Ginnie Wade was killed by a stray bullet that passed through two wooden doors before striking her.
During the battle, the house was struck by over 150 bullets and artillery shells.
The bread dough Ginnie Wade was kneading when she was killed was reportedly finished by her mother and sister to feed soldiers.
A small, bullet-marked section of the original interior door remains on display to verify the path of the fatal shot.
For several days after the battle, Wade's body was kept in the cellar because the intensity of the fighting made a proper burial impossible.
The Jennie Wade House Museum is the preserved brick home where 20-year-old Ginnie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, died on July 3, 1863. The house retains its original structure, including the bullet hole in the door frame through which a stray rifle shot struck Wade while she was kneading dough. Visitors can tour the cellar, where Wade's family and others sought refuge during the bombardment. The museum showcases period-accurate furnishings and artifacts related to 19th-century domestic life and the civilian experience of the conflict. It is managed as part of the Gettysburg Battlefield Tours network. The site offers a visceral perspective on the human toll of the American Civil War beyond the military casualties.
The bullet hole in the kitchen door frame is the most significant and iconic photographic detail.
Take time to examine the bullet holes preserved in the woodwork, as they are the museum's most significant historical evidence.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the house features uneven, historic floorboards and steep, narrow staircases.
Combine this tour with a visit to the nearby National Cemetery to understand the broader context of the battle.
Do not assume all structural damage in the house is from 1863; ask your guide to distinguish between original battle damage and later repairs.
Operating hours vary significantly by season; generally open daily during peak spring and summer months, with reduced schedules or limited days in the winter.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site is a place of civilian tragedy; photography is typically permitted, but avoid using flash near sensitive artifacts.
