Schriver House Museum
The Schriver House Museum offers visitors a unique perspective and history of the Battle of Gettysburg with tours of this award winning home. Guides direct tourists through this four floor describing the civilian experiences of the Shriver family during the Battle of Gettysburg.
In 1860, George Shriver purchased the land that he would build a home on for his wife and children. Now known as the Schriver House Museum, this ordinary home would soon become part of history. In April 1861, as the Civil War broke out, George and his wife, Hettie, settled into their new home. In September, 1861, George joined in the fighting and served as part of Company C of Cole’s Cavalry.
On July 1, 1863, as the Battle of Gettysburg began, Hettie made plans to take the children to her parents’ farm three miles south. Six days later, Hettie returned to her home with her children. It was at this time Hettie was told the Confederate soldiers had occupied her home while she was gone. Through the accounts of her neighbors, Hettie also was told that at least two sharpshooters were killed while stationed in the attic of her home. George was taken a prisoner on January 1, 1864 near Rectortown, Virginia.
The Schriver House underwent many changes, and was almost condemned, before it was restored into what is now the Schriver House Museum. In 1905, the Shriver House was made into a duplex and apartments which over time, would damage the house’s structure. In 1996 a private party purchased the home and began intense restoration process without the help of pubic funding.
The Schriver House Museum has won numerous awards for restorations, preservation and interpretations. Located in the heart of Gettysburg’s historical district, the history of Schriver House Museum is revealed to visitors through thirty minute tours.
