PA Museums

Exploring the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg

The collage features four images from The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The first image is the museum's entrance sign, the second shows a life-size diorama of an artillery soldier in action, the third is an exhibit of Union military uniforms and weaponry, and the fourth contains a quote from General William Tecumseh Sherman next to medals and ribbons. Together, these images offer a glimpse into the museum's efforts to chronicle and honor the history of the American Civil War.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, you’re in the right place!

The photo shows the exterior of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It's a modern brick building with a prominent central cupola and large arched entrance. The museum is surrounded by a neatly landscaped area with a paved walkway leading to the entrance, and a clear blue sky overhead. The setting appears peaceful and welcoming for visitors coming to learn about the Civil War. — The museum opened in 2001.

The National Civil War Museum explores the significant events, individuals, and narratives that defined the American Civil War.

The image shows an exhibit at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, focusing on the "Campaigns and Battles 1861–1862". The wall features raised metallic letters stating the exhibit's title. On the left is a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, and on the right, a portrait of Jefferson Davis. In the center, there is an informational panel titled "Strategies, Tactics, and Logistics" which explains the military language of the era and how the Civil War battles were organized and fought. This exhibit provides historical context to the strategic planning and leadership during the early years of the Civil War. — Campaigns and Battles of 1861-62 exhibit.

It does this by showcasing a carefully curated collection of relics, elaborate dioramas, and dynamic multimedia installations, spread out across two floors and 66,000 sq. ft. of display space.

A Civil War-era revolver is displayed in a glass case at the National Civil War Museum. Below the firearm is an informational plaque attributing the pistol to Andrew Curtin, referred to as "the greatest of the Northern war governors." The text notes that during Curtin's term as governor, Pennsylvania contributed 427,000 enlistments to the Union cause. The presentation of the revolver, along with the historical context provided by the plaque, offers museum visitors insight into the personal and political artifacts of the time. — Ceremonial pistol presented to Pennsylvania’s Civil War governor, Andrew Curtin.

Situated in Reservoir Park, the highest point in Harrisburg, The National Civil War Museum offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

The image captures a scenic view from The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, overlooking the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. The Capitol's green dome stands out amidst the surrounding cityscape, with various other government buildings and urban architecture in view. The landscape is dotted with trees, some of which are in the foreground, and a clear blue sky with a few clouds stretches above the serene setting. The vantage point offers a broad panorama of Harrisburg and highlights the grandeur of the Capitol in the context of the city. — View of the State Capitol from the museum.

Directions | Hours | Fees

The National Civil War Museum is located at 1 Lincoln Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17103.

The museum is open Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed major holidays).

The image displays the grand foyer of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A sweeping dual staircase leads to a second-level balcony, where multiple American flags from different eras are hung. The foyer is spacious with a high ceiling, large columns, and a circular floor design featuring a star motif at the center. The words "The National Civil War Museum" are prominently displayed on the wall above the staircase, welcoming visitors to the museum. The environment is well-lit, with natural light streaming in, creating an inviting space for guests to begin their journey through the museum. — Grand staircase in the museum’s foyer.

Admission fees are: Adults (18+) $16 | Seniors (60+) $15 | Students (6+) $14.

The image showcases an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, focusing on the Union Navy during the Civil War. A glass display case prominently features a Union naval officer's uniform with a large mural of a naval scene in the background. To the right, the wall is painted dark red and adorned with informational panels, portraits of naval officers, an American flag with circle of stars, and several naval artifacts, including firearms and ship equipment. The exhibit offers museum visitors a glimpse into the naval aspect of the Civil War and its personnel. — Naval exhibit.

What You’ll See at the Museum

As you step into the National Civil War Museum, you are immediately transported back in time.

The image displays a dramatic exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, depicting the bombardment of Fort Sumter, which marked the beginning of the Civil War. A life-sized figure of a soldier appears to be pulling on a halyard to hoist a flag, with the 33-star American flag and the Confederate flag above him. The backdrop is a large, detailed image of the brick fort under attack, with smoke filling the air, enhancing the scene's realism. The exhibit, labeled "First Shots," powerfully evokes the momentous event at Fort Sumter in 1861. — Fort Sumter exhibit.

The museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations brings the era to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot.

The image displays an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, featuring Union military uniforms and weaponry from the Civil War. Life-size mannequins are dressed in authentic naval and cavalry uniforms, flanked by display cases filled with rifles, sabers, and other period artifacts. The wall behind the exhibits is adorned with informative panels and additional relics, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the equipment and attire of Union soldiers. The layout and lighting of the exhibit are designed to give an immersive historical experience. — Union uniforms.

Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War, from its complex causes to its profound consequences.

This photo shows an exhibit at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, recreating a Civil War field hospital scene. Two mannequins portray a surgeon and his assistant, bent over a surgical table where an operation appears to be in progress. The table is set against a backdrop of medical supply chests and informational panels. In the foreground, a display case presents a collection of period surgical tools, glass medicine bottles, and other medical paraphernalia, giving viewers a vivid sense of the medical conditions and practices during the Civil War. — Civil War surgery exhibit.

Visitors can see everything from the uniforms worn by soldiers to the weapons they carried into battle.

This photo showcases an exhibit from the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, displaying two antique rifles from the Civil War era. The rifles, with their wood stocks and metal barrels, are mounted on a clear display stand against a light background. Above them, informational text provides historical context about cavalry commanders and their skills in using mounted infantry during the war. The exhibit illustrates the type of weaponry used by cavalry units and offers insights into the military equipment of the time. — Confederate cavalry weapons exhibit.

Artifacts and exhibits related to both the Union and Confederate sides of the fight are given equal treatment.

The image is of an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, titled "The Union: Making of Armies". It features an expansive wall mural with a historical black and white photograph of Union soldiers in formation, fully uniformed and holding rifles. The photograph spans several panels, and a blue informational plaque in the foreground provides context about the formation and composition of Union armies during the Civil War. The exhibit offers a visual representation of the discipline and readiness of Union forces. — The Making of Union Armies exhibit.

For every display about the Union, there is a Confederate counterpoint.

The image depicts an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, titled "The Confederacy: Making of Armies". It features a life-size mannequin dressed in a Confederate uniform, complete with a sword and sash, standing in front of a large backdrop displaying a historical photograph of Confederate soldiers. To the right, the wall is adorned with a quote, a portrait of a Confederate general, and a panel with historical information. The exhibit provides an insight into the formation and structure of the Confederate military forces during the Civil War. — The Making of Confederate Armies exhibit.

This “fair and balanced” theme continues throughout the self-guided, two-floor tour.

The image shows an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, featuring a glass display case with Civil War era swords and a pistol. Behind the case, the wall is adorned with quotes from Civil War figures: "Fill your canteens boys! Some of you will be in hell before night and you'll need water!" by a Union Colonel at Shiloh and "Tonight we will water our horses in the Tennessee River." by Gen. A.S. Johnston. The backdrop is a mural depicting a serene, wooded riverside scene, contrasting with the somber quotes reflecting the realities of war. A placard next to the display provides further information about the artifacts. — Shiloh exhibit.

Interactive displays and multimedia presentations are another key feature of the museum.

The photo displays the "Meet Mr. Lincoln" interactive exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA. The exhibit features a large screen with an image of Abraham Lincoln, standing in front of the White House at night. Below the screen, there's an interactive display with various topics and questions about Lincoln for visitors to explore. On either side of the screen, framed documents highlight Lincoln's Inaugural Address and the Emancipation Proclamation. The exhibit invites visitors to engage with the life and legacy of President Lincoln during the Civil War. — Interactive Abraham Lincoln exhibit.

These exhibits engage visitors of all ages, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

The image is of a diorama at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, depicting a Union camp scene. Life-sized mannequins dressed in Civil War uniforms are shown performing various camp tasks: one tends to a cooking pot over a fire, another kneels by a tent, and one sits inside the tent. The background mural extends the scene, illustrating a pastoral landscape with buildings, hinting at a nearby battlefront. A realistic tree in the foreground adds depth to the display, enhancing the immersive experience of the museum exhibit. — Camp life diorama.

Technological advancements of the era are addressed as they pertained to the war.

The photo shows an informational display at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, detailing the "War of Firsts: First photographic images of casualties on a battlefield". It mentions that on September 19, 1862, two days after the Battle of Antietam, photographers Alexander Gardner and James F. Gibson recorded ninety-five scenes of the aftermath. A month later, these images were exhibited at Mathew Brady's gallery in New York City, marking the first time civilians saw photographs of battlefield casualties. The text includes a quote from a New York Times reporter about the profound impact of these images on the public's perception of the war. The panel serves as an educational piece on the role of photography in Civil War history. — Civil War photography exhibit.

For example, the Civil War marked the first time civilians saw photographs of battlefield casualties, which had a profound effect on the public’s perception of the harsh realities of war.

A historical photograph displayed at the National Civil War Museum shows the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam near Dunker Church. In the foreground, a line of fallen soldiers lies on the ground, a testament to the battle's grim reality. A cannon with its wheel pointing skyward is positioned near the lifeless figures, and in the background, the modest white structure of Dunker Church stands in stark contrast to the scene of destruction. This powerful image captures the somber aftermath of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. — Photo from Antietam battlefield.

The museum thoughtfully addresses the immense human cost and contentious issue of slavery.

An exhibit at the National Civil War Museum titled "American Slavery 'The Peculiar Institution'" features a large wall graphic with a sepia-toned image of slaves working in a field. To the left, a display case contains a heavy metal chain, symbolizing the physical restraints of slavery. On the right, there's a poster offering a $100 reward for the return of a runaway enslaved person, highlighting the economic aspects of slavery. The exhibit text is partly visible, discussing the history and impact of slavery in America. The overall display evokes the somber reality of slavery's role in American history. — American Slavery exhibit.

By confronting this difficult topic head-on, the museum encourages visitors to reflect on the war’s causes and its lasting impact on American society.

The image shows an educational timeline exhibit titled "Slavery and Sectional Conflict" at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA. The timeline spans from 1780 to 1860 and outlines key historical events that led to the Civil War. The exhibit includes dates, illustrations, portraits, and brief descriptions of significant legislative acts, Supreme Court decisions, and social developments related to slavery and its impact on the growing divide between the North and South. The presentation is designed to help visitors understand the complexities of the issues that contributed to the national crisis of the time. — Slavery and Sectional Conflict timeline exhibit.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg is an enlightening experience, offering a nuanced understanding of one of the most significant periods in American history.

The photo is of an exhibit at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, titled "Johnston's Surrender in North Carolina" and "Sherman's March to the Sea". The exhibit features framed historical documents, photographs, a quote from William Tecumseh Sherman, and American flags with varying numbers of stars. There are also rifles displayed on the wall. Informational panels provide context for these artifacts, detailing the significant events at the end of the Civil War. A bench in front of the exhibit offers a place for visitors to sit and reflect on the displayed history. — Final years of the war exhibits.

The unique and extensive exhibits provide an engaging and educational journey for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the Civil War and its enduring legacy.

The image is from an exhibit at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, displaying a Civil War era military uniform alongside various commemorative ribbons and medals. The uniform is grey with intricate gold and brown details on the sleeves and collar. To the right, a series of ribbons and medals are mounted, representing different honors and commemorations related to the Civil War. Above the display, a quote from General William Tecumseh Sherman reads, "There is many a boy here today who looks upon war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell. You can bear this warning voice to generations to come." This quote, from a meeting of GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veterans in 1880, captures Sherman's perspective on the harsh realities of war. The exhibit aims to provide a tangible connection to the experiences and memories of those who lived through the Civil War era. — Famous line by General Sherman that is often misquoted or shortened to “War is Hell”.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to learn more about the Civil War, the museum provides an intriguing experience for all who visit.

The image features a diorama at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, showcasing two life-size mannequins of Union artillerymen operating a Civil War-era cannon. The soldiers, dressed in blue uniforms with kepi hats, are positioned as if readying the cannon for firing. The setting includes realistic details such as grass, cannonballs, and a ramrod, providing an authentic representation of a battlefield artillery position. The museum's exhibit aims to depict the role of artillery crews during the Civil War. — Artillery exhibit.

For more information, check out the National Civil War Museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

This image features an exhibit from the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, focused on "The Election of 1864". The wall is adorned with a large banner reading "UNION FOREVER" and several framed items, including historical quotes, images, and explanatory texts that provide context about the election during the Civil War. A quote from a Confederate soldier expressing fatigue from the war is highlighted on the left. On the right, informational panels detail the political climate and significance of the 1864 election. The exhibit gives insight into the sentiments and political dynamics of the era. — The reelection of President Lincoln in 1864 exhibit.

The Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park is a gateway to understanding the events of this Civil War battle, making it an essential first stop for any visit to Gettysburg.

Collage of four images from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Top left: The center's stone exterior with the entrance sign. Top right: An indoor theater with a large mural depicting a scene from the Civil War. Bottom left: The Cyclorama painting showing a detailed and colorful battle scene. Bottom right: A museum display featuring a Civil War-era cannon and historical exhibits. — Scenes from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum.

Exploring the Battlefield at the Gettysburg National Military Park is your guide to the 6,000 acre park that preserves a large portion of the ground on which one of the defining events in our nation’s history took place.

Where and when to find the best fall foliage views on the Gettysburg Battlefield. — Scenes from the gettysburg National Military Park.

The Gettysburg Museum of History is home to thousands of unusual artifacts and atypical antiquities from American history, and admission is FREE!

A photo collage from the Gettysburg Museum of History in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left shows the museum's street sign featuring an eagle and proclaiming 'FREE MUSEUM'. Top right depicts an exhibit with Civil War artifacts, including portraits and a chair. Bottom left is an interior view with various memorabilia and a large presidential seal. Bottom right presents military uniforms and World War memorabilia. Each image displays a part of the rich historical collection of the museum. — Scenes from the Gettysburg Museum of History.

11 Must-See Attractions in Gettysburg is your guide to even more great things to see and do in PA’s most-famous Civil War-related destination.

10 must-see attractions in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from around Gettysburg.

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