The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The National Civil War Museum is a privately run, non profit 66,000 square foot history museum located at the top of a hill in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2001, the museum has over 25,000 items in its collection. That’s too many to be displayed at once in the current facility, but the exhibits are packed with all sorts of artifacts as it is (the excess is available for study by appointment or future displays). The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Sharps Carbine Model 1852. This one was used in John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859

The building is two stories, with 17 galleries. One begins the self guided tour on the second floor, which has the first 10 galleries. It begins with the causes of the war that divided the nation, especially slavery. Additional galleries focus on recruiting the armies, the battles of 1861-2, and the reasons the soldiers on both sides fought for their respective causes. There is a gallery devoted to Camp Curtin, a Union recruitment and training camp that was located in Harrisburg, a gallery devoted to Civil War music, and one on weapons and equipment.

Confederate Zouave Jacket from 3rd South Carolina Artillery

Galleries on the 1st floor include one dedicated to the Battle of Gettysburg, and another that tells the story of the fighting in the last two

Gen. George Pickett’s Kepi

years of the war. Others focus on Civil War medicine, the navies, and the role of women in the Civil War. The final gallery is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and reflections on the war.

The artifacts on display range from those of enlisted men all the way up to generals and admirals. Items from well known figures on the Confederate side include a kepi and a coat sleeve belonging to George Pickett, a set of riding gauntlets and a bible belonging to Robert E. Lee, and a pair of J.E.B. Stuart’s sabers. On the Union side, a saddle belonging to George McClellan, a sea chest from Admiral John Dahlgren, and a sword belt given to Ulysses S. Grant following the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Uniforms, including some that are quite rare such as a Confederate Zouave jacket from a member of the 3rd South Carolina artillery, are displayed.

Civil War Ambulance

Speaking of rare, the medical gallery has what is supposed to be the last Civil War ambulance in existence. This gallery has an extensive collection of medical and surgical equipment, and a life size diorama of Civil War surgery. Another diorama that is brutally realistic is one depicting the fatal wounding of Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing, commanding Battery A of the 4th U.S. Artillery, at Gettysburg on July 3rd, 1863. (Cushing would be awarded the Medal of Honor, though it took 150 years before he got it).

Diorama of Lt. Alonzo Cushing’s Death at Gettysburg

All types of weapons are on display, everything from knives and swords, to all manner of shoulder arms and handguns. A Colt model 1851 Navy revolver used by Alonzo Cushing’s brother William in a raid to destroy the Confederate ram Albemarle at Plymouth, North Carolina is one of the identified handguns. Other artifacts on display include shackles, chains, and other devices from the slave trade, and Lincoln assassination memorabilia.

Cushing’s Model 1851 Colt Revolver Used in the Albemarle Raid. Located in the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA

The National Civil War Museum is located at One Lincoln Circle in Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park. There is an admission charge to the museum; parking is free.

For more information check the museum’s website.