'Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863' continues at The History Museum

SOUTH BEND — The exhibit “Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863” continues through July 7, 2024, at The History Museum, 808 W. Washington St.

Gettysburg was a thriving small town in the mid-1860s, with a population of 2,400. On July 1, 1863 — 160 years ago — advance scouting parties of Union and Confederate forces accidentally came upon one another near the small Pennsylvania town, resulting in a three-day battle that claimed more than 50,000 lives, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

“Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863” provides a day-by-day account of the advances and retreats of both armies, each of which marched thousands and thousands of soldiers to this battlefield.

It also chronicles the involvement of officers and soldiers, including the Union’s Major General George Meade and Lieutenant Colonel George Custer as well as the Confederacy’s General Robert E. Lee and Major General George Pickett.

The exhibit also provides the background of medical crises that prevailed because of the military assaults. It also explores advances that were made because of health issues faced during the war.

Weapons employed during that three-day battle are detailed in the exhibit. Also told is the involvement of the Rev. William Corby, a Union Army chaplain attached to the legendary Irish Brigade. Corby, who gave general absolution to the troops before the battle, went on to become president of the University of Notre Dame.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Admission is $11-$7; free for members and ages 5 and younger.

For more information, call 574-235-9664 or visit historymuseumsb.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Battle of Gettysburg exhibit continues at The History Museum