Children of Gettysburg 1863® — Attraction in Gettysburg

We visited today with our three children (ages 10, 7, and 5), and it absolutely surpassed our expectations in every way! From the moment we walked through the doors, an engaging gentleman (sporting a handlebar mustache) greeted our kids and guided them through the galleries. Although we sadly don’t recall his name, he brought the museum to life by sharing interesting facts and weaving fascinating stories they would never have learned otherwise.

The museum itself is structured neatly into immersive sections from the pre, during, and post battle periods in Gettysburg. Our children were able to choose a specific child’s story to follow throughout the exhibits, and at the end received story cards explaining what those children went on to become as they grew older.

What stood out most were the interactive and hands on elements. Our children were encouraged to touch, explore, put on period clothing, play with toys children would have used in 1863, lift soldier packs to feel the weight, treat soldier wounds, find hiding spots, or even step up to deliver the Gettysburg Address in a top hat just like Abe Lincoln. Every activity was designed to be approachable, playful, and genuinely educational.

In short, this place was a highlight of our Gettysburg visit. Our children said it was their favorite thing they did! If you have children even remotely interested in history this museum is a genuinely enriching...

We visited the Children of Gettysburg Museum with our 5-year-old and two toddlers, and unfortunately, the welcome we received left a very poor impression. When we walked in, the lady at the counter immediately said, “Oh, little ones” in a very condescending tone. Her disapproving manner was noticeable enough that another guest at the counter even looked up and said, “Well, isn’t it a children’s museum?”

She then sneeringly explained that the museum is “about” the children of Gettysburg and geared toward elementary through middle school ages. She even told us it might not be “worth the money” to take our little ones through—even though all three of them were free and the adult fee was only $10 each.

The tone and attitude made us feel so unwelcome that we decided to leave without visiting. For a museum called the Children of Gettysburg, families with young children should feel encouraged, not discouraged,...

What a wonderful museum specifically for kids! Our 10 and 5 year olds loved it and say it was one of the best parts of our visit to Gettysburg. While the house itself wasn’t built until 1868, it’s built in a very historic part of town. When we entered the museum, we were greeted by Mr. Dave, who was dressed in period attire, who served as our guide and curator throughout the exhibits. We selected characters, 2 of 6 real children that lived in Gettysburg in 1863 who we would follow throughout the museum. There are basically 4 rooms: regular life, before the battle, during, and after. Each room had interactive exhibits that encouraged kids to look, touch, and play as they learned about their selected characters. Thank you to Mr. Dave for talking to us and our kids, explaining the exhibits, giving context, and additional history...