GETTYSBURG MUSEUM FIELD GUIDE
Gettysburg’s Civilian Story: A New Perspective on the Battlefield
A concise guide to the Gettysburg Heritage Center’s museum exhibits, award-winning animated map film, and lobby gift shop — useful orientation before touring the battlefield.
Gettysburg’s Civilian Story: A New Perspective on the Battlefield.
Bordering the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Gettysburg Heritage Center reframes the three‑day battle through the lives of the town’s civilians. Using artifacts, historical documents, interactive displays and 3D photography, the Center traces what life was like in town before, during and after the fighting and how ordinary people responded when their home was in turmoil.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Town and Its People
The museum places civilians at the center of Gettysburg’s story: how residents lived before the battle, how they reacted—freeze, flee or fight—and the extraordinary actions ordinary people took during and after the conflict.
Interactive Displays and 3D Media
Exhibits combine artifacts and historical documents with interactive displays and 3D video and photography to make the civilian experience and battlefield events tangible for visitors of all ages.
The Award‑Winning Animated Map Film
The tour concludes with the 20‑minute, high‑definition program 'Gettysburg Animated Map,' presented with the Civil War Trust — a recommended orientation to the three‑day battle, its aftermath and the dedication of Soldiers' National Cemetery.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
Visitors move from the lobby — home to a substantial gift shop — into galleries that weave personal stories, documents and battlefield context, then finish with a focused 20‑minute animated map film that orients viewers to the scope and aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg.
THE HISTORY
The Town and Its People
The museum places civilians at the center of Gettysburg’s story: how residents lived before the battle, how they reacted—freeze, flee or fight—and the extraordinary actions ordinary people took during and after the conflict.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Interactive Displays and 3D Media
Exhibits combine artifacts and historical documents with interactive displays and 3D video and photography to make the civilian experience and battlefield events tangible for visitors of all ages.
THE ORIENTATION
The Award‑Winning Animated Map Film
The tour concludes with the 20‑minute, high‑definition program 'Gettysburg Animated Map,' presented with the Civil War Trust — a recommended orientation to the three‑day battle, its aftermath and the dedication of Soldiers' National Cemetery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this visit
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The official description does not list any special gear or clothing requirements for the visit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What perspective does the Gettysburg Heritage Center emphasize?
The Center offers a new look at the Battle of Gettysburg focused on the town and its civilians—how they lived before, during and after the three‑day battle.
Where is the Gettysburg Heritage Center located?
The Heritage Center borders the Gettysburg National Military Park battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Who operates the Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum-Film-Gift Shop?
The operator listed for this experience is Horse Tours of Gettysburg.
Is there a gift shop on site and what does it offer?
Yes. Located in the lobby, the gift shop offers books, collectibles, apparel, souvenirs, educational materials, replica weapons, art, home decor, toys and games.
How long is the film shown at the end of the tour?
The concluding program, 'Gettysburg Animated Map,' is a 20‑minute high‑definition film presented in conjunction with the Civil War Trust.
Is the Heritage Center appropriate for families?
Yes. The Center is described as an educational and entertaining experience for families and tour groups of all ages.