by Erin Thompson

Created on: July 03, 2008

The Shriver family will relive the memory of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 5, when Confederates occupied their home. But this time many more will get the opportunity to learn first-hand what it was like to live in Gettysburg in July of 1863 through their eyes.

The Shriver House Museum, located at 309 Baltimore street, will be putting on a living history presentation from 5-9 p.m. to show the terror that Hettie (Weikert) Shriver and her family felt when guns were firing right outside their home; where some of the worst fighting took place.

The presentation will begin with a short play, showing Hettie (Lori Berlich), her daughters Sadie, 7 (Bailey Berlich), Mollie, 5 (Sarah Corradetti), and their neighbor, 15-year-old neighbor Tillie Pierce running to safety.

"During the battle (of Gettysburg), Hettie left to stay with her parents," said. Nancie Gudmestad, director of the program. Hettie's parents only lived three miles away, but before they could make it that far, they found themselves in the battle lines, this is part of what will be shown during the presentation, said Gudmestad.

After the play, there will be tours through the Shriver House Museum, which was remodeled in 1996, and restored into a heritage museum. Tours will be from 10 a.m.-9p.m. on July 5 and 6.
"(The re-enactment) takes place in the in the exact same place on the exact same day as it happened in 1863," said Gudmestad.

According to Gudmestad, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with Confederates as they prepare for battle. They may also see sharpshooters, and in some cases, soldiers taking their last breath. There will also be a hospital set up in the cellar.

"You are guaranteed to see a soldier die on every tour," said Gudmestad.

In addition to getting a glimpse into the lifestyle, customs and furnishings of a 1860's period household, visitors will see where Civil War medical supplies and live cartridges were found during the restoration of the Shrivers' home.

Tickets are $7.95 for adults and $5.95 for children ages 5-12. For more information, call 717-337-2800, or visit the Shriver House Museum Web site at www.shriverhouse.com.

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July 1,2 and 3 of the year 1863 were perhaps the most memorable days for the town of Gettysburg because it marked the turning point of the Civil War.

This is why the Gettysburg Civil War Battle reenactments remain a highlight of town 145 years later, according to Andrea DiMartino, event media director and spokesworman for the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee.

"The

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