By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey
Harrisburg is filled with great cultural and educational institutions, two of which are the National Civil War Museum and the Susquehanna Art Museum. And there’s no better time to become acquainted — or reacquainted — with your choice of one of these two capital city treasures than Saturday, September 25 during the 6th annual Smithsonian Magazine's “Museum Day,” when admission is free.
Simply fill out the on-line application and download a pass that will entitle you and one guest to complimentary entry to one of these two downtown landmarks. On the application, you will be asked to specify which museum you plan to visit. Limit is one pass per address.
If you’re interested in the human side of history, the National Civil War Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated solely to this country-rending conflict and the only one that portrays the whole story without bias to Union or Confederate sides. A combination of high-resolution digital video, sound and light shows, life-size dioramas and authentic artifacts bring the experiences of both soldiers and civilians to life.
Your pass includes admission to the limited time-exhibits, “War on the Homefront,” which tells the stores of civilians whose towns were occupied during the war and “The Life and Times of General Pickett and His Wife,” which features a discussion with Living Historian, Billie Earnest. And don’t miss the “Meet Mr. Lincoln” interactive exhibit that allows you to interview the 16th president and other important persons of that period. (Usual admission to the National Civil War Museum is usually $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students.)
The Susquehanna Art Museum is Harrisburg’s only dedicated art museum, featuring three galleries filled with exhibits by internationally recognized artists and the DŌSHI Gallery for Contemporary Art, a showplace for regional talent. Your complimentary pass also includes admission to the limited-time exhibit, “People, Places and Things: A Celebration of Harrisburg's Artistic Heritage,” an exploration of the city’s people, culture, economy, landscape, architecture, politics and styles through portraits, landscapes and still-lifes. (Admission to the Susquehanna Art Museum is usually $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, free for children under 12.)