Adams County is best known for apples and the three-day 1863 Civil War battle. Both are essential components of the rural southcentral Pennsylvania county’s history, but its story includes many more chapters. The Adams County Historical Society built a new museum, Gettysburg Beyond the Battle, to share the complete narrative.
Beyond the Battle
The museum, which is also home to the Adams County Historical Society, opens April 15. The story begins thousands of years ago when powerful natural forces formed the South Mountain, a vast network of creeks, and one of America’s most famous rock formations, Devil’s Den.
Museum visitors then learn about other relatively unknown aspects of Adams County history, including a meteorite found in Mount Joy Township, the life of early settlers, and slaves’ contributions to the county’s early days.
“I’m excited to think about the millions of visitors Adams County Historical Society will welcome in decades to come, especially the young people who may find inspiration from these stories and see themselves in the cast of characters who made this place what it is today,” Andrew Dalton, the museum’s 25-year-old executive director, said.
The three-day Civil War battle that occurred in the county seat of Gettysburg is certainly a prominent part of the Adams County story. Museum guests have the opportunity to spend four minutes experiencing what it was like to sit in a Gettysburg home while bullets flew outside, and sometimes through the walls.
“Caught in the Crossfire” utilizes real sounds recorded at a firing range, a masterful script written by historian Jeff Shaara, and stunning scenic work. A trip into the room is an intense, unforgettable experience, but also an optional part of the tour that those sensitive to the sounds of gunfire can skip.
The museum then explores Gettysburg after the battle, the rise of the apple industry, Hispanic immigration, President Dwight David Eisenhower’s home, presidential visits, and community life. A Wall of Honor pays tribute to civic leaders who shaped Adams County.
Event Center
The Adams County Historical Society is excited for many generations of visitors to learn from its museum, and leaders know ticket sales alone do not cover costs.
The building’s second floor contains the Battlefield Overlook Event Center. The space contains large windows so attendees of weddings, private parties, corporate workshops, and community organizations can enjoy the beautiful views. The space is available to rent beginning April 15.
Adams County Historical Society Archives
The Adams County Historical Society was long housed on the campus of United Lutheran Seminary on Gettysburg’s western edge. About a decade ago, it moved into the Seminary’s Wolf House.
Occupying the Wolf House created many challenges for the Historical Society to protect its expansive collection of documents and artifacts. Space was limited, fire and water damage was a real concern, and few researchers could be in the home at one time. In fact, most of the collection was not even stored at the Society’s home but in a storage facility outside of town.
The new facility includes a large archival storage area, also on the second floor, where researchers can freely explore the collection. A library room includes large tables so they can peruse their findings in a comfortable environment. The archives are climate controlled to ensure documents are available for historians needing them a century from now.
Adams County Historical Society Campaign
The Adams County Historical Society’s new home is impressive, as is the story behind its creation. When board members and staff began focusing on the project more than a decade ago, they explored many options and often hit roadblocks.
The Biglerville Road property, former home of the Adams County Prison, proved to be the perfect spot but Historical Society leaders knew the small non-profit would need to begin an aggressive fundraising campaign. They set their original goal at $5 million. Under the leadership of Dalton and others, they raised $12 million.
“I am so proud of this community for answering our call for help,” Dalton said. “These stories need to be told, and now we have a beautiful facility to showcase the remarkable history of Gettysburg and Adams County.”
Dalton is appreciative of all contributions, especially major contributors Cline and Magraw families, Elsie Morey, Jacqueline White and the Dobbin House, the Salisbury family, and Pauline and David LeVan. A $1 million grant from the Adams County Commissioners and $2.8 million from The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were also key to the fundraising efforts.
Tickets
Dalton and his team are giving stakeholders private tours of the museum and listening to feedback to ensure they are ready for the April 15 grand opening.
Tickets are on sale for opening weekend and future dates through the society’s website, www.achs-pa.org/visit. The website also includes information for those interested in renting the event space.
“It’s unbelievable to watch this long-held community dream come to fruition,” Dalton said. “I’m excited to think about the millions of visitors the Adams County Historical Society will welcome in decades to come, especially the young people who may find inspiration from these stories and see themselves in the cast of characters who made this place what it is today.”
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.