GETTYSBURG, Pa. — The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum takes visitors on a historical journey from a unique perspective and has received national attention.
The museum, located in Cumberland Township, Adams County was named the best new museum in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024 contest. It is run by the Adams County Historical Society and first opened in April of 2023.
"We’ve just had such an incredible support system locally and throughout the nation," said Michaela Shaffer, the director of marketing and communications for the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum. "I think people are just fascinated by Gettysburg, the story, the battle, but also what else there is here."
Museum visitors are taken on a journey of the historical area that extends past the battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. On Monday, January 15, Adams County residents will be given free admission into the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is set up for visitors to learn the chronological story of Gettysburg, starting with its natural history and ending with most recent events.
"There is more to this town than just the Battle of Gettysburg," said Shaffer. "While that is such an important part of our history, there are just so many other interesting stories that don’t necessarily get told that expand before and after the time of the battle."
The story is told all through the eyes of community members both past and present.
"Our perspective is in the civilians and the people that call Gettysburg and Adams County home," said Shaffer.
A perspective even Gettysburg residents are learning more about.
"I was born and raised in Gettysburg and never realized everything that has taken place here," said Rich Redding, a first-time museum visitor. "This really brought it to life."
One of the museum's main attractions is its “Caught in the Crossfire” immersive experience that puts visitors in the shoes of a civilian caught in the battle.
"It gives you a perspective that most aren’t expecting," said Shaffer. "You get to know what it was like to actually be a person who was living here."
Most of all, the museum leaves you walking away with a better appreciation for the area’s history.
"We just hope people, especially kids, walk away with an appreciation for history," said Shaffer. "Maybe we spark a little bit of interest in history for them so that they might go on to join the field eventually."
All proceeds that go towards the museum, support the Adams County Historical Society. More information to plan a trip to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum can be found on their website.