The Adam's County Historical Society:
An Enduring Legacy
by Diana Loski
Outside view of the new ACHS
The Adams County Historical Society has long been engaged in preserving the area’s history. In operation since 1940, the society has needed for many years a larger, more efficient and protective place to store and display the many priceless historic treasures of Gettysburg and its environs.
Thanks to the untiring efforts of director Andrew Dalton and his crew, with the generosity of many who donated funds, the new Adams County Historical Society, located at 625 Biglerville Road, celebrates its Grand Opening on the weekend of April 15 and 16.
The new building, at 25,000 square feet, offers much more than preservation and storage of countless artifacts – along with its state-of-the-art protection system. There is a sizable research room, a special events facility, a cafeteria, special exhibit displays, and the impressive Beyond the Battle Museum.
Tim Smith, a well-known historian who serves as the Director of Education, remarked on the massive collection that “It’ll take years to catalog everything” due to the high volume of material collected over the past centuries. Some of the unique treasures include a meteorite that fell in the area and was found in the 19th century, a collection of original books by celebrated local author Elsie Singmaster, original maps (including an early map of Gettysburg, made from animal hide), historic signs that once hung in old taverns and establishments, an original program from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, ancient arrowheads and other native implements, and countless Civil War weaponry and accoutrements from the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Glatfelter Research Room
The Adams County Historical Society team worked together on the desired design for their new building. They were approached by several design and architectural firms. They chose to go with HealyKohler, who designed the American Revolution Museum in Philadelphia and many Presidential libraries. “We wanted a nice, enduring design,” explained Michaela Shaffer, the Director of Marketing & Development. “We knew that doing it cheaply was not the way to go.” A healthy medium between too much and too minimalist was the goal, with an admirable result. And, thanks to the efforts of Director Andrew Dalton and his staff, and the generosity of a multitude of donors, the new facility will open debt free.
The Beyond the Battle Museum rivals the Smithsonian Museums in quality and interest. Its galleries highlight all eras of our local history. Attendees will view natural history from prehistoric eras, Native American history, and the beginnings of the Marsh Creek Settlement that later became the town of Gettysburg, complete with a replication of Samuel Gettys’s Tavern – which is one of Michaela’s favorite spots. Visitors can sit in the tavern while learning about the beginnings of the American Revolution, complete with piped-in 18th century conversations.
The Civil War gallery offers both military and civilian experiences, which includes ongoing films and narrations by the renowned actor Steven Lang. The museum offers Caught in the Crossfire, where visitors step inside a home trapped between the armies. The experience is so realistic, with thunderous battle noises, shouting combatants, a shaking foundation, the sudden appearance of bullet holes in the walls, and frightened civilians, one has to sometimes be reminded that it’s not truly occurring. Upon leaving the makeshift home, actual Civil War artifacts are embedded in the walls – generously donated by Tim Smith, who did not want to use the society’s collection.
Tim Smith by the Caught in the Crossfire
house, at the Beyond the Battle Museum
The aftermath of the battle is included in the museum, with an impressive Wall of Faces, depicting various civilians and soldiers at Gettysburg during the summer of 1863. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is commemorated in both film and photography. The more recent past follows with Gettysburg’s role in the 20th century: Camp Colt – the training ground for tank warfare at Gettysburg, World Wars I and II, some famous Gettysburg denizens, including baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Eddie Plank, cartoonist Sam Cobean, actor Oscar Shaw, and the President who called Gettysburg home: Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie.
All of the Presidents who have come to Gettysburg are documented in another preserved photograph wall, from George Washington to our current Commander-in-Chief Joe Biden.
Other artifacts from the recent past include Martin Sheen’s script from the movie Gettysburg, a telegram to author Michael Shaara, notifying him of being awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Killer Angels, and one of Mamie Eisenhower’s many stylish hats.
Some of the displays will be interchanging over the months. Not only does the Adams County Historical Society house ample artifacts for such a venture, but, as Michaela says, “We want people to come back.” For children and students, three different scavenger hunts are available, utilized according to age. For families and school groups interested in visiting this amazing museum, go to achs-pa.org for detailed information.
There is a gift shop upon exiting the museum with a nice array of Gettysburg souvenirs and historic books for all ages.
The special events facility
For those interested in research, the society also offers its Charles H. Glatfelter research room. For decades the society has catalogued multiple sources for all eras of Adams County history, for families, authors, and genealogists. The research facility opens on April 21. Reservations are required.
The events facility is also spacious, scrupulously clean and yet offers an intimate atmosphere for lectures, parties, dinners, commemorations, and reunions. Food is catered by various local chefs and restauranteurs. A nearby Seminar Room accommodates smaller gatherings, and a cafeteria is continuously operating on a daily basis for visiting groups.
The Grand Opening on the weekend of April 15-16 will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be numerous guest authors and lecturers, living histories and encampments, live musical entertainment, children’s activities and varied historical exhibits.
After the opening, the Adams County Historical Society’s regular hours are: Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, open only for pre-booked groups, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the society’s pledge to keep local history alive, all Adams County students will be able to enter the museum free of charge. Military and senior citizens will be eligible for entry at a discount.
The Adams County legacy endures.
We hope to see you there.
Many thanks to Andrew Dalton, Tim Smith and Michaela Shaffer for their efforts and time shared for the information provided for this article.
All photos used in the article are provided by The Gettysburg Experience.
