Gettysburg National Military Park Museum Goes Calm & Quiet During Sensory-Friendly Hours on February 28, 2025

Prepare to Experience Calm in the Park

On February 28, 2025, the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are bringing back sensory-friendly hours to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

For visitors with visual and auditory sensitivities, this is a wonderful way to experience the museum in a more relaxed, low-stimulation environment. Here’s what you need to know before your visit.

Tickets to the Sensory Hours Are Free

• When: Saturday, February 28, 2025
• Time: 9AM to 11AM

You can pick up your free tickets on the day itself, and they’re available at the Main Lobby until 10:30AM. 

Your ticket includes complementary admission to the galleries in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting.

Special Sensory-Friendly Programs & Amenities

The museum transforms into a welcoming space during these hours, with every modification designed for your comfort:

• You can view the fully-lit Cyclorama painting without flashing lights, sound effects, or audio narration
• Extended time viewing the Cyclorama
• The Cyclorama painting will be displayed fully lit, with no narration, sound effects or flashing lights
• Loud sounds from films, interactive exhibits, and audio-visual displays will be lowered or turned off where possible

There will also be “Hands On History Carts, where you can feel and touch replicas from the Gettysburg National Military Park collection.

Note: The “A New Birth of Freedom” film is not available during sensory-friendly hours.

Friendly Staff & Volunteers Are Always Ready to Assist

Got some questions about the exhibits or need assistance? Just go up to any of the volunteers and museum staff throughout the area. They’re especially trained to offer support during the sensory-friendly hours.

Don’t forget to request your Sensory Bag, which contains a trail guide, park maps, and more. Supplies are limited so ask about it as soon as you arrive.

Spend Time at the Reading & Relaxation Station

If you need to take a break during your visit, go to the Reading and Relaxation Station over at the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center.

You can browse books and simply spend some quiet time or grab a snack at the cafe and dining areas before you continue your tour.

Sensory-Friendly Hours End at 11AM

As regular operations resume at 11:00 AM, you’ll notice the gradual return of standard audio-visual features. 

“A New Birth of Freedom” film returns with its dramatic effects, and the Cyclorama show reactivates its full light and sound experience. Staff will help you adjust to these changes, and additional ticketed attractions become available for those wanting to expand their visit.

Even after the sensory-friendly hours, you can still hang out at the Museum & Visitor Center and explore the galleries at your leisure.

Getting to the Museum

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is located at1195 Baltimore Pike, Pennsylvania. Inside, you’ll discover authentic Civil War artifacts, from cannons to uniforms, telling the story of this pivotal battlefield. 

Need directions? Call 717-334-2436. The center offers everything necessary for a complete visit, including a bookstore for souvenirs and a restaurant for refreshments.