The Wills House Opens Feb. 12
In Honor Of Lincoln’s Birth
(February/March 2009 Civil War News)

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday on Feb. 12, the restored David Wills House at 8 Lincoln Square will open as part of Gettysburg National Military Park.

The house will feature exhibits that interpret the aftermath of the Gettysburg battle and Lincoln’s visit four months later to speak at the dedication of Soldiers’ National Cemetery.

Grand opening events will take place from Feb. 12-16, with free admission on Feb. 12.

The museum will includes seven galleries filled with displays and artifacts, and featuring two films: “Battle Ground to Hallowed Ground,” which explores Cemetery Hill’s transition from a Union army defensive position to the site of the National Cemetery; and “A Brief but Immortal Speech,” which investigates the meaning of the Gettysburg Address from Nov. 19, 1863, to today. 

Two rooms are restored to their 1863 appearance: Wills' office as he received letters from families looking for loved ones after the battle and began planning for the cemetery and its dedication; and the bedroom where Lincoln stayed and prepared to deliver the Gettysburg Address. 

The immediate neighborhood of the David Wills House will be shown in a three-dimensional diorama that features 13 surrounding buildings that were standing in 1863 and still stand today, and how each was used after the battle. 

“The home of David Wills, a prominent citizen of the town, become ground zero in Gettysburg’s recovery effort, with Wills himself fulfilling the roles of the CDC, the Red Cross and FEMA combined,” said Dr. John A. Latschar, Superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, in a press release. 

Wills was the third owner of the house that bears his name. Among the most prominent citizens of Gettysburg, Wills used the house as his residence, as commercial space and to house his law office.

He was instrumental in establishing the National Cemetery for the remains of Union soldiers killed in the July 1863 battle, and it was he who invited Lincoln to speak at the cemetery dedication.

The Wills House and lot immediately around it were brought inside the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park in October 2000. The park purchased the building in March 2004 from the Borough of Gettysburg for $550,000. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The recently completed $7.2 million restoration included upgrading of mechanical systems, an elevator and fire-safety measures. Leased office space is on the third floor.

One way of getting community involvement was a “finishing touch” program that involved students and created a scholarship fund.

The program included raising $37,500 for outlining the red-painted bricks with white on the mortar, as was done in the period.

The nonprofit Main Street Gettysburg will operate the museum as an official partner with the National Park Service. Jennifer Roth is the manager.

Main Street Gettysburg Executive Director Deb Adamik last year told Civil War News that restoration of the house was part of a 2000 interpretive plan to help preserve and revitalize Gettysburg, in part by getting park visitors to come downtown.

National studies of Main Street programs show that for every dollar invested in a Main Street project, $26 to $28 dollars are returned to the local community.

She said any money earned above cost of operations will go back into historic preservation in Gettysburg.

Wills House winter hours will be Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In spring and fall the hours will be Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In summer the house will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance fees will be $6.50 for adults, $5.50 seniors, $4 ages 6-18 and free for 5 and under. For group tour reservations and information call (866) 486-5735 or go to www.davidwillshouse.org.