Skip to main content

Historic Sites & Museums

Visitors to the Carlisle, PA area can explore a wide range of American history landmarks and enjoy guided tours, educational programs, and seasonal events that bring the stories of Carlisle and Cumberland County to life. Museums and heritage centers offer a closer look at military history, frontier settlements, and local industries, while Carlisle Historic Districts provide a window into daily life during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Here are our recommended historical places to explore in Carlisle.

Carlisle Historic District

Encompasses much of downtown Carlisle; notable sites include W High St and N Hanover St.  This district showcases a range of architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Walking through, you'll encounter historic homes, churches, and public buildings and placards that tell the story of Carlisle's past.

Directions
Website

Cumberland County Historical Society

A treasure trove of local history, the society offers museum exhibits, a research library, and educational programs.  Fantastic museum highlights one of Willliam’s ancestor Joseph Drawbaugh’s inventions. It's an essential stop for history enthusiasts.

21 N. Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

Directions
Website

Gettysburg National Military Park

Site of the pivotal July 1–3, 1863, battle that marked the turning point of the American Civil War, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves over 6,000 acres of battleground. Key stops include the Visitor Center (Cyclorama & museum), Cemetery Hill, and the high‑ground at Little Round Top—all linked by a scenic auto tour.

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Directions
Website

Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church

Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church is a historic African American church in Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, founded in the late 1800s. It was a central place of worship and community for formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants. Though the church is no longer active, it has been preserved as a historical and cultural landmark by the Mt. Tabor Preservation Project, which works to honor and maintain this important piece of local and national African American history.

660 Mt. Tabor Road, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065

Directions
Website

Old Public Graveyard

Established in 1757, this cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures, including Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher. It's a poignant site reflecting the town's rich heritage.

Corner of S. Bedford Street and E. South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

Directions
Website

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)

Housed on the historic grounds of Carlisle Barracks, USAHEC is the U.S. Army’s central repository for its archives and museum collections. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits on American military history—from the Revolutionary War through present‐day operations—alongside research facilities and rotating special displays.

950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013

Directions
Website