Gettysburg: Jennie Wade House Admission & Civil War History
The Kitchen Where a 20-Year-Old's Life Ended Mid-Morning
You get admission to Gettysburg's oldest museum and a guided walk through the restored home where Jennie Wade, a twenty-year-old civilian, was killed by a stray bullet during the Battle. Period-dressed guides share the family's story and point out original artifacts—a bloodstained floorboard, the artillery shell that pierced the roof, the kitchen where she died. The house is authentically furnished and narrow with steep stairs, so plan for an hour and confirm you're comfortable with the steps before you arrive.
45m
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Jennie Wade House Museum
- Arrive at Jennie Wade House
- Meet guides in period dress
- Listen to Jennie Wade story
- Explore authentic house furnishings
- View Civil War artifacts
The Experience
You walk in and the first thing a guide in period dress tells you is that Jennie Wade was kneading dough when the bullet came through. Not dramatically—just matter-of-fact, the way someone who has told this story a hundred times might say it. The Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg sits quiet on its street, and inside, it's authentically furnished from cellar to attic, which means you're standing in rooms that look almost exactly as they did on July 3rd, 1863, when a stray rifle shot pierced two doors and killed the only civilian casualty of the entire Battle of Gettysburg. She was twenty years old.
The guides wear period clothing and they know how to hold your attention without overselling it. They walk you through the house room by room, pointing out the floorboard with Jennie's blood still visible, the artillery shell that punched through the roof, the kitchen where she was working. It's the oldest museum in Gettysburg, and that matters—it means the people running it have spent years learning how to talk about this without turning it into spectacle. You see the artifacts from that fatal day, and you hear the family's story alongside hers, which keeps the whole thing from feeling like a single tragedy frozen in time. It feels like a home where something terrible happened, and people are still remembering it carefully.
The house itself is narrow and old, with steps that take some navigation—the staff will tell you upfront if you're uncertain about stairs. Most visitors spend an hour here, moving through the rooms at whatever pace feels right. There's no rush, no group herding. You pay admission at the door and you're in.
What’s included
- Admission to the Jennie Wade House.
- guided interpretation by period-dressed staff.
- access to all rooms and original artifacts including the bloodstained floorboard and artillery shell damage.
Operated by Gettysburg Battlefield Tours
Is this one for you?Right for history travelers and Civil War students who want to understand Gettysburg beyond the battlefield—this house grounds the battle's human cost in a single, specific story, and the guides know how to tell it without rushing you through.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Who was Jennie Wade and why is her story important to Gettysburg?
Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3rd, 1863, a stray rifle bullet pierced two doors of her home and struck her while she was kneading dough in the kitchen. She was twenty years old.
What artifacts are on display at the Jennie Wade House?
The museum displays artifacts from the day of her death, including a floorboard with visible bloodstains, the artillery shell that punctured the roof, and period furnishings throughout the house.
Are the guides knowledgeable about the history?
Yes. The guides wear period dress and are trained to tell Jennie's story and her family's history in detail. They've been doing this for years and are known for engaging visitors with accurate historical narratives.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend around an hour walking through the house and listening to the guides.
Is the house accessible for people with mobility concerns?
The house is old with narrow steps that may be difficult to navigate. It's not recommended for travelers who cannot easily manage stairs. Check with staff about your comfort level before purchasing admission.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed inside the Jennie Wade House.
What does admission include?
Admission includes entry to the house and access to the guides' historical interpretation and artifacts on display.
Gettysburg: Jennie Wade House Admission & Civil War History
45m · EN
from US$ 16 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8841 reviews
