To be built on the city’s highest point, the $36.9 million museum will be housed in a 60,000 square foot, two-story 19th Century structure that will include exhibition galleries, a library, a gift shop, and a public auditorium, among other things. Further, the area surrounding the site will be the perfect setting for “encampments, reenactments, parades, and drills,” according to Mayor Stephen R. Reed, due to the open and unobstructed acreage that makes up the park.

Citing the Museum’s location as one that seems “very appropriate,” Governor Ridge took the opportunity of the press conference to reflect upon Harrisburg’s involvement in the Civil War. “The Civil War and Pennsylvania are forever linked,” he stated, continuing, “The war’s bloodiest battle was fought just miles away in Gettysburg — as General Lee’s army marched to capture Harrisburg.” The Governor went on to note that Harrisburg —with its rail and its industry — was “the ultimate objective” of Lee and is deserving, then, as the home of the historic museum, a sentiment that was echoed by Mayor Reed.
The National Civil War Museum will be “unlike anything that exists in Pennsylvania,” Reed began, adding that it “will be national in scope, serious in mission, and entertaining and educational to those who will later visit.” Further, Reed promised that Harrisburg’s newest addition will be “dedicated to telling the whole story” of the War, with exhibits and information that will be “inclusive” highlighting both the North and the South, slavery, and the economic and social aspects that existed at the time of the conflict.

In addition to the obvious historical benefits, the construction of the museum is also expected to have a great impact on the state’s second-largest industry, tourism. Upon completion, the year-round complex is expected to attract at least 70,000 visitors per year, and to generate more than $670,000 in annual income. With its close proximity to Gettysburg and its unique characteristics in comparison to other museums of its type, Harrisburg’s National Civil War Museum is expected to have a great impact on the economic status of the city, state, and region, helping Harrisburg become a “powerful tourism magnet in the 21st century,” according to Governor Ridge.

Regardless of its uniqueness or its economic impacts, the National Civil War Museum is being created — first and foremost — for the benefit of the public. “Present and future generations will learn how closely connected we really are to the country that existed 135 years ago,” Reed said. Further, the Mayor predicts that the Museum, in its mere existence, will serve as a format by which the public can discover “how we became one nation.”

“It’s a great place to honor those (who fought),” Governor Ridge agreed, adding that “it’s a great place to remind future generations not only of the war, but the reasons for which it was fought and the honor and the glory and the courage and the sacrifice of the men and women who fought it.”