There is a truly unique virtual reality experience to check out in Gettysburg—one that provides the closest example of time travel to date. It’s Ticket to the Past – Unforgettable Journeys: A Virtual Reality Experience at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station.
While there have been many immersive and interactive historical exhibits over the years, nothing comes close to fully capturing the essence of personally experiencing what it was like to be in Gettysburg, in the aftermath of the battle, in November 1863. Pair the stunning works of virtual reality simulation with the storied research of knowledgeable historians, and you have a captivating and transcending journey beyond amazing.
A Bit About the Lincoln Railroad Station
It’s most befitting that the historic Lincoln Railroad Station would be the site for such an immersive experience. This was, after all, the very means by which Lincoln arrived in town to deliver his now-famous Gettysburg Address. Upon his disembarking, the railroad depot was a sight to behold, with crowds gathering around in hopes of catching a glimpse of the nation’s president.
This major milestone wasn’t the only event to put the station on the map. Its storied significance predates Lincoln’s arrival several months earlier. It was on July 1, 1863, that the station was repurposed to serve as the first army field hospital before the Battle of Gettysburg even began.
What the Experience Entails
With this awe-inspiring blast to the past, you get to venture back to the buzzing railroad platform scene and all of its major milestone action as it unfolded in 1863. Unlike more conventional audience-led presentations, this one puts you directly in the center of the action.
For the experience, you get to choose to follow along with one of three historical figures on their specific journeys set on location at the railroad depot. One option is Cornelia Hancock, a 23-year-old volunteer nurse and soldier caregiver—a true “hospital heroine” of the day. Or you may decide to shadow 18-year-old Eli Blanchard, who did triple duty as a soldier, drummer, and amputation assistant to surgeons at make-shift field hospitals. A third suggestion is to travel alongside Basil Biggs—a free black man and resident of Gettysburg who collected and supplied essentials needed for exhuming the bodies of fallen soldiers to be buried in the newly established National Cemetery.
These encounters are so vividly personalized and emotional in every sense. You’ll even catch a glimpse of Lincoln during the phenomenon at hand.
A Limited-Time Special
While Ticket to the Past – Unforgettable Journeys normally allows folks to choose one of the previously mentioned historical figures to follow along with, there is a limited-time special currently running now through the end of November. This special lets you trail two of the three characters of your choosing rather than one—making for a doubly delightful descent into the past. You need only mention“FALL JOURNEYS” when purchasing your virtual reality experience ticket to take advantage of the offer.
The creation of this most mesmerizing opportunity was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation—a nonprofit partner of the National Parks at Gettysburg. Ticket purchases for presentations such as these, as well as generous donations to the Gettysburg Foundation, benefit the ongoing mission of preservation and education in partnership with Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Ticket to the Past – Unforgettable Journeys: A Virtual Reality Experience is open Thursday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during the spring, summer, and fall months. The experience, which runs for a 40-minute duration—is closed from mid-December through February. Discover more by visiting the Gettysburg Foundation website.