In recognition of the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center will open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
Normally closed on Wednesdays, the Museum & Visitor Center will observe the special hours for guests visiting Gettysburg during the 157th anniversary of the battle.
“This year, the first day of the three-day battle anniversary falls on a Wednesday. We know many people will be traveling to Gettysburg, perhaps for the first time, to commemorate the anniversary of the battle. We want visitors to have the full experience.” said David Malgee, member of the Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors.The phased reopening of the Museum & Visitor Center begins Thursday June 25, with the building open on an initial schedule of Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
As the three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the American Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America, ensuring visitors have access to the resources and experiences during the anniversary is a priority of the Gettysburg Foundation and the National Park Service.
“The Museum, the film A New Birth of Freedom and the Gettysburg Cyclorama are important parts of the ‘Gettysburg experience’ and I am thankful that the Gettysburg Foundation and National Park Service continue to work together to enhance the visitor experience during this time and offer these special hours on July 1,” added Malgee.
To ensure the health and safety of visitors and comply with state mandates to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 Anniversary programming offered by National Park Service Rangers, Historians and Licensed Battlefield Guides will be VIRTUAL. Free videos streamed on the Gettysburg National Military Park Facebook Page offer guided walks and talks that discuss, explore and reflect on this chapter in our nation’s history. These virtual programs will offer viewers access to locations and historic structures that had not previously been featured during the Battle Anniversary.
Prior to visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets at GettysburgFoundation.org and read more about reopening protocols. To assist with contactless payment, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance either online at GettysburgFoundation.org or via phone at 877-874-2478. Visitors wishing to book a guided tour may do so in advance. Guided tours are point-to-point, caravan-style in accordance with CDC mandates.
For the health and safety of all, individuals who enter the building should wear a face covering. Face coverings are not required for children under the age of 2 or for those with medical issues.
Additional protocols to protect visitors and staff include the following:
- The Museum & Visitor Center will maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule and frequently disinfect high touch areas like door handles.
- Visitors and staff will enter and exit through designated doors to ensure social distancing.
- Social distancing will be practiced throughout the Museum & Visitor Center.
- The Gettysburg Foundation and National Park Service staff have access to masks, and staff who engage with the visiting public will wear masks.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed at the National Park Service Information Desk, the ticket counter, and at podiums in the ticketed areas throughout the building.
- Hand sanitation stations are available for visitors and staff.