Learn And Explore The Gettysburg Heritage Center

About The Gettysburg Heritage Center & Gettysburg Nature Alliance

Gettysburg is a unique place. In one aspect, a decisive Civil War battle took place here, forever cementing Gettysburg in our nation’s history as where the union was saved. In another aspect, Gettysburg is full of vibrant landscapes, rich farmlands, pristine streams and other natural resources that need to be preserved for future generations. Today, those once blood-stained fields are not only a reminder of the events that held our country together at one of its lowest points, but also of re-birth, resilience and growth. The Gettysburg Heritage Center, along with its partner, the Gettysburg Nature Alliance brings together the heritage & habitat of the battlefield, offering a new perspective to this national treasure.

In operation since 2013, the Gettysburg Heritage Center became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2019 with its partner, the Gettysburg Nature Alliance. Our mission is to achieve real-world impact on the education about, preservation of and visitor engagement with Gettysburg and our collective natural and historic resources.

Prior to the Gettysburg Heritage Center, the facility served as the home of the, American Civil War Wax Museum, which was in business from 1962-2013.

Heritage, our valued qualities, and habitat, the places we live, make us who we are. Gettysburg is uniquely positioned to tell this story, and our job is to help ensure that current and future generations understand the value of preserving both our heritage and our habitat.

The Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum continues to offer visitors a look at the Battle of Gettysburg from two distinctive perspectives – that of the civilians in the town, and the soldiers on the field. Offering a variety of exhibits that bring the history of Gettysburg to life, the museum offers an orientation and overview that brings the complete story together.

Opening in 2021, the Gettysburg Heritage Center & Gettysburg Nature Alliance operate a learning barn near the historic Sach’s Bridge. Designed to blend into the bucolic landscape, the small barn welcomes school students and other groups as they study subjects related to habitat and heritage.