Shriver House

About Us

Step into the Shriver House Museum, where the chaos of war collided with the lives of ordinary civilians. Located in the heart of downtown Gettysburg, this beautifully restored home tells the harrowing story of the Shriver family during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Visitors can explore the house, which was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters during the battle,  and view original artifacts as well as preserved bullet holes discovered during restoration. Guided tours provide an intimate look at the battle—and the war’s—impact on the Shrivers and their neighbors.

  • Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
  • Established: Opened as a museum in 1996
  • Original Owners: George and Hettie Shriver
  • Civil War Connection: Occupied by Confederate sharpshooters during the Battle of Gettysburg
  • Historical Evidence: Preserved bullet holes, bloodstains confirmed by forensic analysis, and original 19th-century artifacts
  • Restoration: Privately restored in 1996 after nearly 30 years of abandonment
  • Recognition: Featured on PBS, The History Channel, and The Travel Channel; awarded for historic preservation and education
  • Experience: Guided tours, immersive exhibits, and authentic period furnishings
  • New Ownership: As of January 2025, operated by Gettysburg History
  • Affiliated Museum: Gettysburg History also operates Beyond the Battle, named USA Today’s Best New Museum of 2024
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Our History

Meet the Shriver Family

The Shriver family—George and Hettie Shriver and their two daughters, Sadie and Mollie—moved into their home on Baltimore Street in 1860. Unfortunately, the family was able to enjoy their new home for only a short time before George enlisted in the Union Army.

On July 1, 1863, with the thunder of cannons drawing closer, Hettie made the difficult decision to flee town with her daughters. When Hettie and her girls returned home six days later, they were horrified by the destruction they encountered. As they reached their home, it became clear that Confederate forces had occupied the house during the battle. The house was in a state of disarray with furniture broken and battered, food taken, and other household items gone or heavily damaged. A neighbor, James Pierce, confirmed seeing sharpshooters in their attic, while another neighbor stated that two had been killed inside.

As Hettie, Sadie, and Mollie worked to rebuild their lives after the battle, George continued to serve in Cole’s Cavalry. In late 1863 and early 1864, during fighting near Brandy Station, Virginia, he was captured by Confederate forces and sent to Andersonville Prison, the notorious Confederate prisoner-of-war camp in Georgia.

The House
Completed in 1860, this beautiful four-story historic building was first owned by the Shriver family. The first and second floors served as the family’s living quarters while the lower level was intended for George’s business. The home served as a residence for approximately 100 years (1860 to 1960) before being abandoned for close to 30 years. When the Shriver House Museum founders Del and Nancie Gudmestad, acquired the property in the 1990s, they were met with extensive water damage and general disarray caused by years of neglect. For six grueling months, the Gudmestads poured their energy and passion into an exhaustive restoration, bringing the home back to its former glory.

Today, the home has been meticulously restored to its 1860s appearance, preserving tangible evidence of the Battle of Gettysburg, including numerous bullet holes still visible along the south side of the home. To learn more about the Shrivers’ story and 19th century life in Gettysburg, book a guided tour of the home here.

Confederate Sharpshooters’ Nest
Confederate sharpshooters commandeered the Shrivers’ home during the battle to fire at Union troops on nearby Cemetery Hill through two loopholes knocked through the south-facing brick wall. A CSI police detective, using a luminol-like chemical, confirmed the presence of mass quantities of blood in the area where it is known at least two soldiers died during the siege.
Renovation of the Home
In 1996, after sitting abandoned for nearly thirty years, the Shrivers’ home was privately and meticulously restored to its 1860s appearance by Del and Nancie Gudmestad. Hundreds of items were found during the restoration including letters, toys, corset stays, paper dolls, eyeglasses, jewelry, gas lamps, and much, much more. The most historically relevant were six Civil War bullets (three still containing black powder) and medical supplies. The most poignant was one child’s shoe. A custom of the time called for placing a shoe inside the wall of a house during construction to bring good luck to the future residents.
 

Preserving a Legacy
After completing extensive renovations on the Shriver House, Del and Nancie Gudmestad opened the museum to the public. For nearly 30 years, the Gudmestads have preserved and shared the story of the Shriver family and their extraordinary experiences during the Battle of Gettysburg. Since its opening in 1996, the Shriver House Museum has welcomed visitors from around the world, earning numerous awards for historic preservation and education. The museum has been featured in documentaries on PBS, The History Channel, and The Travel Channel, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit site in Gettysburg. Through meticulously researched exhibits, engaging tours, and special programs, the Gudmestads have ensured that the Shriver family’s story remains a vital part of Civil War history. Their dedication and passion have made the museum a lasting institution, now approaching three decades of historical interpretation and education.
A New Chapter

In January 2025, Gettysburg History officially assumed ownership and management of the Shriver House Museum, ensuring its continued preservation and educational mission. Dedicated to telling the stories of Gettysburg and Adams County—particularly those of local civilians—Gettysburg History saw the Shriver House as a perfect addition to its efforts. Alongside the Shriver House, Gettysburg History also operates Beyond the Battle, named USA Today’s Best New Museum of 2024, which explores civilian life before, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg. With this expansion, Gettysburg History continues its commitment to safeguarding the region’s rich history and making it accessible to future generations.