Beyond The Battle Named Best New Museum In U.S.

Originally published February 2024 · pp. 1–4

GETTYSBURG, Penn.— Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum, operated by the Adams County Historical Society, has won USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award for “Best New Museum” in the United States. Nominations for the competition were made by industry experts, including editors from USA TODAY and 10Best, as well as expert local contributors. Beyond the Battle faced off against stiff competition from institutions located in major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas, but ended up receiving the most votes. This accolade is a testament to the remarkable stories presented in Beyond the Battle Museum, which focuses heavily on ordinary citizens who lived through the Civil War’s deadliest battle. The museum’s most popular feature is an immersive room called Caught in the Crossfire, profiled by The Washington Post and National Geographic, which allows visitors to experience what it was like for one local family to live through the harrowing events of July 1863. Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum: Gettysburg Beyond the Battle tells the remarkable story of ordinary eyewitnesses and their extraordinary experiences before, during, and after the Civil War. Through twelve interactive exhibit galleries packed with rare artifacts, the museum explores the story of Gettysburg and its people like you’ve never seen or heard it before. The Adams County Historical Society operates the museum and features a gift shop, research room and archives, and a large event center overlooking the battlefield.

Caught in the Crossfire is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that takes visitors into the home of a family trapped in the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Beyond the Battle officially opened its doors to the public on April 15, 2023, to great fanfare. During its first year in operation, the museum and history center welcomed more than 30,000 visitors and hosted over 50 events, including the 30th Anniversary of the Movie Gettysburg, and 160th Anniversaries of the Battle of Gettysburg and Gettysburg Address. The museum welcomed notable figures, including documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, actors Stephen Lang and Tom Berenger, and authors Jeff Shaara, Harold Holzer, and Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. “The outpouring of support from our friends, both locally and nationally, has been incredible,” said Executive Director Andrew Dalton. “We had an amazing year in 2023 and are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2024. Winning this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, members, and supporters.” Looking ahead, Beyond the Battle and the Adams County Historical Society remain committed to excellence, with plans for future exhibits, events, educational programs, and collaborations with leading figures in the history field. The continued support of our sponsors, partners, and the community at large remains integral to the museum’s continued growth and success. To learn more about Beyond the Battle, please go to www. gettysburgbeyondthebattle.org or visit us at 625 Biglerville Road, just north of the heart of Gettysburg.