A Fresh Look at Gettysburg’s Hidden Gems
By Jessica L. Knouse | Photography by Dave Johnson
In Gettysburg, history is often associated with sweeping battlefields and iconic landmarks. But beyond the well-trodden paths on hallowed ground lies a collection of lesser-known spaces that tell equally compelling stories. From imaginative museums and tucked-away murals to creative hubs and celestial classrooms, these hidden corners reveal a different side of Gettysburg—one shaped by artistry, innovation and deeply personal connections to the past and present.
Civil War Tails Museum
On Baltimore Street, you’ll find a whimsical yet educational twist on history: the Civil War Tails Museum, where hand-sculpted cat soldiers bring the past to life.
“[We’ve] been making our Civil War cat soldiers since we were 11, and it’s been over 30 years now,” says Rebecca Brown, the museum’s co-owner and co-creator. What began as a childhood passion with her sister, Ruth Brown, the Civil War Tails Museum evolved into a full-fledged destination, opening its doors in 2015 after years of crafting detailed dioramas inspired by real Civil War stories.
The museum’s exhibits blend artistry with accuracy. “Our dioramas have always been to tell a story inspired by the stories that we were reading,” Rebecca explains. From Pickett’s Charge to Little Round Top, each scene captures a specific moment in time with dioramas that are meticulously built and rich with historical detail. Yet it’s the feline twist that draws visitors in. “The cats make it more accessible, and the quirky element helps to lighten [it],” Rebecca notes, especially for those less familiar with Civil War history.
This balance resonates across generations. “We can pretty much reach the whole gamut,” says Rebecca, describing how both casual visitors and seasoned historians find something to appreciate. For many, the experience is unexpectedly memorable. “People say this was a real joy,” she adds.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler or simply a cat lover, this hidden gem invites guests to explore the past from a refreshingly imaginative perspective—one tiny, uniformed paw at a time.
Gettysburg College Hatter Planetarium
On the Gettysburg College campus, the Hatter Planetarium is a space that’s equal parts classroom, laboratory and window to the cosmos. While many may picture a planetarium as a purely public attraction, its primary purpose is deeply rooted in education.
Ian Clarke, Hatter Planetarium director and senior lab instructor, recalls when he began directing the planetarium in the early 2000s. Since then, the facility has undergone a significant transformation. “We renovated in 2016. We went from a 1960s-era optical mechanical projector to a digital projector,” Clarke says. The upgrade also reimagined the space itself. “From 1966 to 2016 [it] was a single-purpose room … then from summer 2016 to the present, it functions as a classroom as well.”
Today, the planetarium serves as an active academic hub. “First and foremost, it is a college classroom, but the [community] outreach is something that we offer because it’s important and because we can,” emphasizes Clarke. Astronomy and physics courses regularly meet under the dome, while select interdisciplinary experiences bring the stars into unexpected conversations.
For those hoping to visit, planning ahead is essential. “We host field trips and some public events. It’s not like a science [center] where you just show up,” he explains. School groups and organizations can request field trip shows by appointment, with scheduling coordinated around the college’s academic calendar and room availability. Dedicated time blocks are set aside during the day for these visits, though space is limited. Public shows are offered on a first-come, first-served basis during the academic year, typically concluding in late spring and resuming in the fall.
Even beyond faculty, students help power the experience. “Students present some of our field trip shows, and it’s a great interdisciplinary opportunity for them,” says Clarke. Ultimately, the Hatter Planetarium is more than a place to observe the night sky; it’s a place where curiosity is cultivated and shared. By blending rigorous academics with meaningful community outreach, the space bridges the gap between higher education and public discovery,
Gettysburg “Graffiti”
In Gettysburg, history isn’t only preserved in monuments; it’s etched into the landscape itself. Scattered across the battlefield and surrounding areas are carvings and markings often referred to as Gettysburg “graffiti,” offering a deeply personal connection to those who passed through long before modern visitors.
“These carvings that we find in our area on rocks are in fact what we refer to as graffiti,” explains historian Tim Smith. “Instead of using a paint can, people carved or used something to scratch or carve their name into a rock.” While the term may suggest vandalism, many of these markings pre-date preservation efforts and even the Civil War.
At places like Devil’s Den and Culp’s Hill, visitors can still find names, initials and dates carved into stone—some over a century old. “There are carvings that people have spent time doing with a knife or a chisel and that are still around for more than 100 years or so,” Smith notes. Others carry deeper meaning, blurring the line between graffiti and memorial.
“We have battlefield graffiti, but we also have markers or monuments carved into rocks that were done by the veterans,” Smith says. In some cases, soldiers returned years later to mark where they had fought or where their comrades fell. Time and nature continue to obscure these hidden inscriptions, adding to their mystique. “Over time, the inscriptions erode, so we’re always conscious of appreciating their presence on the battlefield and surrounding areas,” Smith explains.
Together, these carvings form a quiet, enduring layer of Gettysburg’s story—one that rewards those willing to look closely.
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum
Just a short drive from Gettysburg, a whimsical roadside stop has been delighting generations with sweets, surprises—and a whole lot of elephants. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum is more than a candy shop. It’s a family legacy rooted in tradition and imagination.
Isaac and Nicole Bucher are the current owners of the beloved attraction, celebrating its 51st year in operation. Founded by Nicole’s grandfather, Edwin “Mr. Ed” Gotwalt, the business has grown from a simple roadside stand into a must-visit destination. “I came into the business as family,” shares Nicole, “and then we got involved pretty heavily and purchased the business, and we’ve loved running it ever since.”
That evolution hasn’t changed the heart of the experience. From the ability to make more than 400 flavors of handcrafted fudge to fresh-roasted peanuts made in a 1903 antique roaster, the shop blends nostalgia with creativity. New additions like truffles, cinnamon-glazed nuts and interactive fudge-making classes keep visitors coming back.
But what truly sets Mister Ed’s apart is its atmosphere. “One of our goals is that when people walk into our store, they go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that this kind of experience is in the middle of nowhere,’” Isaac explains. Families of all ages are invited to unplug and connect. “I want a little kid to have just as much fun as their grandmother and spend some real quality time with each other,” Nicole shares.
Guests can enjoy seasonal events like an Easter egg hunt, pumpkin painting and holiday celebrations. “All of our events are available on our website, and the best way to find out about them is usually on Facebook,” Nicole notes, adding that visitors can also explore their story through on-site QR code tours.
The Coster Avenue Mural
Tucked into a quiet residential corner of Gettysburg, the Coster Avenue mural brings a pivotal moment of July 1, 1863, vividly back to life. Though easy to miss, the site tells a powerful story of the battle from a ‘realistic’ point of view with vivid artwork. “The origin of the mural comes from a gentleman named Mark Dunkelman,” explains Stuart Dempsey, Licensed Battlefield Guide. Dunkelman, whose ancestor fought on that very ground, sought to highlight what Dempsey describes as an overlooked location, “a tiny little strip of grass surrounded by homes and businesses.” Once open farmland and a brickyard, the area has since been absorbed into the town’s modern footprint.
Unveiled in 1988 for the battle’s 125th anniversary, the mural captures a dramatic turning point.
“It is an accurate representation of the events that occurred there,” says Dempsey, noting how the artwork reflects both the agricultural landscape and the distinctive brick kilns of Kuhn’s Brickyard. The scene depicts Union forces under intense pressure, their lines beginning to give way.
At its emotional core is Sgt. Amos Humiston. “It’s a painting that portrays kind of a key moment in that fighting,” Dempsey says, with Humiston’s story anchoring the composition. Mortally wounded during the retreat, he was later found holding a photograph of his children—a haunting reminder of the personal cost of war.
Today, preserved behind protective glass, the mural stands as both art and memorial as an enduring tribute hidden in plain sight.
Waldo’s & Company
Hidden just off Racehorse Alley in Gettysburg, Waldo’s & Company is far more than a coffee shop. It’s a thriving, creative hub built by and for artists. What began as an informal gathering space has evolved into a dynamic community where creativity, collaboration and accessibility intersect.
“We started out of a warehouse space, mostly my art studio where I invited friends to hang out and spend time with me,” says Chris Lauer. That grassroots beginning still defines Waldo’s today.
Designed to remove barriers for local creatives, the space offers access to expensive equipment often lost after leaving school. “We were just trying to make something functional for the things that we needed, which was mostly unfettered access to equipment,” Lauer explains.
Membership is at the heart of the experience, with tiered options tailored to different needs. Entry-level memberships—starting around $40 per month—provide access to shared studio spaces in ceramics, printmaking and darkroom photography. Higher tiers include 24-hour access and private or shared studios, with nine dedicated studio spaces available. “We have different tiers trying to meet people at where they’re at,” says Lauer.
Beyond studio access, Waldo’s offers a range of creative opportunities. Visitors can book private instruction, utilize self-guided learning via in-studio QR codes or attend First Friday artist receptions featuring new exhibitions. Members can also sell their work on-site, often earning more than their monthly dues.
Equally important is the atmosphere. “I really want artists to be able to build a community with other creatives,” Lauer shares, adding that, for visitors, “I just want people to feel at home.”
At Waldo’s, creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s sustained, shared and woven into the fabric of Gettysburg itself.
Together, these destinations offer more than just a change of scenery; they invite visitors to slow down, look closer and experience Gettysburg through a new lens. Each stop underscores the idea that the town’s story is still unfolding. Sometimes, the most meaningful discoveries aren’t found on a map—they’re waiting just around a (hidden) corner.
Civil War Tails Museum
785 Baltimore St., Gettysburg
717-420-5273
civilwartails.com
Gettysburg College Hatter Planetarium
300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg
First floor of Masters Hall, Room 115
717-337-6300 (College Main Line)
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum
6019 Chambersburg Road, Orrtanna
717-352-3792
Waldo’s & Company
17 Lincoln Square Basement, Gettysburg
717-429-6040