Museums

309 Locust St, Wrightsville, PA 17368

Wrightsville Historical Museum

The museum at Wrightsville is located in a house built in 1871 by Calvin S. Budding, an Adjutant in the 45th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. His descendant, Mary Redman, lived in the home with her husband John and their three daughters. Upon the death of their parents, the house was given to Historic Wrightsville, Inc. Since that time, it has served as the home of this organization that has done much to preserve the rich heritage of the town.

The first floor of the museum contains display rooms housing both permanent exhibits on the history of the town, including information on the different bridges at Wrightsville and special exhibits on particular aspects of local history.

Knowledgeable docents are available to answer questions concerning the town and surrounding area.

Museum hours:

Wednesdays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sundays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

124 Hellam St, Wrightsville, PA 17368

Burning Bridge Diorama

The diorama at Wrightsville dates from 1991 when the building that houses this museum was given to Historic Wrightsville. The building had been a post office, a barbershop, and a stove store. In 1996, the diorama opened thanks to gifts from many residents and organizations.

The diorama depicts a story of adventure and history. It tells of the Confederate soldiers under General John B. Gordon, who reached Wrightsville in June 1863 and sought a way across the Susquehanna River: the last major obstacle between them and the riches of Pennsylvania, including the cities of Philadelphia and Harrisburg. It is the story of a partially trained militia, using makeshift fortifications and their initiative to stop the Confederates. Finally, it tells of the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in the world, in an effort to stop the eastern advance of Lee’s army.

The guides at the diorama are a very knowledgeable group of volunteers, who would be happy to answer your questions regarding the role of Wrightsville in our Nation’s civil war.

The Diorama is a seasonal museum as the building has no heat. The seasonal hours are April through October on Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. Private tours are available by appointment at 717-252-1169

Museums

Wrightsville Historical Museum

Burning Bridge Diorama

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