Caught in the Crossfire

The town of Gettysburg and the people who lived there before, during, and after the Civil War are often overshadowed by the notorious battle that took place at its crossroads. In an effort to preserve and share the stories of the community, the Beyond the Battle Museum provides visitors the opportunity to experience significant moments in the town’s history from the perspective of those who lived through them. The Caught in the Crossfire immersive experience is recognized as the museum’s signature exhibit. Visitors gather inside a fully-enclosed, reconstructed farmhouse where they can experience the Battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of one local family. A powerful 11.2 audio mix, choreographed with rattling floorboards and lighting effects, takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey. As visitors enter the space, they hear the family members seeking safety in the cellar below as sounds of the approaching battle slowly build outside. The chaos grows and intensifies as the battle reaches the town, allowing visitors to see, hear, and feel what it was like for the citizens of Gettysburg to be overrun by invading forces.