Shriver House Museum
Step into a 19th-century home and experience the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg through immersive guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Shriver House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 19th-century home and experience the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg through immersive guided tours.
"This was more than a tour, it was a step back to 1863 and intimate details of how the Shriver family lived."
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Highly recommended to book your guided tour ahead of time to guarantee a spot and a fantastic guide!
👟 Watch Your Head & Skirt
Be mindful of low ceilings and narrow staircases, especially when following your guide.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Shriver Family's Story
Step into the 19th-century home of the Shriver family and learn about their lives during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Sharpshooter's Nest
Discover the hidden sharpshooter's nest in the attic, a chilling reminder of the battle's proximity.
Bullet-Damaged Exterior
See the exterior of the house, marked with bullet holes from the intense fighting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Intimate Tours
Experience Civilian Life During the Battle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Highly recommended to book your guided tour ahead of time to guarantee a spot and a fantastic guide!
👟 Watch Your Head & Skirt
Be mindful of low ceilings and narrow staircases, especially when following your guide.
💡 Ask Questions!
Guides love to share their knowledge and encourage questions for a richer experience.
💰 Tip Your Guide
Tours are a labor of love; tips are gratefully accepted and appreciated by guides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Highly recommended to book your guided tour ahead of time to guarantee a spot and a fantastic guide!
👟 Watch Your Head & Skirt
Be mindful of low ceilings and narrow staircases, especially when following your guide.
💡 Ask Questions!
Guides love to share their knowledge and encourage questions for a richer experience.
💰 Tip Your Guide
Tours are a labor of love; tips are gratefully accepted and appreciated by guides.
🌿 Explore the Period Garden
Don't miss the garden out back, where they grow crops from the period.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shriver House Museum for its intimate and informative guided tours, highlighting the exceptional knowledge and passion of the guides. The focus on the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg offers a unique and moving perspective. While the house is small and involves stairs, the immersive storytelling makes it a highly recommended stop for a deeper understanding of Gettysburg's history.
"This was one of the best things we did on our visit to Gettysburg. Lisa was our guide and she was fantastic--so knowledgeable and explained told the story of the Shriver family so well. She encouraged questions and really took time with everyone. It was obvious that her tours are a true labor of love for her. It was fascinating to learn about this family and what happened in their home."
Sarah Lynch
"I stopped in without a (recommended ) reservation at this historic witness home, a home that had a first row viewing to the Gettysburg fighting. I was greeted warmly by staff and giving an intimate tour by Debbi. Great storytelling style the vivid imagery made me feel as if I were shivering in the Attic during those three terrible days. Three sets of stairs, easy for most, watch your head and watch the skirt as you follow the tour guide. This was more than a tour, it was a step back to 1863 and intimate details of how the Shriver family lived.
I enjoyed every minute of the tour, thank you Debbi.
5* recommend and if you enjoyed your tour, tips are gratefully accepted."
J.R. Ricco
"This place is small. You get a guided tour from the attic to the cellar. Our tour guide Patti was wearing clothes from that era. She was very informative. There's more to the Battle of Gettysburg then just the fighting in the fields. The residents, their daily lives, their homes, and animals were all affected. There are bullet holes on the outside of the brick building. This lasted for years later."
Robie T.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shriver House Museum is located at 451 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA. It's easily accessible within the historic district. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other attractions or use local parking options.
While street parking can be limited in the historic district, there are several public parking lots and garages within walking distance of the museum. Consider these for easier access.
Gettysburg has limited public transport options. However, tour buses often include stops near the museum, and it's a popular destination for walking tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally an affordable experience. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current ticket prices.
While not always mandatory, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours, as they are intimate and spots can fill up quickly.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel is best obtained directly from the museum. Inquire when booking or upon arrival.
The Shriver House Museum primarily offers guided tours to provide context and historical insights. These tours are essential for understanding the experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are highly praised for being informative and engaging, taking you through the house from attic to cellar. Guides often dress in period attire and share vivid stories of the Shriver family's experience during the battle. +1
Tours usually last around 45 minutes to an hour, providing a comprehensive look at the house and its history without being overly long.
The museum has multiple sets of stairs, including to the attic and cellar. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this and may find navigating the house challenging.
The museum focuses on the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg, highlighting how families lived, survived, and were impacted by the conflict.
The museum occasionally hosts special events or exhibits, such as 'Confederate Takeover' experiences. It's worth checking their schedule for unique offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide or check for posted signs regarding interior photography. Some areas might be restricted to protect artifacts.
The exterior with its bullet damage, the attic sharpshooter's nest, and the period-decorated rooms offer great photographic opportunities.
The museum offers a unique glimpse into civilian life, with details like bullet holes and the sharpshooter's nest providing compelling visual stories for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the tour involves stairs and potentially narrow spaces, so parents should consider their children's comfort and mobility. The focus on civilian life provides a relatable entry point into understanding the broader context of the Battle of Gettysburg, making history more accessible and less abstract for younger learners.
📚 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Explore the intricacies of daily life during wartime, examine the physical evidence of the battle on the house, and delve into the personal stories of the Shriver family. The museum's commitment to historical authenticity, from the house's preservation to the garden's period crops, will satisfy even the most discerning history enthusiast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Civilian Experience: Beyond the Battlefield
Guides bring the history to life, detailing how the house was used, the fear residents felt, and the damage sustained. You'll see evidence of the battle, like bullet holes on the exterior, and learn about the makeshift sharpshooter's nest in the attic. This immersive approach helps visitors connect with the human cost of the battle on a more personal level.
Understanding the civilian impact is vital for a complete picture of Gettysburg. The Shriver House Museum excels at this, transforming a historic house into a powerful educational tool that resonates long after the tour concludes. It’s a reminder that history isn't just about generals and soldiers, but also about the ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Guided Tours: The Heart of the Experience
These tours are intimate, often involving small groups, which allows for personalized interaction and the opportunity to ask questions. Guides are adept at using vivid imagery to help visitors imagine what it was like to be in the house during the battle, from shivering in the attic to hiding in the cellar. Some guides even wear period clothing, further enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
Because the tours are so central to the experience, booking in advance is strongly advised. This ensures you get a spot with one of these dedicated guides and can fully appreciate the detailed insights into the Shriver family's life and the impact of the Civil War on Gettysburg's residents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit