Civilians Caught In The Crossfire - The Shrivers' Story
4.5

Civilians Caught In The Crossfire - The Shrivers' Story

By Shriver House Museum
Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Step back in time with our tour guide dressed in period clothing, and discover the fascinating story of the Shriver family: George, Hettie, Sadie (7), and Mollie (5). Learn how the Battle of Gettysburg impacted their lives before, during, and after the Civil War. Once one of the wealthiest families in town, their home was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters during the battle. Explore their beautiful period garden, see the bullet holes in the brick walls, check out historical artifacts, and visit our museum shop. This journey will transport you to a different time and help you understand the Shriver family's resilience and the lasting impact of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Ages 1-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Guided tours include all four floors of the Shrivers' fully restored 1860 home.
  • Entry/Admission - Shriver House Museum


Start:
  • 309 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
    Tours begin in the Shriver House Museum Shop.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 433567P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 433567P1

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    Itinerary
    • 309 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
      Tours begin in the Shriver House Museum Shop.
    • 1
      Guided tour of the Shriver House to understand the impact on civilians before, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg. Visit all four floors of the pre-Civil War house - from the authentic bloodstained Confederate sharpshooters nest were soldiers were killed during the battle to Shrivers' Saloon in the cellar.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Shriver House Museum
      945
      Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
    • 429kalaiw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable Yuletide Tour
      The house was amazing. The tour did focus on Christmas traditions of the time which were very interesting. Our tour guide was very good and knew her topic.
      Written December 31, 2024
    • scfostermom
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great History Review and Tour
      I recently toured the Shriver House and it was an entertaining and educational experience. The home is lovely and full history which Karen gladly shared with us. Definitely worth a stop!
      Written December 16, 2024
    • C5056GOheatherd
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      NO BATHROOM so if you need to go, you are out of luck
      Enjoyed the history and seeing all the floors. They do not have a bathroom though and my husband had to go badly. When we asked about it, the woman at the counter told him to go across the street and down about 9 buildings, but he has bad knees and hips and can't walk that far. She acted like a bathroom is not something we should have expected. This is a working house and I am sure the employees use the bathroom, unless they wear diapers. My husband was not too happy. He left to drive to a bathroom and missed the tour. They offered a later time but we had plans. I can't believe the staff were not willing to let a customer use the bathroom in a pinch. Not a good policy or a good look. I will ask for a refund for his ticket but have no idea if we will get one.
      Written November 30, 2024
    • lauramX2215MY
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Shriver House Tour
      This tour was so informative. Our guide was able to answer all of the questions that were asked. Highly recommend this one!
      Written September 28, 2024
    • M776BLsandyb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice house and tour
      Very nice place to visit!Information was great!Our tour guide was incredible and new almost everything about the place.Answered all my questions very well.Showed us all about the house and and what every room represented.Like the rooms where they showed the aftermath of the battle and the attic and cellar were nice too.
      Written August 2, 2024
    • Christina B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour guide and Tour
      This was a great tour. We stopped in and while waiting for tour to start, on the half hour, we were able to look around and see documents regarding the house. We covered 4 floors, first, second, attic as well as the cellar. Very interesting tour. Our guide, I’m sorry I forgot her name, was very good and kept the tour moving. There were only 3 of us so it was nice and kind of a private tour. If you have time it’s definitely worth a stop.
      Written July 21, 2024
    • Culture39105653142
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good tour!
      Abby was a wonderful tour guide. Dressed in era clothing she told the story of the Shriver Family and struggles during the battle. I would recommend this tour.
      Written April 20, 2024
    • Kim W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Memorial week
      This place was outstanding! So many excursions talk about the military and what all they endured. This gives the civilian side of things. Debbie was our tour guide and she did a phenomenal job! What a surprise when it was a slow day and we were the only ones on the tour. Many other days they said that they are pretty booked solid
      Written November 5, 2023
    • L687MFlindab
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent Learning Experience!
      Our tour guide,Nancy, was fabulous! We learned so much about this family and what they experienced during the Civil War…Thanks again!
      Written October 14, 2023
    • Karen1025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Be sure to go to the Shriver Museum!
      Excellent museum with an outstanding, very knowledgeable guide dressed in the costume for the period. I would definitely recommend going to this museum. Even took us in the attic & showed us the location that snipers used to fire upon the enemy.
      Written September 7, 2023
    • casinoguymichigan
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great History And Great Tour
      Great tour! You see the house as it was during the battle and some rooms as the Confederate soldiers trashed them when they vacated. You can also see the attic where confederate soldiers fired at Union troops. Not only is the house historical, it's filled with period antiques much like it was when the Shriver family fled as the battle started. If you go, understand what you are going for. To see and learn some history about the family that lived here and vacated during the war, the Confederate troops that took over the house and pay respect to those who lived through the battle. It's a great teaching moment for older kids and teens as well. If this is not for you, spend the day at the shops in town or elsewhere. Don't post a negative review because it was not what you thought it was.
      Written August 27, 2023
    • Kegan1
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Super!
      Interesting, informative, enthusiastic guide. What a sad story! Great way to get a perspective of the civilian experience.
      Written August 23, 2023
    • Dawnt192
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Our tour guide was wonderful and wore clothing that was from this time in history
      We had gotten to see the entire house, learned about what had happened in this house and neighbors house. " Aura" ( character name) made this history lesson enjoyable with her snippets of her humor, done at the right moments
      Written August 17, 2023
    • R4318KPlaurieh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Abby and Gayle rocked the tour
      Amazing home a must see if you are in Gettysburg.....Abby and Gayle were outstanding they made out tour the best thing we did that day in Gettysburg,...I have been a living historian and period correct seamstress for over 50 years and these ladies looked like they walk out of time....I also have been a tour guide at many historic homes and battlefields one being the Hermitage Pres.Jackson's home in TN.....The Shriver House is amazing and the tour guides rocked the tour....so very friendly and the stories they tell about the family are amazing,,,,,They allow you to take pictures....make sure you spend some time really looking at the house....the sharpshooter location really caught my attention....Make sure you check out the gift shop...so many interesting gifts including Civil War era toys for the children....I live part time in Gettysburg and I will make sure to bring our out of town guest to see the Shriver House Museum....Thank you Abby and Gayle you made my day
      Written August 7, 2023
    • tmg821
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Step back in time
      Take a step back in time to 1863 when confederate soldiers took over this house during the battle, trashed it and used it a sharpshooters nest. Tour guides are dressed in period clothing and offer a great deal of information on the family who originally owned the house.
      Written July 29, 2023
    See all 945 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles22 reviews
    Excellent
    17
    Very good
    3
    Average
    1
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    0

    robinksanders
    Kingsport, TN3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    Orah was amazing!!! Loved how she made the tour come to life. My 9 year old daughter was intrigued. She asked a few questions and Orah was so gracious to answer kindly AND made it fun!!! My daughter is still telling everyone how much fun she had and will never forget this learning experience. Thank you all for creating this treasured experience. “The battle wasn’t just out on the field.. it took place within people’s homes”. Wow.. how true that is!! May God bless you! Robin
    Written September 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    What a fantastic review. Thank you. We're so glad you and tour daughter enjoyed the Shrivers' story. It is fascinating to learn about the 'other' side of the battle.
    Written September 4, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    margie
    Virginia Beach, VA29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2024 • Family
    We had the most amazing tour guide. Our tour was october 16th . We were the first group that day. We arrived early and even though not opened yet she let us in. While waiting for the rest in our tour group to arrive, our guide encouraged us to look around pointing out items of interest to look at in a giant display case. Some of those items were part of the story she was about to tell us about the events that took place that day.
    Written November 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for the five-star review. We're glad you enjoyed your sneak preview of the tour.
    Written November 15, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Stephanie H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Shriver House tour offers a captivating insight into how the Battle of Gettysburg impacted the local civilians. The artifacts in the gift shop are particularly intriguing. Marcia was an exceptional tour guide, ensuring that my son understood all the details. Thank you for a truly memorable experience!
    Written September 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for the awesome five-star review. We're so glad you and your son enjoyed learning about the Battle of Gettysburg from an entirely different perspective. And, yes, Marcia, is an outstanding tour guide.
    Written September 27, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kai C
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    I saw this museum recommended on multiple blogs for families with kids. It was touted as a great way to bring to life Gettysburg civilian life. I was a bit disappointed by the experience. I thought it would be more interactive or dramatic. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and it was fun to see her dressed for that period. However none of our family really engaged with the story. (To be fair, they generally don't like guided tours.) We preferred the Gettysburg Museum of History knick knacks and the Eisenhower (self-guided) farm tour much more -- it's also helped that the latter are free.
    Written August 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to give us honest feedback regarding your tour of the Shriver House. There are so many options in town to learn about the battle - you mentioned a few - that I'm glad you found the ones that worked for you. I'm sorry the Shriver House didn't meet your expectations and your comments are appreciated.
    Written August 10, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Brian C
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    Tour was to be an hour tour per our tickets. We were rushed and all told to hurry as there was a group of kids behind us. When others attempted to take photos they too were told they needed to hurry. The tour last all of 38 mins and ended by the gift shop. Been to Gettysburg many times and this is our only bad experience.
    Written May 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    I am so sorry for your experience at the Shriver House. Thousands of students come from all over the country to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg and we are always thrilled to tell them the other side of the story. There are a few days when there is little time available for general tours - and this was one of them. So, we're guilty and I sincerely apologize. We tried to fit in at least one tour for the general publicthat day, and I think we made a mistake - we just hate people to miss out on an amazing story. If you come to Gettysburg again, please reach out and I will be sure you get the full (relaxed) version of the Shrivers' story.
    Written July 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Traveling018
    Fairfield Illinois62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We decided to take a tour of the Shriver home & found it to be very interesting. Our tour guide made it interwoven & and kept our interest. We liked the gift shop as well. Even found some jacks to buy, haven't played jacks in years! Note: you need to be able to climb stairs.
    Written September 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Debbie D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    We took our 12-year old grandson, who liked hearing the info about the Shrivers and the house. (he is blind & an avid history buff). Interesting to hear about & witness stories of the civilians. Tour guide was very informative.
    Written November 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    It was so nice to meet all of you recently. So glad your grandson enjoyed hearing the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg. I hope you get the chance to bring your young 'history buff' for a return visit.
    Written November 12, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Christa L
    Coopersburg, PA255 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I did a tour on Saturday with Marcia and she was AMAZING! The absolute best tour guide and story teller we could have asked for. Our tour was 35 minutes (not too long and not too short). Marcia shared a great deal of knowledge about the Shriver Family and civil war. We are very happy we stumbles upon this museum Saturday. This is definitely a must do, when in Gettysburg!
    Written November 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Christa, thank you for such a wonderful review. Learning about what the soldiers went through during the battle, but it is so moving to learn what everday families in town endured before, during, and after the battle. And, we agree, Marcia is a wonderful storyteller. Thank you.
    Written November 5, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kaiela B
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Couples
    The lovely lady who gave us our tour was the most enthusiastic tour guide we've ever had. Her story delivery was flawless and her enthusiasm, unmatched. It was amazing to hear the Shriver story. Thanks for sharing! (We didn't take pics so we could take it all in).
    Written November 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    There is so much to learn about the battle through the Shriver family's experiences. We are thrilled you enjoyed their story and you enthusiastic storyteller.
    Written November 5, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    457karleef
    New Castle, PA229 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    Came to the Shriver House Museum on a field trip with my son.
    Nancie was an incredible tour guide!
    She was relatable to the children and answered questions from the adults.
    You can tell she takes her job seriously and enjoys it immensely.
    After being a on Battlefield tour prior, it was nice to talk about more things than just death. It was also nice to see how a woman and her children survived the Battle of Gettysburg and the months to follow.
    Written May 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    School students are some of our favorite visitors. It's so great to tell them a story they can relate to after touring the battlefield. We have had people visit years after their class trip and remember so many details about the Shrivers' story. It's heart-warming.
    Written July 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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