2023 News

Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation invite Adams County, Pa. residents back to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center for a special Adams County Day on Columbus Day. Adams County residents can enjoy free admission tickets to the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience at the Museum & Visitor Center, thanks to a generous sponsorship of the free admission by Barley Snyder Attorneys at Law, and additional related offerings on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center Offers Adams County, Pa. Residents Free Admission to the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience, sponsored by Barley Snyder Attorneys at Law.

Guests will start with the film presentation of A New Birth of Freedom, immediately followed by the sound and light show of the spectacular 377-foot historic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge, completed in 1884. Guests can then explore the 12-gallery Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, including the special temporary exhibit, A Rough Coarse Life: The World of the Civil War Soldier, in the Gilder Lehrman Special Exhibits Gallery, at leisure throughout the day.

These exclusive resources and experiences introduce guests to the Battle of Gettysburg; provide insights into the history and the opportunity to journey back to the events of the American Civil War through unique artifacts and interactive exhibits; and open a window into the lives, experiences and memories of soldiers who struggled, suffered and survived a century and a half ago. Through the special temporary exhibit that complements the Museum galleries, guests can more deeply explore the experiences of soldiers on both sides during and after the war.

“We are glad to invite Adams County residents back to the Museum & Visitor Center to explore Gettysburg with us on Columbus Day,” said Gettysburg Foundation president and CEO Wayne E. Motts. “The Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience includes the special exhibit, where residents and guests can find Adams County related artifacts. We look forward to welcoming Adams Countians to enjoy these experiences close to home,” added Motts.

Adams County guests to the Museum & Visitor Center on Oct. 9 will find special Adams County treasures and highlights throughout the day: 

• Among the rare artifacts on display in the Museum, unique artifacts related to Adams County will be spotlighted for Adams County residents to see and learn more about the stories and lessons of Gettysburg and Adams County, Pa.
• Adams County adult complimentary ticket holders will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win a Battlefield Car Tour, a personalized two-hour experience (for up to six visitors) with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, and notified shortly thereafter. Adult ticket holders will receive details of the offer upon entering the drawing.
• See the iconic Lincoln sculpture in front of the building that has been welcoming visitors for 15 years. Created by sculptor Ivan Schwartz, the Lincoln sculpture provides visitors with a unique photo opportunity and reminds us of the importance of preserving our democracy.
• Learn more about our 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with the Eisenhower Exhibit Spotlight, made possible thanks to the generosity of the Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Inspired by the life and career of General and President Eisenhower, the Exhibit Spotlight introduces you to Eisenhower’s Gettysburg farm—Eisenhower National Historic Site. The spotlight explores the history of Eisenhower’s life as a "Soldier, General, President and Citizen," as well as a nod to Eisenhower’s leadership. The spotlight features historical information and photos, several artifacts and a panel including a historical photo background of Eisenhower on the Gettysburg battlefield that provides visitors with a unique photo opportunity and prepares them for their visit to the historic site.
• View the Culp’s Hill Diorama in the Group Lobby. The diorama introduces guests to the Culp’s Hill area of the battlefield that was rehabilitated in 2021 thanks to the vision, generosity and support of Gettysburg native and longtime Friend of Gettysburg Cliff Bream.
• The Gettysburg Museum Book Store features books written by Adams County authors and numerous Civil War and Gettysburg books for all ages, souvenirs, gifts and merchandise found in-store and online.
• The Battlegrounds Café & Grille will have an Adams County lunch special, feature an Apple Adams CounTEA and offer a daily local favorite, an Adams County apple dumpling.

“We encourage Adams County residents, after their time experiencing all the Museum & Visitor Center has to offer, to explore the Gettysburg battlefield and tour the home and grounds at Eisenhower National Historic Site. Guests can stop by the Information Desk inside the Museum & Visitor Center to learn more about the battlefield and the historic site from a Ranger,” added Motts.

Located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is currently open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the last Film and Cyclorama show of the day beginning at 4:15 p.m. Local visitors should be prepared to present proof of Adams County, Pa. residence, e.g., a driver’s license, at the Ticket Counter to obtain their free admission tickets.