New Museum at Gettysburg Battlefield to Open in April

March 6, 2008 -- GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — The public is going to be allowed into the new museum and visitor center at Gettysburg National Military Park starting April 14.

The facility is part of a $125 million project that will also preserve the park's artifacts, archives and battlefield and create an endowment for future needs.

The cyclorama, an 1884 oil painting designed to place viewers in the middle of the climactic battle, is still in the process of being restored. It is scheduled to be open to the public in late September. The massive painting was created in 14 sections comprising a 360-degree canvas that depicted Pickett's Charge, the dramatic Union Army stand against Confederate troops on July 3, 1863.

A three-day re-enactment of the battle is slated for July 4-6. Tickets are available at www.gettysburgreenactment.com or by calling 717-338-1525.

The Gettysburg Foundation has raised more than $105 million for the visitor center and restoration. Details at www.gettysburgfoundation.org. National park information is available at www.nps.gov/gett.