Gettysburg, PA — The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) is thrilled to announce that it has assumed ownership and management of the renowned Shriver House Museum, located in the heart of historic downtown Gettysburg. This expansion will unite two institutions with a shared commitment to preserving and illuminating Gettysburg’s civilian experience during one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Since its founding in 1996 by Del and Nancie Gudmestad, the Shriver House Museum has served as a cornerstone of Gettysburg’s storytelling tradition. The museum, located at 309 Baltimore Street, is an impeccably restored home that offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the lives of George and Hettie Shriver and their daughters, Sadie and Mollie, during the Battle of Gettysburg. ACHS is honored to continue the Gudmestads’ legacy of meticulous preservation, education, and community engagement.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Shriver House Museum as a new addition to our growing network of sites and experiences,” said Andrew Dalton, President & CEO of ACHS. “As an organization committed to preserving and sharing Gettysburg’s history, the Shriver House perfectly complements our mission to become the leading educational and visitor-centered institution in the region.”
The Gudmestads, pioneers in sharing the civilian experience of the Battle of Gettysburg, brought decades of passion and dedication to the museum. Their journey began in 1984 when they moved to Gettysburg and opened its first bed and breakfast, the Old Appleford Inn. Realizing the lack of focus on the town’s 2,400 civilians during the battle, they sold the inn and pursued their dream of telling these stories. In 1996, they purchased the long-abandoned Shriver House and painstakingly restored it to its Civil War appearance.
The museum features authentically furnished rooms, a Confederate sharpshooters’ nest with forensic evidence of soldiers killed during the battle, Shriver’s Saloon, and numerous artifacts uncovered during the restoration, including Civil War ammunition and medical supplies. Guides in period attire provide immersive tours that bring to life the harrowing experiences of the Shriver family and the larger civilian community during the battle. The museum has received numerous accolades, including the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Historic Preservation Award, and has been featured on PBS, A&E, HGTV, BBC, CNN, History Channel, and YouTube’s The History Underground.
ACHS has appointed Abbie Hoffman, a longtime guide at the Shriver House Museum and former Director of Programs & Events at ACHS, as the new Director of the Shriver House Museum. Hoffman brings extensive knowledge and a deep passion for Gettysburg’s history to her role. In addition to overseeing the Shriver House, she will continue to lead the Historical Society’s new leadership development program.
“The Shriver House Museum will reopen on March 1, 2025, and we are excited to continue sharing the Shrivers’ story with future generations of visitors,” said Hoffman. Dalton added, “The museum’s commitment to personal interaction and passionate storytelling will remain at the heart of its mission.”
Reflecting on the Shriver House’s future, Del Gudmestad remarked, “We are excited to have the Historical Society continue our vision and passion for sharing the too often overlooked story of the civilians. Our missions are closely aligned, and it’s a perfect match.” As they transition into retirement, the Gudmestads plan to remain active in the Gettysburg community, volunteering and contributing to the area’s rich history and culture.
The addition of the Shriver House Museum marks another milestone for ACHS, which opened its acclaimed Beyond the Battle Museum in 2023 and continues to spearhead initiatives such as the Gettysburg Film Festival. ACHS continues to lead the way in preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Gettysburg.
For more information about the Adams County Historical Society and the Shriver House Museum, please visit www.achs-pa.org and www.shriverhouse.org.
Featured image caption: Shriver House Museum founders Nancie (second from left) and Del Gudmestad (far right) are joined by Andrew Dalton, President & CEO of the Adams County Historical Society (second from right), and Abbie Hoffman (far left), the newly appointed director of the Shriver House.