By Matthew J. Seelinger
The Beyond the Battle Museum, located in the new Adams County Historical Society building just north of historic downtown Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, gives anyone interested in Civil War, presidential, and local history another reason to visit Gettysburg. Debuting to the public on 15 April 2023, the Beyond the Battle Museum covers the history of Gettysburg and Adams County not only during the Civil War, but of other eras as well, and does so with artifacts, photographs, artwork, and impressive audio and visual effects.
Before entering the main gallery of Beyond the Battle, visitors can examine a series of standalone exhibits, including a display of material related to Ken Burns’s acclaimed 1990 documentary series, The Civil War. Another display, Black Voices, features a rotating collection of material curated by descendants of African American citizens of Adams County. Visitors then enter the Alexander Dobbin Special Exhibit Gallery, which features temporary exhibits; the gallery is currently showing Early Photographs at Gettysburg—The Frassanito Collection: A Special Exhibition, which details the groundbreaking work of William A. Frassanito and his efforts to correct the photographic history of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Visitors then enter the main galley of the museum, which first focuses on the prehistoric era of Adams County, its natural history and the development of its unique rock formations, and the first indigenous inhabitants of the region. This is followed by the history of the first Europeans to settle the area, conflicts between settlers and Indians, and the development of the road network that made Gettysburg and Adams County an important location for commerce. These are followed by the Adams County region during the Revolutionary War period, within the recreated tavern of Samuel Gettys, and the establishment of Adams County on 22 January 1800; it was named for John Adams, who was U.S. President when the county was established. Displays in this part of the museum tell the story of the region with artifacts, weapons, artwork, and other materials.
The next exhibit area details the pre-Civil War years and the growth of the region in terms of population and the economy. Of course for many visitors, the highlight of Beyond the Battle will be the museum’s exhibits on the Civil War, which include maps, weapons, artifacts, and photographs, not only of the battle itself but the aftermath as the local citizens were forced to deal with the death and destruction wrought upon Gettysburg and the surrounding area. The main draw of the Civil War exhibits is Caught in the Crossfire, which simulates the experience of battle in a replicated farmhouse. This immersive exhibit uses cutting-edge technology that allows visitors to see, hear, and feel what it was like for a local farm family to be trapped in their home as the Battle of Gettysburg raged around them in early July 1863. The Civil War exhibits conclude with artifacts and photographs of President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg in November 1863 for the dedication of the National Soldiers’ Cemetery and the delivery of the Gettysburg Address.
After the Civil War exhibits, the museum focuses on Gettysburg and Adams County in the post-Civil War years, to include information on the development of the tourism industry in the area sparked by interest in the Battle of Gettysburg. For those interested in military history, exhibits detail the area’s use as an Army training center, including Camp Colt, the primary tank training center in the States, during World War I, as well as displays on World War II. Each features uniforms, equipment, and photographs.
Since the Civil War, Gettysburg has been a regular destination for presidential visits, and the museum includes a display of photographs of Presidents visiting Gettysburg, from Lincoln to the present. In addition, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, made their home on a farm just outside of town, and an exhibit highlights the region’s two most famous residents. The exhibits conclude with a display on Gettysburg in popular history and fiction, including Michael Shaara’s acclaimed novel, The Killer Angels, and a Wall of Honor recognizing citizens of Gettysburg and Adams County, many of whom served in the U.S. armed forces. A gift shop just outside of the main gallery features a variety of merchandise, including books, artwork, coffee mugs, toys, and games.
In addition to the Beyond the Battle Museum, the Adams County Historical Society is home to the Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter Research Room, located on the building’s second floor. The research room, home to an extensive collection of archival material relating to the history of Adams County and Gettysburg, is open Thursday through Saturday, 1000-1700, by appointment (www.achs-pa.org).
Making a Visit: The Beyond the Battle Museum is located at the Adams County Historical Society, 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The museum is open daily, 1000-1700. General admission is $15; Seniors and veterans $14; Adams County residents $13; and Youth (grades K-12) $10 (please note admission fees do not include sales tax); admission is free for active duty military, children under 5, Ad- ams County Historical Society members, and Adams County Public School students. For more information, group visits, upcoming programs, online store, and teacher resources, visit www.achs-pa.org; email info@achs-pa.org; or call (717) 334-4723.
