From the mid-point of the giant compass on the spectacular rotunda floor, take ten paces south to the base of the grand staircase. Ascend to the peak with twenty-six careful steps, or take a quick ride in our beautifully paneled elevator, then turn again due south and follow the brass rail to the double wooden doors. Give the sentry the secret password and enter a world seldom seen… you have begun a Journey to the Centre of the Museum.

Your first stop will be the archives, which feature letters and diaries written by soldiers of the North and South, in camp and in the field, letters stained with homesick tears and smudged with dirt from the trenches. You will see battle maps, newspapers, Commissions signed by presidents and wartime governors and crystal clear photographs that will give you a close up look at the reality of war. Many of the thousands of documents are never see the light of day, but they will be seen by you.

Next, travel deep within the Museum walls to a place where only a select few are allowed to venture. Your journey will take you to the Collections Storage Room, where we keep, and care for the vast collection not currently on display in our galleries. You will see muskets, pistols, uniforms, drums, portraits, and artifacts too numerous to mention. We promise you will be amazed and inspired!

Your Journey Guide is our Collections Curator, Brett Kelley, who loves enthusiastic visitors, so bring lots of questions! Journey to the Centre of the Museum is for members only and requires advanced registration. Plan for a 3 to 4 hour journey… there is much to see & touch. The Journey is a popular membership privilege, so sign up early!

Reservations required. Call 717-260-1861, ext 1108

or

Email: Lynn Smolizer