Gettysburg Heritage Center

About Gettysburg Heritage Center

The Gettysburg Heritage Center offers a fresh perspective on the Battle of Gettysburg that makes it stand out from other area museums. Located on Steinwehr Avenue in the heart of Gettysburg's tourist district, this family-friendly museum is just 20 minutes from Pine Ridge Campground and tells the battle story from two compelling angles — the civilians who lived through it and the soldiers who fought.

The self-guided tour begins with the civilian experience. Interactive displays, historical documents, and 3-D photography reveal what ordinary people endured when war came to their doorstep. The highlight is the Cellar Experience, where visitors step into a recreated basement and feel what it was like to hide underground while a battle raged outside. It's a visceral, memorable exhibit that resonates with visitors of all ages.

The museum then shifts to the military perspective, covering the battle's three days through artifacts, interactive maps, and engaging displays. A special exhibit on Civil War music explores the role instruments played during wartime. After the exhibits, an animated map film produced by the American Battlefield Trust provides an excellent orientation to the battle — perfect for first-time visitors or as a refresher before touring the battlefield.

Operated by the nonprofit Gettysburg Nature Alliance, the Heritage Center also connects history to the natural environment. Their Witness Tree exhibit features a real tree that stood during the battle, scientifically dated and preserved. For Pine Ridge campers, this museum is an ideal first stop before heading to the battlefield itself.

What to Expect

• The Cellar Experience: Step into a recreated basement and experience what Gettysburg civilians endured while hiding from the battle above. This immersive exhibit leaves a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.
• Civilian Perspectives: Interactive displays and historical documents reveal how ordinary townspeople coped before, during, and after the battle — stories often overlooked at other Gettysburg attractions.
• Animated Battle Map: An award-winning animated map film by the American Battlefield Trust provides a clear, engaging overview of the three-day battle — ideal preparation for a battlefield tour.
• Witness Tree Exhibit: Explore a real tree that stood during the Battle of Gettysburg, scientifically dated and preserved, connecting the natural environment to the historical events.