Gettysburg Foundation Launches “Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys” - Virtual Reality Experience at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Gettysburg, Pa. (April 1, 2025)—The Gettysburg Foundation is proud to announce the new installation of "Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys," its immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, now available at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
Previously offered at the historic Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM in downtown Gettysburg, this powerful, interpretive experience has been relocated to the heart of the visitor campus in the Museum & Visitor Center, making it more accessible to guests engaging with the broader museum experience.
“Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys” invites visitors to experience Gettysburg’s historic station as it was in the days surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg through the lives of three real individuals.
Cornelia Hancock, a young Quaker nurse who defied expectations to provide care on the front lines.
Eli Blanchard, a teenage drummer and soldier turned battlefield medic, and
Basil Biggs, a free Black man who played a critical role in the dignified reburial of Union soldiers in Gettysburg National Cemetery.
The program also features President Abraham Lincoln’s historic arrival in Gettysburg on the eve of the dedication of the new national cemetery where he delivered the Gettysburg Address, offering a rare glimpse into this transformative moment in American history.
“Ticket to the Past gives voice to those whose lives were forever changed by Gettysburg—stories of courage, care and quiet resilience often lost beneath the battle’s shadow,” said Jackie Spainhour, president and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. “This immersive experience helps visitors connect more deeply with what happened here—and why it still matters today.”
The experience combines historical accuracy with innovative VR technology. Each character’s journey unfolds in a dedicated 8-minute segment, offering visitors a chance to walk in their footsteps and witness Gettysburg through their eyes. Located adjacent to the Group Lobby in the Museum & Visitor Center, the VR experience now reaches more visitors thanks to its prominent new home and is supported by new signage—including wayfinding for guests—that ensures visibility and encourages engagement.
The relocation of Ticket to the Past reflects the Gettysburg Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and engaging interpretations of Gettysburg’s history while also embracing new tools to connect with contemporary audiences.
The VR experience is available with daily showtimes every 30 minutes. Required admission tickets can be added to admission tickets for the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience or Battlefield Bus Tour. Tickets can be reserved by phone or online or purchased at the on-site ticket counter. Tickets and other purchases in the Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Ticket-to-the Past or contact the Museum & Visitor Center directly.