2026 News

Gettysburg Foundation is thrilled to announce a new cycle of artifact rotations underway at the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

The latest rotations highlight artifacts that explore the three-day Battle of Gettysburg and the broader Gettysburg Campaign. The next rotation is planned for this fall and will focus on the care of the wounded and dead during and after the battle, 1864-65, as well as the gallery dedicated to the creation of Gettysburg National Military Park.

Why Artifact Rotations Matter

Curators with Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation plan regular rotations to align with museum best practices. These rotations give returning visitors fresh experiences while supporting the long-term preservation of the collections. Many artifacts, especially textiles, paper and other light-sensitive materials, benefit from rest periods away from light and environmental exposure. Limiting display time helps prevent fading, deterioration and structural damage. Rotating artifacts not only ensures their preservation, but also allows different pieces to be highlighted, providing visitors with a tangible connection to history, context for pivotal moments and memorable learning experiences.

Highlights of the Current Rotation

Visitors can now view a range of newly displayed artifacts that offer fresh perspectives on key events  during the Gettysburg Campaign. These objects come from the permanent collections of Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation, partner institutions including The American Civil War Museum, the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, the Alabama Department of Archives and History and private lenders.

Some highlights include:

• Major General George G. Meade’s frock coat, worn during the Battle of Gettysburg 
• 13th Virginia Cavalry flag, captured at the Battle of Hanover
• Shell jacket of John Royall, of the Richmond Howitzers 
• State color of the 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry 
• Assistant Surgeon Alfred T. Hamilton’s notebook, detailing Confederate General William Barksdale’s mortal wound, accompanied by the bullet removed from his body 
• 13th Alabama battle flag, captured at the Angle on July 3, 1863, and returning to Gettysburg for the first time since its capture 
• Saddle used by Major General John F. Reynolds, from which he was shot during the battle 
• Original 1999 oil-on-canvas painting by Don Troiani, The First Minnesota, depicting the 1st Minnesota Infantry moments before their fateful charge on July 2—a desperate action from which only 47 men returned unharmed

Major General George G. Meade's frock coat (left) and Major General John F. Reynolds saddle (right)

These extraordinary artifacts and works of art provide a deeper understanding of war, tell personal stories and offer a tangible link to the people and events that shaped our nation.

Explore these new displays to learn more about the stories behind each of these artifacts from the Civil War and the 1863 battle. Tickets are available on-site, by phone at 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436 and online at GettysburgFoundation.org.