American Civil War Wax Museum

What American Civil War Wax Museum does

The Gettysburg Heritage Center (GHC) is a nonprofit museum and visitor attraction in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, operated since 2019 as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Gettysburg Nature Alliance (GNA). The site occupies a 297 Steinwehr Avenue location in the heart of the Gettysburg tourist district and is the successor to the American Civil War Wax Museum, which operated at the same address from 1962 to 2013 before being rebranded under new ownership in 2013-2014. GHC offers a self-guided, two-part interactive exhibit experience covering the Battle of Gettysburg from civilian and soldier perspectives, anchored by the immersive Cellar Experience, the Witness Tree artifact (an actual battle-era tree visitors can enter), 3D programming and photography displays, and the award-winning 20-minute "Gettysburg: An Animated Map" HD film produced in cooperation with American Battlefield Trust. A second venue, the GNA Learning Barn at 720 Pumping Station Road near Sachs Covered Bridge, supports nature-education programming and private rentals.

GHC generates revenue through multiple small-ticket streams: museum admission ($11 adult / $9 child), Licensed Battlefield Guide tour bookings in 2/3/4-hour formats ($90-$340 per vehicle), Night at the Museum 1863 performances ($20/$15), Saturday Spotlight Programs ($10), monthly Sound Meditation ($30/$20 members), conference room rental (810 sq ft, 70-seat theater capacity), corporate-event facility rentals, one of Gettysburg's largest Civil War bookstores and gift shops (operated through a separate online store at gettysburgmuseumstore.com), a three-tier annual corporate sponsorship program ($250/$500/$1,000), a GNA membership program with 20% bookstore discounts and free admission, and a channel-partnered self-guided driving-tour app via Action Tour Guide. It serves individual tourists and families, organized K-12 and college school groups, senior travel groups, Adams County residents (who receive free admission with valid ID), and corporate/private event clients. Operations are run by a small team supplemented by part-time and seasonal staff, with content delivered through partnerships with American Battlefield Trust, NPS-licensed Battlefield Guides, Hidden Memories Tours, the Federal Volunteer Brigade (living history), Gettysburg Foundation, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Name

American Civil War Wax Museum

Legal name

Gettysburg Nature Alliance

Website

https://gettysburgmuseum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Gettysburg Heritage Center (formerly American Civil War Wax Museum) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum in Gettysburg, PA, operated by the Gettysburg Nature Alliance, offering interactive exhibits, Licensed Battlefield Guide tours, performances, and a large Civil War bookstore to tourists, school groups, local residents, and corporate event clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Historical Museum and Battlefield Tourist Attraction

NAICS

Museums (71211), Historical Sites (712120), Museums (712110)

akta.pro primary industry

History Museums (THAJADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Heritage & Historic District Tours (THAJAAAB), Museum & Landmark Guided Tours (Skip-the-line/Docent-led) (THAJAAAC), History, Heritage & Museum-Focused Study Tours (THAKAGAN)

Keywords

• Historical museum exhibits
• Battlefield guided tours
• Civil war education
• Living history events
• Visitor attractions

Headquarters

HQ city

Gettysburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Museum Admission Tickets: Individual admission fees for museum access and orientation film. Adults $11, Children $9, under 5 free.
2. Bookstore and Gift Shop Sales: One of Gettysburg's largest bookstores specializing in Civil War books, apparel, replica weapons, home décor, souvenirs, games & toys, and collectibles. Operated through separate online store.
3. Facility and Conference Room Rental: Conference room rental (810 sq ft, theater capacity 70, classroom 48) and full facility rental for private/corporate events. Pricing based on event duration and staffing needs.
4. Licensed Battlefield Guide Tours: Arranges tours with Licensed Battlefield Guides in visitor vehicles. Pricing per vehicle based on group size and tour duration (2, 3, or 4-hour options).
5. Membership Program: Annual membership in Gettysburg Nature Alliance with benefits including 20% bookstore discount, free museum admission, 20% discount on Barn rental, and exclusive event discounts. Also partnered with local businesses for member discounts.
6. Corporate Sponsorships: Three-tier sponsorship program: Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000) with varying benefits including Barn rental discounts, employee memberships, and website recognition.
7. Special Event Tickets: Ticketed events including Night at the Museum, 1863 ($20 adults, $15 children ages 6-12), sound meditation sessions ($30 general, $20 members).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Gettysburg Heritage Center (formerly American Civil War Wax Museum) operates a self-guided museum experience presenting the Battle of Gettysburg from civilian and soldier perspectives, featuring interactive exhibits such as the Cellar Experience and Witness Tree, an award-winning 20-minute HD orientation film, and supplemental offerings including Licensed Battlefield Guide tours, town walking tours, night theatrical performances, living history encampments, and a large Civil War bookstore.

Product overview

The Gettysburg Heritage Center (formerly the American Civil War Wax Museum, 1962-2013) operates as a nonprofit museum offering a two-part self-guided visual and interactive orientation experience focused on the Battle of Gettysburg from civilian and soldier perspectives. The core museum experience includes the Cellar Experience exhibit and Witness Tree. The product portfolio centers on the main museum with the Gettysburg Animated Map (an award-winning 20-minute HD movie by American Battlefield Trust), supplemented by add-on modules including Licensed Battlefield Guided Tours (available in 2, 3, and 4-hour formats), Town Walking Tours (with themed routes like Women of Gettysburg and Irish of Gettysburg), Night at the Museum live performances, Conference Room Rental, Living History Encampments, Bookstore & Gift Shop, Author Book Talks & Signings, Civil War Interactive Programs for groups, and the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Auto Tour App via Action Tour Guide. The center also offers event programming including Saturday Spotlight Programs, special events, and facility rentals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum A two-part self-guided visual and interactive orientation experience presenting the Battle of Gettysburg from both civilian and soldier perspectives, featuring the Cellar Experience and Witness Tree exhibits. Targeted at tourists, families, school groups, and Civil War history enthusiasts visiting Gettysburg.
• Gettysburg Animated Map An award-winning 20-minute HD movie presentation produced in cooperation with the American Battlefield Trust, providing an in-depth orientation to the three-day Battle of Gettysburg including the aftermath and dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery. Shown to museum visitors as part of the standard admission.
• Licensed Battlefield Guided Tours Personalized tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield with Licensed Battlefield Guides officially licensed through the National Park Service, available in Basic 2-hour, Complete 3-hour, and Comprehensive 4-hour formats for cars, vans, and buses. Target customers are tourists and small/private groups seeking deeper battlefield interpretation.
• Town Walking Tours Guided 90-minute walking tours through historic Gettysburg streets featuring themed routes including 'Memories of the Battle,' 'Women of Gettysburg,' and 'Irish of Gettysburg,' offered through partnership with Hidden Memories Tours. Intended for tourists and visitors seeking an on-foot historic town experience.
• Night at the Museum, 1863 An immersive live theatrical performance where first-person accounts bring the Battle of Gettysburg to life by sharing stories of how civilians reacted to the battle and their experiences during and after the conflict. Targeted at general visitors and families aged 6 and up.
• Conference Room and Facility Rental Rental of an 810-square-foot conference room (theater capacity 70, classroom/banquet capacity 48) equipped with chairs, tables, podium, projector, screen, easels, and tablecloths, plus full facility rental for private and corporate events. Pricing is based on event duration and staffing needs. Targeted at businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking a unique historic venue.
• Living History Encampments Complimentary living history encampments on special weekends from May through November featuring Civil War reenactors demonstrating drills, historical activities, and providing interactive educational experiences for visitors. Targeted at general visitors and families.
• Gettysburg Heritage Center Bookstore and Gift Shop One of Gettysburg's largest bookstores specializing in Civil War books, apparel, replica weapons, home décor, souvenirs, games and toys, and collectibles, with an online store at gettysburgmuseumstore.com. Targeted at tourists and visitors seeking Civil War-themed merchandise and educational materials.
• Author Book Talks and Signings Author events throughout the year featuring book presentations and signings by Civil War historians and authors, often scheduled during anniversary weekends. Targeted at history enthusiasts, Civil War scholars, and general visitors.
• Civil War Interactive Group Programs Group programs including 'Civil War 101 - Life of a Soldier,' 'Christmas Traditions,' and 'Field Music of the Civil War' that allow participants to actively experience different aspects of Civil War life through demonstrations and discussions. Targeted at school groups, homeschool groups, civic organizations, and adult tour groups.
• Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Auto Tour App A professionally narrated self-driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg via the Action Tour Guide app, featuring GPS-based audio that plays automatically based on location, works offline, and includes stories, images, and videos at each point of interest. Targeted at independent travelers and families who prefer self-paced exploration.

Quantifiable outcome

• TripAdvisor Favorite for Cellar Experience

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Pheasants ForevercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for habitat restoration. GNA works with Pheasants Forever on land stewardship initiatives, including restoring native grasslands and removing invasive plants to improve local ecosystem health.
• The American Chestnut FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on tree restoration efforts. Working to reintroduce native tree species by removing invasive plants and reintroducing native vegetation as part of long-term biodiversity initiatives.
• Civil War Trust / American Battlefield TrustflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier content partnership. The award-winning 'Gettysburg Animated Map' movie is presented by the American Battlefield Trust. Collaboration on exhibits, videos, and educational content about the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Adams County Historical SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the creation of new exhibits following the 2014 transition from wax museum. Historical society contributed knowledge and artifacts for civilian-focused exhibits.
• Gettysburg FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint community appreciation initiatives. Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park offer community appreciation days with free admission, and Heritage Center participates alongside them.
• Gettysburg National Military ParkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerComplementary visitor experience. National Military Park manages the battlefield while Heritage Center provides orientation and civilian perspective programming.
• Main Street GettysburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacilitated strategic planning process for the property during 2014 renovations. Committed to preserving and revitalizing historic Gettysburg for businesses, citizens, and visitors.
• South Mountain PartnershipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional partnership supporting conservation and preservation efforts in the South Mountain corridor of Pennsylvania.
• Cottage CreperieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGNA member benefit partnership. Members receive 10% discount at Cottage Creperie located at 33 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg.
• Gettysburg Appalachian Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGNA member benefit partnership. Members receive 5% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• GettysGearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGNA member benefit partnership. Members receive a free gift when presenting membership card at checkout. Located on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg.
• Sweet Repeat RecordsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGNA member benefit partnership. Members receive 10% discount at Sweet Repeat Records located at 5 Baltimore St., Gettysburg.
• Members 1st FCUminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit union partnership allowing qualified individuals to use GNA membership as a qualifying membership to join Members 1st Federal Credit Union.
• Hidden Memories ToursminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party tour operator providing 90-minute town walking tours. GHC receives referrals when visitors mention the Heritage Center when booking. Located at 297 Steinwehr Avenue.
• Action Tour GuideminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTechnology partnership for self-guided driving tour app. App available for download through Heritage Center website with promotional coupon code 'GHC' for 10% discount.
• Center of Civil War PhotographyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated in the creation of new exhibits in 2014. Contributed photographic expertise and resources for exhibit development.
• Federal Volunteer BrigademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerCivil War reenactment organization that has held recruitment events at the Heritage Center (June 2019). Provides living history demonstrations and encampments that enhance visitor experience.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• David Wills House (NPS): The historic house where Lincoln finished the Gettysburg Address, operated by the NPS as a free visitor site in downtown Gettysburg. Directly overlaps with the Heritage Center's downtown tourist catchment and competes for visitors interested in the Gettysburg story.
• Shriver House Museum: A historic home museum in Gettysburg operated by a Confederate reenactor family, focused on civilian perspectives of the battle. Direct peer in the niche of civilian-perspective Civil War interpretation in Gettysburg.
• National Civil War Museum: A major Civil War museum in Harrisburg, PA, presenting a comprehensive overview of the war. Comparable in mission (Civil War interpretation, education, exhibits) and operating structure (admission-based museum with educational programming).
• Gettysburg Museum of History: A privately-owned history museum in Gettysburg focused on Civil War artifacts and Americana, located on Baltimore Street. Directly competes for tourist admission dollars and Civil War enthusiast visitors in the same local market.
• Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center: A Gettysburg museum and education center located on Seminary Ridge, the site of the first day of battle. Directly competes for history-focused tourist visits and school group bookings with a similar curatorial and educational mission.
• Jennie Wade House Museum: The home of the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, operated as a small admission-based museum. Directly competes for the civilian-perspective Gettysburg tourist visit and overlapping interpretive narrative.

Broad incumbents

• Gettysburg National Military Park (National Park Service): The federal Gettysburg National Military Park operates the actual battlefield site and is the most-visited attraction in Gettysburg, offering free admission. While not a museum in the traditional sense, it is the primary complementary/competing visitor experience and the de facto anchor for all Gettysburg tourism including the Heritage Center.
• American Battlefield Trust: The national nonprofit land-preservation and education organization that produces the Heritage Center's award-winning Gettysburg Animated Map and is a flagship content partner. Comparable in mission focus (Civil War education and preservation) and broader in scale.

Regional players

• Eisenhower National Historic Site (NPS): Adjacent NPS site near Gettysburg featuring the home of President Eisenhower. Shares the broader Gettysburg-area tourist flow but is a different historical subject matter (20th century, post-war) rather than a direct interpretive competitor.

Others

• Eastern National (NPS Cooperating Association): A nonprofit that operates bookstores and educational products at NPS sites including Gettysburg National Military Park. Functions as an adjacent ecosystem participant with comparable bookstore/retail operations and NPS-partnership structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100085353546217
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gettysburg-heritage-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Civil War Wax Museum