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The National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg, PA

The National Civil War Museum

Wander the halls of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and experience the rise and fall of emotions as you embrace Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Antietam, and Gettysburg; once ordinary places transformed to hallowed ground within a few hours as part of our Harrisburg, Pennsylvania group bus trip. Located at One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the National Civil War Museum is one of the finest museums of its kind. Dedicated solely to the American Civil War, the museum caters to the history enthusiast, the Civil War buff, those who are proud to be Americans and those who wish to discover more about this great American tragedy.

Visiting the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg

Explore the galleries and grounds that portray the struggles faced by the people during the Civil War from the issues straining the nation through the war’s conclusion at Appomattox Court House during your visit to the National War Museum in Harrisburg.

Collections at the National Civil War Museum

The National Civil War Museum’s holdings exceed over 24,000 items. While many items that tell the story of the American Civil War have been donated to the National Civil War Museum since its opening, some items that make up the museum’s collection were acquired by the City of Harrisburg between 1994 and 1999 with help from former Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

The National Civil War Museum Exhibits

Located on both floors of the museum, the Civil War Museum’s exhibits are spread across seventeen galleries and are designed to tell the entire story of the American Civil War without bias to the Union or Confederate causes. Chronicling the Civil War from its early beginnings to its end, journey through the museum’s galleries as artifacts, photographs, documents, manuscripts and other printed matter bring the story of the American Civil War to life. While about one-fourth of the museum’s artifacts are displayed throughout the galleries, other holdings are kept in secure storage for future exhibits and for scholarly research.

The National Civil War Museum Grounds

The National Civil War Museum is worth the trip just for its spectacular views. Strategically situated above the Susquehanna Valley, the museum offers panoramic views of the city of Harrisburg and the surrounding area. As you stroll through the museum’s grounds you will find The Walk of Valor, where Civil War veterans are honored by their surviving descendants, Moment of Mercy, a statue that serves as the centerpiece of the museum’s entrance depicting the courage and mercy of Civil War Sgt. Kirkland and on the east side of building opposite the entrance, Friends Walkway.

Shopping at the National Civil War Museum Gift Shop

Find gifts, keepsakes and educational materials in the National Civil War Museum Gift Shop. The Civil War enthusiast will find glassware, clothing and souvenir items featuring various events, places, and people of the Civil War. Educational materials within the museum shop include books, tapes, collectible reproductions and fine artwork.

Travel Tips

- Do not forget your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your visit to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.

- In addition to the National Civil War Museum’s permanent exhibits, visitors can explore museum exhibits that rotate throughout the year.

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