National Apple Museum - Biglerville, PA - Apple Production Memorabilia and Museum

The National Apple Museum is located north of Gettysburg, in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, along Route 34. Biglerville is located in Adams County in south-central Pennsylvania. The Museum itself is located at 154 West Hanover Street. The Museum is operated by Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society, which is a non-profit organization that functions in the area. This Society was formed in 1981.

Clair Ditzler, a founding member of the Society, was vital to the development of the Museum. He donated the barn and several acres of farmland to the Society. The Society developed the Museum to preserve historical artifacts pertaining to the Apple and Tree Fruit Industry's in relation to Adams County. In 2007, Pennsylvania's apple production ranked fourth in the nation. The Museum presents collections and memorabilia relevant to this industry to the public through the Museum. The Museum itself is a restored barn dating to the Antebellum period. The barn was restored in 1990.

The collection includes items such as farm tools, fruit peelers, and photographs. The exhibits displayed at the Museum include information on harvesting, shipping, and processing various fruits, particularly apples. One exhibit is a recreation of a 1880s farm kitchen and another is of a general store. Some farm items on display include cider presses, a vinegar generator, and a portable forge.

The hours for operation are May through October on weekends. The Museum is open Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Guided tours for groups of the Museum require at least one week's prior notice. These scheduled tours run throughout the week, Monday through Friday, year round. Group tours are reserved by calling 717-677-4556 or 717-677-7818. May through October, a tour guide can be found on the site for anyone (non-group) wishing to take a guided tour. Admission to the Museum is $2 for adults, $2.50 for senior citizens, and $1 for children (ages 6 through 16).

While touring the Museum, visitors are offered an apple-themed snack and can watch a short video called "Apples, Apples, Apples.'' All parts of the Museum are accessible to the handicapped.

The Museum has a number of facilities, including a kitchen, gift shop, and an enclosable pavilion that is separate from the main barn. The Silik Memorial Picnic Pavilion can be rented by interested parties to host events or cookouts.

The Museum is home to the life-size horse and farmer that was used in commercials for Levi Strauss. Another feature is the early deeds and warrants, which are on sheepskin and the plot plans that identify early settlers. Further, a honey bee display is located on the premises for visitors to view.

For guests in need of lodging, the area has a few different choices. The Quaker Valley Orchards and Guest House is a 220-acre farm in the fruit belt of Adams Country. This farm specialized in peaches and apples and is now the home of a guest house for area visitors. There are also several bed and breakfast locations in the area. In addition, the Inns of Gettysburg offer comfortable lodging in historic structures.