During the battle, Confederate sharpshooters used the house's attic as a vantage point to fire at Union positions on Cemetery Hill.
The Shriver family lived in the house for only a few months before being forced to flee the impending battle.
Archaeological excavations in the backyard uncovered artifacts, including bullets and personal items, left behind by both soldiers and the Shriver family.
The building was returned to its original 1860s appearance through a multi-year restoration project that removed modern renovations.
The museum remains one of the few places in Gettysburg that interprets the war specifically through the eyes of the women and children who lived through it.
The Shriver House Museum focuses exclusively on the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg, differing from military-centric battlefield tours. Located at 307 Baltimore Street, the site is a restored 1860s home that serves as a time capsule of life in the town before and during the July 1863 conflict. George and Hettie Shriver, the original residents, evacuated their family before the fighting began, leaving their home to be occupied by Confederate sharpshooters. The museum presents an immersive look at the domestic side of the war, detailing the impact of the battle on the local population. It highlights the transition of the home from a private residence to a temporary field hospital and sharpshooter nest. Visitors tour the restored parlor, kitchen, and bedrooms, which feature period-appropriate furnishings and personal items. Historical evidence of the battle, such as bullet holes and bloodstains, remains visible within the structure. The museum offers an intimate perspective on how the townspeople navigated the trauma of a major battle occurring on their doorstep.
The restored 1860s parlor, which offers the most complete view of the period-accurate domestic interior.
Take your time examining the attic space where the sharpshooters operated to understand the tactical importance of the house.
Ask the guides about the specific archaeological findings located in the backyard to learn more about the 1990s restoration discoveries.
Dress comfortably, as the historic building's layout requires climbing narrow, period-accurate staircases.
Do not expect a comprehensive military strategy presentation; this is a civilian-focused social history site.
Operates on a seasonal schedule with limited or no operations during the mid-winter months.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a historic home; do not touch period artifacts or furniture.
