





Children's Museums
The National Civil War Museum
📍 1 Lincoln Cir, Harrisburg, PA 17103🌐 www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About The National Civil War Museum
Historic center & Smithsonian affiliate. Smithsonian-affiliated museum with Civil War artifacts, lectures & re-enactment events. Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Harrisburg, PA with Smithsonian institutional accreditation, providing credibility and access to national scholarly resources. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,759 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- History Museum
- Focus
- American Civil War history and legacy
- Best For
- School groups and all ages
- Highlights
- Interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, Women in War expansion, educational videos
- Admission
- $18 adults, $16 students, $68 family pass; free with EBT card
💡 Did You Know?
- Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Harrisburg, PA with Smithsonian institutional accreditation, providing credibility and access to national scholarly resources
- Offers free admission through Museums for All program for visitors with valid EBT/Access/SNAP cards (1 adult + up to 3 students), plus free admission for Pennsylvania residents with state ID
- Features expanding 'Women in War' exhibit (scheduled expansion May 3, 2025) alongside primary exhibits on The Overland Campaign of 1864 and Pursuit of Freedom: The Abolition of Slavery
- Maintains interactive programming including 'Lessons in History' presentations (May 16, June 6, July 11, 2026), 'Cocktails & Cannonballs' evening events, and Community Free Day Honoring Veterans (November 7, 2026)
- Achieves 4.7-star rating from 1,759 reviews with consistent positive feedback on staff helpfulness, exhibit quality, and educational value for multi-generational visits
💬 What Visitors Say
- Bring a sweater or jacket - visitors note the museum can be quite cold, so layering will keep you comfortable during your visit.
- Use the Museums for All program for free admission with an EBT, Access, or SNAP card (1 adult + up to 3 students), making this an excellent budget-friendly option for eligible families.
- Plan to visit with children ages 7+ and take advantage of the knowledgeable staff who are eager to answer questions and engage with young visitors - this museum excels at making history accessible for kids.
- Book a school field trip with guided exploration to maximize the interactive learning experience - the museum offers structured tours and interactive activities designed for educational groups.
- Visit during summer hours starting May 3, 2026 with Sunday openings at 10:00 am through Labor Day if you prefer later morning starts - this gives more flexibility for weekend family visits.
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