museum

The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum stands as a pivotal cultural and historical institution nestled in the heart of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This museum is dedicated to exploring the intricate and multifaceted context not only surrounding the Civil War, with a particular focus on the profound impacts and lasting legacies of the Battle of Gettysburg, which unfolded over three tumultuous days from July 1 to July 3, 1863, but also about the citizens of Gettysburg themselves. The museum houses the collection of the Adams County Historical Society and has not only various artifacts related to the battle; however, it provides a vivid representation of what the citizens of the town experienced.

The museum features a diverse array of interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. These displays utilize modern technology and storytelling techniques to immerse guests in the history of the Civil War and its aftermath, allowing them to experience the challenges and triumphs faced by those who lived through this tumultuous period.

One of the museum's most compelling aspects is its emphasis on personal narratives. Visitors receive a more thorough overview of the human experience during the Civil War through carefully curated stories and testimonies from soldiers, civilians, and families who experienced the battle firsthand, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts that are directly related to the Battle of Gettysburg and the broader Civil War. These items, which range from weapons and uniforms to personal letters and diaries, offer visitors tangible connections to the past, enabling them to view and interact with pieces of history that once belonged to those who fought and lived during this crucial period.

Committed to fostering a love of history, the museum offers various educational programs and workshops tailored for visitors of all ages. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding of historical events through hands-on learning experiences, lectures by historians, and guided tours that encourage participants to engage critically with the material.

The mission of the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is to provide a comprehensive and nuanced look at the Civil War and how it affected the citizens of Gettysburg. It seeks to illuminate not only the military tactics and battles that defined the conflict but also the social, cultural, and political ramifications that emerged from it. By highlighting the complicated relationship among these factors, the museum endeavors to foster a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of Gettysburg and its vital contribution to shaping American history. Additionally, the museum aims to promote dialogue and reflection on the lessons learned from the past, encouraging visitors to consider the ongoing impact of these historical events on contemporary society.

Visiting the museum

The museum is located at 625 Biglerville Rd., Gettysburg, PA. Please check their website for admission fees and days/times they are open.

Marianne meets Tim Smith

We arrived at the museum just missing one of the talks given by Tim Smith, the Director of Education for the Adams County Historical Society. Marianne was upset we missed the presentation, but we didn't know it was happening, or we would have gone to the museum sooner. Marianne was elated, however, to get Tim to pose with her for a photograph before we left the museum. Marianne follows Tim on Facebook and YouTube.

The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum serves as an invaluable resource for individuals interested in finding out more about the Civil War and understanding the long-term impact of the Battle of Gettysburg. Through its engaging exhibits, rich personal narratives, and dynamic educational initiatives, the museum aims to inspire visitors to reflect thoughtfully on the historical significance of this pivotal event in American history. By fostering a deeper connection to the past, the museum encourages a greater understanding of the challenges faced during the Civil War and the lessons that continue to resonate in today's society.

More photos from the museum

It was difficult finding photographs to post on this blog post about this museum since Marianne took 264 photos while visiting the museum. Please click on the "More Photos" button below to see all of the photos from this visit.