The mayor’s decision to locate the museum in Reservoir Park was based on several criteria, including the city’s proximity to Gettysburg and tourist attraction Hershey Park. Access from the major artery between the two, Interstate 83, and the historic fact that during the prime years of the Civil War, the city housed the largest training facility of either union at the present 6th and Woodbine Streets were also considered factors. According to the mayor, the site at Reservoir Park serves as the perfect location for the museum, for both the possibilities of future development and the opportunities that it provides, as well as its capacity to host encampments and reenactments on its spacious surrounding 90 acres.

Unlike most museums of its kind, the two-story facility will be both national and local in scope, focusing extensively on the war efforts of both the North and South. Once constructed, the museum will house temporary and permanent exhibits covering all aspects of the war, including those connected to the controversial issue of slavery. While the mayor admits that the topic is a subject avoided by most people as well as most museums, he stressed the importance of its inclusion, citing it as an issue that needs to be discussed.

The construction of the museum in Harrisburg is paramount, and will clearly ensure the continued growth and prosperity of this city. Such an upscale attraction will undoubtedly draw an irrefutably large amount of tourism, generating a measurable economic impact on the local businesses and lodging in Harrisburg. The long-standing popularity of Civil War-related facilities, combined with the museum’s central location, will guarantee the ongoing revitalization of one of Harrisburg’s Enterprise Zone communities.

The construction of the Civil War Museum is set to begin “as soon as possible” according to the mayor. The unofficial grand opening deadline is set for June of next year. Strategically scheduled to coincide with the Civil War Grand Review 2000, a national celebration of the 135th anniversary of the end of Civil War. Over 10,000 re-enactors and 100,000 visitors are expected to descend upon the city of Harrisburg just in time to enjoy the treasures of our new National Civil War Museum.