Action Needed to Protect Millions of Rare Gettysburg Artifacts

Originally published February 2021 · pp. 32–35

Images of 1863 civilians. Cane owned by Battle of Gettysburg hero John L. Burns.

Canteen of William Hake, a local soldier who was wounded when the bullet passed through his canteen.

Part of our archival holdings at the Wolf House.

Pennsylvania’s Adams County Historical Society launches multimillion-dollar campaign to build state-of-theart facility to protect irreplaceable relics GETTYSBURG, Penn.— The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) preserves some of Gettysburg’s rarest treasures, and many of national significance, including a program from Lincoln’s famous address, thousands of relics gathered from the battlefield, personal belongings of esteemed abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, Native American projectiles, dinosaur footprints, and so much more. To ensure that these priceless, tangible links to the past survive for future generations to study and appreciate, ACHS has launched a bold, $5-million-dollar campaign to construct a new Exhibit Gallery, Archives, and Education Center. “For over 80 years, we’ve amassed a collection that tells the story of one of America’s most famous communities,” said ACHS executive director Andrew Dalton. “Now is the time to create a worthy home for our unparalleled collection. Without the Historical Society, the memory and legacy of this incredible place would cease to exist.” The only downside of being blessed with such robust holdings is that the society has long outgrown its current home, which was always meant to be temporary. The building itself, an aging Victorian home in Gettysburg, also poses immediate risks to the collection it houses. “Our current facility lacks important temperature and humidity controls and there is no fire suppression system,” said ACHS Capital Campaign Chair Jacqueline White. “We worry every day that these incredible resources, the very soul of Gettysburg and Adams County, could deteriorate further or be lost if we don’t act now.” The new facility, set to open by the fall of 2022, will be built just north of Gettysburg near a portion of the First Day’s battlefield. The 29,000-square-foot complex will house artifact-driven exhibits that explore centuries of Gettysburg and Adams County history through the eyes of ordinary citizens of all ages and backgrounds. According to ACHS historian Timothy Smith, “the interactive galleries will draw heavily upon hundreds of incredible, first-person accounts of events like the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln’s Address.” In addition to exhibits, the new facility will feature hands-on programming, a stunning event space overlooking the battlefield’s Barlow Knoll, and a firstclass archive where visitors can conduct research on a variety of topics ranging from genealogy to Gettysburg, Adams County, and Civil War history. On Dec. 16, the Historical Society hosted a digital campaign event to announce over $3 million in gifts and pledges made to date. Featuring filmed endorsements from documentarian Ken Burns, actor Stephen Lang, and historical novelist Jeff Shaara, the launch included a check presentation from Adams County’s Commissioners for an additional $1 million to support the project. According to Burns, whose acclaimed film on the Civil War featured materials from the society’s collection, “the history of Gettysburg and Adams County is not just local history, it’s a microcosm of United States history.” Shaara, author of Gods and Generals, a prequel to his father Michael’s Pulitzer-winning Killer Angels, added to Burns’ sentiment, “If we all do our part and protect our cherished past, the incredible stories of Gettysburg and Adams County will continue to inspire future generations of Americans just like they inspired my father, and just like they inspired me.” Construction of the Historical Society’s new home will begin next year. “Not only will we save this incredible collection, we are creating a home for this community’s remarkable story,” said Dalton. “From prehistoric times to the days of Eisenhower and beyond, this will be an experience unlike any other.” To learn more about supporting the project, please visit www. achs-pa.org/campaign,or email [email protected]. Donations can also be mailed to the Adams County Historical Society at PO Box 4325, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Naming and sponsorship opportunities are available for a limited time. Since 1888, the Adams County Historical Society, Gettysburg, Penn., has preserved over three centuries of remarkable local history. With millions of historic items in its care, ACHS inspires people of all ages to discover the fascinating and largely untold story of one of America’s most famous communities. Learn more at www.achs-pa.org. Ambrotype of Sallie Myers, Battle of Gettysburg nurse.

Confederate surgeons kit left behind at Gettysburg presented to W.C. O’Neal.

Remington revolver stolen from a Confederate by a citizen of Gettysburg during the battle. Threatening note left at George Culp Farm by Alabama soldiers.

Presentation sword of Edward McPherson, Company K, 1st PA Reserves.

Chair from the estate of James Gettys, founder of Gettysburg.

Fire bucket from the Culp Family, early Gettysburg. William T. King Tailor sign ravaged by bullets during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Mike Shovlin smiles for the camera behind a display of some of the rare artifacts in the ACHS collection.

Book owned by Gettysburg attorney Thaddeus Stevens.

Pen used by Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower to register as voters in Adams County.

Artillery projectiles and other Gettysburg relics.

Hat owned and worn by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower.

Original program from the Gettysburg Address.

William H. Tipton view camera that he used to take many famous Gettysburg battlefield images.

Ike and Mamie registering to vote holding the ACHS pen.