“This is a WOW experience. You choose one of three historic figures who speaks to you about their personal experience in July 1863. While wearing the VR headset, the figure I chose came to life right in front of me. (I chose Basil Biggs.) I could almost touch him and anything else in my field of vision. Very well done, as are all the attractions by the Gettysburg Foundation. A must-see for your next Gettysburg adventure.”
Paris K.
Step Into History
Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys is Gettysburg's first virtual reality experience.
A Virtual Reality Experience NEW in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Experience Gettysburg's history like never before! Journey back to 1863 in this cinematic, immersive virtual reality experience.
On June 30, 1863, the purpose for Gettysburg's railroad station changed, becoming the first army field hospital even before the Battle of Gettysburg began.
Then, on Nov. 18, 1863, enthusiastic crowds gathered outside the railroad depot in hopes of catching a glimpse of President Abraham Lincoln as he arrived in Gettysburg for the dedication of the national cemetery.
The story of this station goes beyond the famous arrival. Citizens, medical personnel and soldiers made this stop a focal point of history.
Now, virtual reality technology transports you back to 1863 when the bustling station became a site of war, survival and presidential history.
You'll even catch a glimpse of our 16th President's arrival in Gettysburg.
Significance
Why explore Gettysburg through Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys, a Virtual Reality Experience?
Become immersed in history as you are introduced to historic figures, bringing to life their important connections and stories during the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath.
You and your family and friends can experience Gettysburg's first immersive virtual reality experience starting this spring in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
- Travel back to 1863. Immerse yourself in powerful stories of those who passed through Gettysburg's historic railroad station.
- Historic Figures. Virtual Encounters. Follow the journeys of real-life people in history—Cornelia Hancock, Eli Blanchard and Basil Biggs. Put yourself in their story.
- Arrival for the Address: Witness President Lincoln's arrival in Gettysburg on the eve of his iconic address. Feel the impact of his "Gettysburg Address". Consider how it influences us today.
Story
Choose to follow one of the three historic figures featured in the virtual reality experience.
- Cornelia Hancock, Soldier Caregiver and Hospital Heroine. Volunteer with 23-year-old Cornelia, who defied the odds and society norms to travel alone to Gettysburg to serve as a nurse.
- Eli Blanchard, Iron Brigade Soldier, Musician and Amputation Assistant. Sign up with 18-year-old volunteer soldier and musician Eli, who quickly went from drummer for the Iron Brigade to assisting surgeons in make-shift hospitals like this station.
- Basil Biggs, Gettysburg Resident and Facilitator for the Fallen. Follow Gettysburg resident Basil, a free Black man, who collected supplies at the railroad station for the task of exhuming bodies of the fallen Union soldiers for proper burial in the national cemetery.
Get a glimpse of our 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's arrival to Gettysburg on Nov. 18, 1863, the evening before the dedication of the national cemetery where he delivered the Gettysburg Address that continues to influence us today.
Your virtual reality journey through history awaits!
At A Glance
Seniors (65+)/AAA: $8.75
U.S. Military Veterans: $8.75
Youth (6-12): $7.75
Friends of Gettysburg: $5.00
Add-on w/ Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience or Battlefield Bus Tour Tickets: $5.00
U.S. Military Active Duty: Free
First Corps Friends Member+: Free
1195 Baltimore Pike
Gettysburg, PA 17325 (MAP)
Hours:
NEW Experience Now Open Daily!
March - November
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
December - February
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Annual Holiday Closures:
Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Eve, Early Closure 1 p.m. | Christmas Day | New Year’s Day
Important Information:
NEW Experience in the Museum & Visitor Center
The virtual reality experience is for visitors ages 6 and older.
Timed tickets are issued for all show times for the virtual reality experience.
Visitors who purchase advance tickets: Arrive 15 minutes prior to your virtual encounter time to pick up tickets at the Will Call desk in the Museum & Visitor Center.
Current schedule: Virtual encounters begin every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. The final virtual encounter of the day begins at 4:30 p.m.
Safety & Prohibited
Items Policy
For the safety of all guests, staff and volunteers, please observe all safety and prohibited items policies in the Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys virtual reality experience and all Gettysburg Foundation owned facilities, grounds, historic sites and experiences.
In Grateful Recognition
Ticket to the Past - Unforgettable Journeys Sponsors:
The creation of this experience was made possible in part by a grant
from the National Park Foundation.
Captain Joan R. Hankey, USN (Ret.) | David and Sherri Malgee
Angela and Wayne Valis | Ford Motor Company Fund | John F.W. Rogers | John and Gertrude Echement | Mark B. and Jean G. Higgins Foundation | W. Craig and Michele Bashein | Beverly and Eileen DuBose | Leidos, Inc. | Paul and Patricia Malgee
Richard B. Sneed Foundation | David and Mary Hartman | Charles and Jane Diller | James and Laura Austin | Michael Conrad and Barbara Baumann | Linda H. Garrett | Robert M. Geneczko | Robert Kinsley | Tod and Sally MacKenzie | Mike and Patti Sipple | John and Karen Sirlin | George and Patricia Thorsen
Ann and Frank Cahouet Foundation | Sandra Ehnen and Daniel Dreyfuss | Marino Family Foundation | Evelyn L. Booth | Helen E. Bowlus | Bozzone Family Foundation | Brobyn Foundation | Debra Duncan and Stephen Hankison | Lawrence and Vicky Eicher | Albert and Anne Groh | Richard L. Hauschild, Jr. | Jerry Johnson and Sandra Moyer | Dorothy M. Nye | Susan and Eric Robbins | Peter and Alison Small | Jay and Kimberlee Steckman | David E. Wilkins and Shelly A. Malecha | John W. Bassett | David and Nancy Burket | Robert J. Cleary, Jr. | Glen L. Davis, III | Joseph and Sarah Dieter | Susan and Stanley Dobrinsky | Carylmead Eggleston | Bonnie L. Eyestone | Patrick Flatley | Kent and Rebecca Flint | James Hanni and Vicky Durand | David and Margery Keller | James and Betty Kepler | Mark and Danielle Kopsack | Brian Markuzic | Paul and Brenda Martin | Justin and Bethany Messer | Donna R. Moyer | Richard F. Muth | Steven Pacholyk | Robert M. Patrick | Michael N. Patterson | Ronald and Kathy Perisho | Marinne R. Renton | Maurice and Nancy Rhine | Paul and Janice Semanek | William and Gayle Simpson | David L. Stromberger | William R. Synyard | Nicholas and Carol Volk | Wesley and Kelly von Schack
A special thanks to Mr. Stephen Lang for his recitation of the Gettysburg Address.
Exhibits & Tours
Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience
Battlefield Value Package
Film Cyclorama & Museum + Battlefield Bus Tour
Make the most of your Gettysburg visit. Package the Film, Cyclorama and Museum with a battlefield bus tour for one memorable Gettysburg experience.
Tour the Battlefield
By Bus. By Car.
Step onto the hallowed ground and experience Little Round Top (when available, after the rehabilitation project is completed), Devil's Den and the Angle beyond the history books and movies. You'll tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.
Battlefield Car Tour
Personalized Experience
Don’t miss a thing on your guided Battlefield Car Tour. Either onboard or point to point, your License Battlefield Guide will provide you with plenty of stops to answer your questions and enjoy your own private tour of the battlefield.
Call to reserve your guided battlefield car tour: 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436
Gettysburg Cyclorama
Experience Pickett's Charge
Originally displayed in 1884, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is a massive fully-restored, 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge on the decisive third day of the Battle.
Experience the Cyclorama as part of the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Package.
Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys
A Virtual Reality Experience
NEW in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center!
Journey back to 1863 in this cinematic, immersive virtual reality experience. Groundbreaking virtual reality technology transports you to Gettysburg 1863. Immerse yourself in powerful stories of those who passed through Gettysburg's railroad station.
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
Family-Friendly Adventure
Gettysburg's most family-friendly, interactive children's history museum. More than a typical children's museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863® tells the engaging stories of the children, teens and young adults who lived in and near Gettysburg during and after the 1863 battle.
Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit.