AASLH Member Since 2013
The Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum—Gettysburg’s newest museum—earlier this week received the Director’s Award from PA Museums as recognition for opening as a legacy project of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and for its dedication to historic preservation and education. The award was presented at PA Museum’s annual luncheon, which took place in Pittsburgh. PA Museums is Pennsylvania’s statewide museum organization.
“We are delighted to receive this state-wide recognition from PA Museums,” said Barbara Franco, president and executive director of the Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation, which operates the museum. “As a groundbreaking tax-credit project in partnership with PNC Bank and a LEED-certified historic-preservation project, the museum is a model for other museums throughout the state.”
The museum, which opened last July, was made possible in part through participation in the Historic and New Markets Tax Credit Investment progam. The New Market Tax Credit program, administered by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (under the U.S. Department of the Treasury) attracts private-capital investments to assist in financing economic development initiatives.
“PNC is proud of the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum and are honored to have had the opportunity to partner on such an important project,” said Vice President, Community Development, Christopher R. Rockey. “The project exemplifies the amazing outcomes that can be achieved when the private, public and non-profit sectors collaborate.”
The museum also is LEED Certified, which demonstrates the project’s commitment not only to historic preservation but also to long-term sustainability in one of the Civil War’s most significant buildings. Through its permanent exhibit, Voices of Duty and Devotion, the museum tells the story of the first day of the Battle of Gettsyburg, the care of the wounded and the larger issues of faith and freedom—demonstrating the Civil War era’s relevance in today’s world. Thousands of visitors have used the museum’s interactive features to make known their views on the unfinished work for freedom.
“The museum is a groundbreaking project, a wonderful partnership that features an important building at a pivotal place in American history,” said Rusty Baker, executive director of PA Museums, while presenting the award. “And in addition to honoring the museum itself, we are honoring the Voices of Duty and Devotion permanent exhibit…the museum will be an important landmark in Gettysburg for years to come—an important reminder of what happened there.”
Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum
The new Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum opened July 1, 2013. The museum’s permanent exhibit—“Voices of Duty and Devotion” focuses on three main areas—none of which are the focus of any other museum in Gettysburg: the pivotal first day of the Battle of Gettysburg on Seminary Ridge; the care of the wounded; and the larger issues of faith and freedom. A one-mile outdoor trail complements a museum visit with wayside markers, and special exhibits, programs and events will be offered throughout the year. The museum is operated by the non-profit Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation and is a joint venture of the Adams County Historical Society and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
For more information and to reserve tickets, including reservations for the Exclusive-Access Cupola Tour, visit www.seminaryridgemuseum.org
Some relics you can hold in your hand…others you can walk inside.
GETTYSBURG SEMINARY RIDGE MUSEUM
Don’t miss the EXCLUSIVE-ACCESS CUPOLA TOUR + Museum Admission! (See what Gen. Buford saw!)
www.seminaryridgemuseum.org/tickets
