PA Museums

The Gettysburg Museum of History | Unusual Artifacts & Antiquities

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.

If you’re looking for information about the Gettysburg Museum of History, you’re in the right place!

Display at the Gettysburg Museum of History featuring a piece of the 'Pennsylvania Bucktails,' a Civil War artifact. A deer tail is mounted above a descriptive card that explains the significance of the item, stating it belonged to Cornelius J. Smith of the 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry, who fought through the entire Civil War. The background shows various other artifacts, creating a rich historical tapestry. — Pennsylvania Bucktails exhibit.

This remarkable museum, nestled in the heart of a town synonymous with the American Civil War, offers an intimate look into the past three centuries of the American narrative through its extensive collection of peculiar artifacts and atypical memorabilia.

A comprehensive military memorabilia display at the Gettysburg Museum of History. The collection includes World War II military uniforms, helmets, and equipment, with a sign indicating 'Bastogne 1k FOY'. Each artifact appears to have a descriptive note, providing context and history. In the foreground, the blue road sign 'Bastogne 6k FOY' adds to the authenticity of the exhibit. — WWII memorabilia.

For fans of military and political history, visiting the Gettysburg Museum of History is like stepping into a jam-packed time capsule.

A narrow corridor inside the Gettysburg Museum of History lined with floor-to-ceiling exhibits. The left wall features a glass case filled with historical artifacts, above which hang helmets and descriptive texts. The right wall is adorned with framed photographs and documents, including a prominent blue banner for the '506th V E' with a background of clouds and sky. Directional blue footprints are placed on the wooden floor, guiding visitors through the museum. Overhead lighting illuminates the space. — Floor to ceiling exhibits at the museum.

Directions | Hours | Admissions

The Gettysburg Museum of History is located at 219 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg PA 17325.

According to the museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE, curator Erik L. Dorr is the 4th generation of the family to reside at the home which houses the museum, and his family roots in Gettysburg predate the Civil War by more than 40 years.

The front façade of the Gettysburg Museum of History in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The two-story white building is decorated with patriotic bunting on its windows, reflecting its historical significance. Adjacent is a red brick building with traditional architecture, featuring a bay window and a white decorative fence. A sign indicating the museum is open hangs beside the entrance door, and a sidewalk leads up to the buildings. — View of the museum from Baltimore Street.

Admission to the museum is FREE, but donations are strongly encouraged as the the facility is run entirely on donations and by proceeds from buying and selling historical artifacts.

Signage at the Gettysburg Museum of History requesting donations. The notice, placed on a window ledge, features a graphic of Abraham Lincoln with an outstretched hand, accompanied by text appealing to visitors for support, stating the museum is privately funded and relies on donations to remain open and free for others. In the background, glimpses of Civil War exhibits and memorabilia are visible. — The museum is funded by donations.

Days and hours vary by season – visitors should either visit the museum’s websit e or call the museum at (717) 337-2035 to hear a pre-recorded message with the latest hours.

A sidewalk sign for the Gettysburg Museum of History located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The sign proclaims 'FREE MUSEUM' and lists 'Civil War - World Wars - Political History' as the main topics. It also mentions the purchase and sale of war relics and historic artifacts, providing a contact number and the museum's website. — The museum also buys and sells historic artifacts.

What You’ll See at the Museum

The Gettysburg Museum of History’s charm lies in its unique blend of unusual artifacts from some of American’s greatest conflicts and personal effects from some of the world’s most famous political and military leaders.

Interior view of the Gettysburg Museum of History displaying a rich collection of Civil War memorabilia. The walls are adorned with framed historical items including a 'Soldiers Adams County' poster, a damaged American flag in a golden frame, and a portrait of George Washington. A glass display cabinet contains various artifacts, and a wooden chair is visible in the foreground. Busts of historical figures and additional framed items enhance the exhibit. — Civil War memorabilia.

For example, there’s President Lincoln’s wallet.

A display at the Gettysburg Museum of History featuring President Abraham Lincoln's wallet, with a sign indicating it was used during his presidency and reportedly with him when he delivered the Gettysburg Address. The wallet is placed within a red-framed glass case. Surrounding the wallet are various other Civil War-era artifacts and documents, creating a context of historical significance. — Lincoln’s wallet.

Locks of hair from George and Martha Washington.

A display case at the Gettysburg Museum of History containing a lock of George and Martha Washington's hair, as indicated by the label. The hair is presented on a cushioned purple velvet platform, intricately framed with golden decorative elements and tassels. Above the hair are oval portraits of George and Martha, set within a golden floral frame design. The exhibit is under glass, reflecting the surrounding environment. — George and Martha Washington’s hair.

Even a silver tea set reportedly taken from Hitler’s home in Munich as “war booty” during the fall of Germany during WWII.

A close-up view of a gleaming vintage silver tea service set on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History. The collection includes a teapot, coffee pot, creamer, and sugar bowl, all reflecting the lights of the museum. In the background, through the glass of the display case, other historical memorabilia can be partially seen. A white linen cloth with an embroidered emblem is draped in the foreground. — Hitler’s tea set.

Although the collection is varied and eclectic, each exhibit is thoughtfully presented, with descriptions that provide context and background.

A display at the Gettysburg Museum of History featuring a plate labeled as 'Saddam Hussein’s Personal Dinnerware From His Palace in Baghdad, Iraq' and a charred clock with a sign 'Clock Stopped By The Atom Bomb Hiroshima 8/6/45'. The plate is ornate with a blue and gold border, and the clock, burnt and encased in glass, is a poignant reminder of the atomic bombing. — Saddam’s dinnerware.

The JFK memorabilia collection is especially impressive.

A collection of John F. Kennedy memorabilia displayed at the Gettysburg Museum of History. Items include a large banner with the words 'Welcome to Houston Space City' featuring an illustration of JFK, alongside photographs of Kennedy, including one with a signature. Documents below the photos include a note identified as the 'Last Kennedy Check Written From The White House' and other papers relating to JFK. In the bottom right, a caption states 'The Kennedy's Arriving in Houston 11/21/63'. — JFK memorabilia.

These exhibits provide a more personal look at President Kennedy, beyond what we read in history books.

An exhibit dedicated to President Kennedy at the Gettysburg Museum of History. The display includes framed photographs, campaign posters, and historical documents on the walls, and a chair from the White House cordoned off with a red velvet rope. One notable poster reads 'He Can Do More For Massachusetts' for Edward M. Kennedy for U.S. Senator. A presidential seal hangs on the upper right. — President Kennedy’s chair from the White House.

In what might be the most unexpected exhibit in the museum, Marilyn Monroe’s bra prompts reflection on the boundaries between a President’s private and public life, and the evolving role of celebrity in American politics to this day.

Exhibit at the Gettysburg Museum of History featuring Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. A large brassiere is centrally displayed, with an accompanying placard stating it's from the estate sale by Christie's auction house. To the right is a framed photograph of Monroe with a radiant smile. Below the display case, other historical items are visible, including a framed presidential seal. — Marilyn Monroe memorabilia.

Final Thoughts

The Gettysburg Museum of History is more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of American history.

Historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History, including Confederate money purportedly found on Jefferson Davis when he was captured in 1865. Accompanying the money is an explanatory note and provenance information. Also visible are stacks of Confederate bills, photographs of historical figures, and a monogrammed item belonging to General Robert E. Lee. These items are carefully preserved under glass, capturing a moment in American history. — Confederate memorabilia.

So, if you find yourself in Gettysburg and you’re looking for a dash of the unexpected, step into this portal to the past which is the Gettysburg Museum of History!

A display of World War II military uniforms and memorabilia at the Gettysburg Museum of History. Several mannequins are dressed in period uniforms, complete with insignia, medals, and headgear. Accompanying the uniforms are photographs, documents, and personal items from soldiers, with descriptive notes providing context. A sign indicating 'E Company 506th PIR' references the 'Band of Brothers.' The exhibit is a tribute to the individuals and units that served. — Band of Brothers exhibit.

Nearby Attractions

The Jennie Wade House is a historic landmark and museum that memorializes the life and untimely death of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.

A photo collage from the Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left is the house's exterior with the statue of Jennie Wade. Top right shows a tour guide in period attire inside the house. Bottom left depicts a bedroom with a bed and a quilt. Bottom right is the establishment sign of the Jennie Wade House from 1901. — Scenes from the Jennie Wade House.

The Seminary Ridge Museum interprets the history of the Battle of Gettysburg from the museum’s setting inside a building which served as both an observation post and a hospital during and after that battle.

Exploring the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg PA — Scenes from the Seminary Ridge Museum.

The Gettysburg Diorama & History Center recreates the famous Civil War battle using one of the largest military dioramas in the United States.

This collage features four images from the Gettysburg Diorama and History Center. The first image shows the stone-clad exterior with the center's signage. The second image provides an overview of the extensive battlefield diorama with visitors observing the scene. The third image is a close-up of the diorama, depicting a battle with miniature soldiers. The fourth image displays a life-size exhibit with a mannequin soldier in Union uniform standing beside a horse, enclosed by a white picket fence. Together, these images capture the educational and immersive experience offered by the center. — Scenes from the Gettysburg Diorama and History Center.

Exploring the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is your guide to Gettysburg’s newest history museum, which tells the stories of local residents before, during, and after the epic Civil War battle that took place there.

Exploring the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Gettysburg; Beyond the Battle 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.

Exploring the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Sachs Covered Bridge was crossed by both Union AND Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg, and was designated “Pennsylvania’s most historic covered bridge” in 1938 by the PA Department of Highways.

Exploring Sachs Covered Bridge in Adams County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Sachs Covered Bridge.

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