The American Civil War Museum in Gettysburg Brings History to Life

Formerly known as the National Civil War Wax Museum, the American Civil War Museum in Gettysburg is a privately-owned museum with a mission to bring an understanding of the causes and consequences of the Civil War to all who visit. Established in 1962 by Polish immigrant C.M. Uberman, the museum has welcomed about eight million visitors since its opening.

The museum tells the story of the war through the use of 35 scenes and dioramas and more than 300 life-sized wax figures, thus its original moniker. It is the only attraction in the area that depicts the events of the entire Civil War, not just the Battle of Gettysburg.

The eleven permanent galleries at the American Civil War Museum are based on phrases found within Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. Gallery One is labeled "Impact of War: In a Larger Sense'', outlining both the good and bad consequences of the war. It provides an introduction to the remainder of the museum. Gallery Two, "Conceived in Liberty'', includes exhibits and a three-screen video presentation profiling human freedom vs. human bondage. In Gallery Three, "Approach to War: A New Nation'', guests will learn about the major issues that prompted the start of the Civil War and will meet both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Gallery Four, "Now We are Engaged in a Great Civil War'', presents scenes from the battles that took place between 1861 and 1863, while Gallery Five profiles Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and the Union's Army of the Potomac. Exhibits explore the life of a soldier and his officers. Gallery Six, "The Battle of Gettysburg'', functions as the centerpiece of the museum and is divided into five sections: Into the Battle, which covers troop movements at the end of June 1863; Days 1, 2 and 3 of the Battle; and Out of Battle.

The next gallery focuses on the aftermath of battle and gallery number eight centers solely on the importance of the Gettysburg Address. Gallery Nine covers the battles from after Gettysburg up until the surrender at Appomattox and the next gallery provides a 10-minute film that summarizes just what the war accomplished. The final gallery describes the preservation of the famous Gettysburg battlefield and the campaign to have it designated as a National Historic Park. An additional special exhibits gallery hosts temporary or traveling exhibits that serve to broaden the museum experience at the American Civil War Museum.

Tours are self-guided. On weekends from April through November, guests can watch history come to life with a series of Civil War reenactments. Visitors are welcome to wander through camps, speak to the soldiers, and view drills and demonstrations. Other special events occur on occasion, including lectures by well-known military leaders, book signings, live performances by Civil War-era bands and musical groups, and a living nativity scene at Christmas time.

The onsite Gettysburg Gift Center offers gifts and collectibles, art, books, apparel and home d,cor. Many of the items found here are unique to this gift shop and cannot be purchased elsewhere in Gettysburg.